Best of the Best Regatta dates revealed

Sat, Oct 22nd 2016, 11:29 AM


Minister V. Alfred Gray announced the launch of the country's new regatta yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture. (Photo: BIS/Patrick Hanna)

The newest regatta on the sloop sailing calendar was revealed to the public yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The first annual Best of the Best Regatta is set for December 1-4 at Montagu Beach.

"This regatta will showcase the best of the best in each sailing class- A, B and C," said minister in charge of regattas V. Alfred Gray. "This event will also help to catapult Bahamian sloop sailing into the international arena. It is intended for this regatta to be held annually and it will be the premier regatta in The Bahamas. Along with showcasing the best in Bahamian sailing, it also showcases the best in international sailing as well."

In conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Nassau Sailing Yacht Club, The Bahamas Sailing Club of Nassau and international sailing organization, the Star Sailors League have come on board as organizers of the inaugural event.

For the past three years,The Star Sailors League has held its year-end regatta in The Bahamas at Montague Bay. Their year-end regatta will run congruent with the Best of the Best regatta.

"The Star Sailors League has attracted the top Olympic and world class sailors from around the world. And this year, some 25 teams in the Star Sailing league are expected to compete in The Bahamas at the regatta," said Gray. "This will be historic indeed. The Star Sailors League has over 150,000 followers online and will be streaming live from The Bahamas, which will also expose Bahamian sloop sailing because both events will be going on during those four days.

"The best of the best will also bring together more than 120 Bahamian sailors, who will compete for one of the largest regatta purses ever to be given in Bahamian history."

Gray added that there would be sloops representing almost all of the islands of The Bahamas, including Andros, Long Island, Exuma, Acklins, Ragged Island, Exuma and Abaco.

Participating boats include-

Class A- The Courageous, The Lady Muriel, Tidal Wave, Red Stripe and Running Ties.

Class B- Susan Chase, The Ants Nest, Barbarian and Queen Jucilla.

Class C- Crazy Partner, Whitty K., W.G. Thunderbird, Bul Reg, Sacrifice, H20, Lethal Weapon, Sweet Island Gal, and the King Of Nights.

There will also be a youth sailing segment at the Best of the Best as well.

"My ministry continues to support and encourage youth involvement in sloop sailing in The Bahamas and this event will be no different," said Gray. "This event will mark the beginning of a new era of sloop sailing and sailing generally in The Bahamas.

"We have also partnered as a ministry with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Department of Public Health, Public Parks and Beach Authority and the National Museum of The Bahamas in order secure success with this regatta."

Along with the action in the water, Gray added that those attending the event would be in for a treat, as the regatta will feature a host of Bahamian artists and a variety of local cuisine.

Randy Smith, Guardian Sports Reporter

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