The Campari Lady Nathalie is back... literally!
According to boat owner Eleazor 'Barber J' Johnson, the popular B-Class sloop has re-united with Burns House and the Campari brand, and will enjoy its support and sponsorship for the rest of the year. The sloop has been known as the Campari Lady Nathalie for much of the past two decades, but that partnership was terminated in 2008, and the two entities went their separate ways. With Johnson's Silver Jubilee St. Valentine's Day Massacre set for next year, he said that a better time couldn't have been picked for the two sides to come together again.
"I feel wonderful. It's great to have them back on board but really and truly, our relationship was never stained," said Johnson. "We always stayed in contact and there was always the possibility of them coming back and supporting the Lady Nathalie. Knowing that the 25th Annual St. Valentine's Day Massacre is right around the corner, it's good to know that they are back supporting me. Nathalie is a champion boat and Campari is a champion brand. She is simply legendary, and it's only right that two champions would come together and promote sailing in the country. I see great things happening in the future for the Campari Lady Nathalie," he added.
The Lady Nathalie was sponsored by the Campari brand from 1990-2008. During that time, Johnson's prized B-Class possession has won numerous sailing titles in the country. It has won in Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Grand Bahama, North Eleuthera, and of course here in New Providence. However, the sloop has never won the National Family Island Regatta in Georgetown, Exuma nor in Salt Pond, Long Island. The Lady Nathalie finished third overall in picturesque Elizabeth's Harbour in Georgetown this year, and the Long Island regatta is set for this Labour Day Holiday weekend. However, the Lady Nathalie won't be participating in Salt Pond this weekend.
"I never won in Georgetown nor Long Island but the Lady Nathalie is always up there," said Johnson. "I've beaten all the top B-Class sloops except for Buzzy Rolle. He has a fast boat and Nathalie is also fast so it is really just a matter of time, and now with Campari and the Lady Nathalie back together, great things are lying ahead," he added.
So far, Johnson's Lady Nathalie is having a great year. In addition to finishing third overall in Georgetown, the Lady Nathalie won all three series races of the All-for-Regatta with Clyde Rolle at the tiller, and then won the 'Catch Me If You Can' race at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Johnson is expecting a good summer for his sloop, and for it to finish the year strong, thereby ensuring that Burns House and the Campari brand stay on board for next year as well.

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