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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
C Class races (Photos: Andrew Conway)
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The Grand Bahama Regatta held on July 18th and 19th was deemed a great success! This year's regatta was under the theme, "New Beginnings for the Island" and was dedicated to Harold McPhee, first chairman of the GB Regatta.
"This year's theme is timely and appropriate as we continue our efforts to revive this cultural event on the island and restore Grand Bahama Island, which once was known as the Magic City, back to its grandeur days," said the Hon Michael Darville, MP, Minister of Grand Bahama.
"Without the loyal support of our partners, none of this would have been possible," said GBRC chairperson, Miss Chervita Campbell. "As we propel towards bringing this sport closer to the fans and public, this year we made big steps in online and social media, including a new website, and greater onshore activities."
"I extend congratulations to the Regatta Committee on the occasion of its 19th Grand Bahama Regatta," said the Hon V. Alfred Gray, MP. "I am impressed by the endeavours of the Committee for their commitment in advancing the cause of the avid sailor."
While
sailing and racing took place
at sea, Taino Beach park was buzzing with activity. Hoopla, dominoes, sack races, beach volleyball, and loads to eat and drink. The Sands beer tent was one of the busiest locations.
Grand Bahama Junior Sailors broke the water first on Friday with their summer campers. C Class races got underway in the afternoon, and in the evening a
Skipper’s Party and Official Opening Ceremony took place at Outriggers, Smith’s Point, were the Hon Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama gave remarks along with Chervita Campbell, GB Regatta Committee Chairman.
The evening came alive with entertainment on the stage at Taino Beach with Wilfred Solomon and Stileet. Bahamas Dance Theatre also performed.
The weather for the 2-day event was idyllic but could have improved with more wind. New to the regatta was the Party Boat, operated by Larry Lewis' Paradise Watersports. For a fee of only $10 patrons were shuttled by boat out to the flat vessel with a stocked bar to watch the races by water.
Saturday's races continued and after the final races, the Sands Sculling competition took place in front of Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience and all levels and ages participated. There was even a women's race.
Clay
Moxey was the first place winner and received a trophy, 10 cases of Sands
beer, and will fly to New Providence to compete in the Sands 'Man in the Boat' National Championships later this year.
All participants went home with a free case of Sands beer.
As for the main event, the sloop sailing, participating 'C' class boats were: Sweet Island Gal; Revelation 3:19; Asue Thunderbird; Melva B; Barbarian II; H2o; Lady Ruthnell; Unca John; Dream Girl; and San Sally.
RESULTS: 1st place was H2O (skipper Effer Kemp); 2nd place Sweet Island Gal; and 3rd place Thunderbird.
The evening ended with the Awards Ceremony and entertainment into the night with
limbo dancing from the Bahamas Dance Theatre; performances by Veronica Bishop and DMac; a fire dancer performance; and a Junkanoo Rushout.
The Mighty Pencil from 100JAMZ hosted Day 2 night of performances.
The Regatta committee wishes to thank their valued sponsors
and partners who stepped up to lend a hand. Thank you to Polymers
International, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Grand Bahama Cooperative
Credit Union, Fran's Travel & Tours, Grand Bahama Chamber of
Commerce, Grand Bahama Ministry of Tourism, TheBahamasWeekly.com, Triple
Play, and Island Jeep & Car Rental.
For HUNDREDS of PHOTOS from this year's Regatta and to be sure you don't miss the 2015 Grand Bahama Regatta
and Heritage Festival, be sure to LIKE the Facebook
page (GBRegatta).
The history of Bahamas regattas dates back to 1954 when a group of
Bahamian and American yachtsmen held an event in Elizabeth Harbour which
brought sailors together in one place for sport. The three day event
was so successful that they decided to continue it and the Out Island
Squadron was born. This group of Americans and Bahamians continued the
regatta in George Town thereafter until 1967. It was in 1973 that the
regatta was held in Nassau as a part of the Independence
Celebrations. Today annual Bahamian regattas are held throughout the
archipelago. Grand Bahama held its first regatta in 1992 and it was introduced as a constituency event.
More history on regattas in The Bahamas HERE.
Grand Bahama Sailing Club summer campers (Photo: Derek A. Carroll for Beyond Graphx)
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Heading out to the Party Boat to watch the races. Operated by Paradise Watersports. (Photo: TheBahamasWeekly.com)
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Photo: Derek H. Carroll
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Sands Sculling competition (Photos: Derek A. Carroll for Beyond Graphx)
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Taino Beach park at dusk.. (Photo: Andrew Conway)
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Great entertainment! Veronica Bishop, Wilfred Solomon, D-Mac, and Stileet put on great performances. (Photos: Derek H. Carroll's Photography / Stileet by TheBahamasWeekly.com)
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Photo: Derek H. Carroll's Photography
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