Whether true or false,

the story of the footrace explains

why St. Martin is larger.

According to legend, the island was divided up by a foot race between a Dutchman, who carried a flask of gin for refreshment, and a Frenchman, who took a flask of wine.

The strong gin supposedly made the Dutchman slower.

Which explains why St. Martin is 21 square miles and St. Maarten only 16 square miles.

Go to St. Maarten/St. Martin Homepage