After a year's hiatus, one of the country's most northerly regattas is back in the local scene. The 17th Grand Bahama is back, and promises to bigger and better than ever before. The highly anticipated event will be held next week, August 24-27, in the waters of Grand Bahama. Over 20 sloops from around the country are set to compete in three classes - A, B and C - and a number of sponsors have come on board.

Set to take part in the 'A' Class are the Red Stripe, the Lucayan Lady/Anna Nicole, the Good News, the Courageous and the Southern Cross. In the 'B' Class, the Eudeva, the Cobra, the Queen Drucilla, Six Sisters, Passion, Ant's Nest and the Lady Sonia, are expected to compete. Finally, in the 'C' Class, the Indigo Asue W.G. Thunderbird, the Lady Eunice, the Sweet Island Gal, Dream Girl, the Crazy Partner, Jacob's Ladder, Sans Souci, Jungelist and Revelation 3:19, are all set to hit the water.

"The Chairman, Mr. Harold McPhee, and his official committee wishes to thank the many sponsors and friends who saw fit to give their money and expertise to ensure the success of this event that will bring added financial support to the island of Grand Bahama," said Rev. Dr. Phillip McPhee yesterday.

"When an event such as sloop sailing presents itself to help islands and communities to be blessed by the infusion of funds, families and friends should make every effort to ensure the success of events such as this one, by their love and sacrifice. The movers and shakers of this regatta association did not want another year to pass without attempting to make it possible for the staging of this event even though we are experiencing hard times all over The Bahamas," he added.

In his address, Dr. McPhee took time out to thank Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing, on behalf of the regatta committee, for their personal involvement in assuring that the funds were available for the event to get started. He also thanked regatta committee chairman Harold McPhee and the committee itself for "engaging the movement in Grand Bahama."

Coming on board as sponsors of the event are Chitah Computers, Lucaya Shipping and Trading, Scotia Bank, Peter Nygard, Sands Beer, the Royal Bank of Canada, Indigo, Craig Flowers, Asue Draw, Bahamian Brewery and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, just to name a few. On behalf of Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Co., Sales and Marketing Manager Lynden Johnson said that apart from a cash donation, they will present first place trophies in all three classes - 'A' Class - Sands Beer Trophy, 'B' Class - High Rock Trophy, and 'C' Class - Strong Back Trophy.
"Bahamian Brewery is extremely proud to be a part of this 2011 Grand Bahama Regatta," said Johnson. "It's only natural for us to play our role as a good corporate citizen. especially given the fact that our brewery is located in Grand Bahama."
Levin Wilson, Marketing Director of Asue Draw, said that they are devoted to building better communities and devoted to the people of The Bahamas - in this case, Grand Bahama.

"We are very happy to announce a strategic partnership between us and Indigo where we will use this regatta as a platform to roll out our new promotional campaign to the people of Grand Bahama. More importantly, we would like to thank Dr. McPhee and everyone here today for allowing us to be a part of the Grand Bahama regatta. In particular, we will be sponsoring a 'C' Class race and we will donate trophies for first, second and third, to the winners of those races. We are happy to be a part of it and we will continue to be a part of regattas in The Bahamas," he added.

This year's regatta will recognize the contributions of local sailing icon 'King' Eric Gibson and Reuben Knowles to the development of sailing in The Bahamas. "'King' Eric stands out above many for the great work he has done to keep sailing alive in The Bahamas. The Bahamas salutes one of its finest sons in sailing during this special event. He is truly deserving of all of the accolades and salutations that he receives. We are hopeful that Bahamians from every walk of life will come out to offer their support for 'King' Eric as we honor him in grand style," said Dr. McPhee.
A humbled Gibson said that he is truly appreciative of the honor, but must give credit to people like Sir Durward Knowles, Peter Nygard, Craig Flowers and Dr. McPhee himself, for making regattas possible.

"I want people to realize - people don't sponsor events, people sponsor who ask them. That is why we have to give a big tribute to Dr. McPhee. The people who are sponsoring this regatta are doing so because he asked them and we have to recognize that. People like Sir Durward Knowles, Peter Nygard and Craig Flowers, when they put their money into these events, the islands must be the beneficiaries of their sponsorship.

"With Dr. McPhee, the people of Grand Bahama should be very grateful to have him on board. He is an easy guy to work with and he has Grand Bahama at heart. Harold started this with Dr. McPhee and myself and he is still here and we are still here. Dr. McPhee is a giant in sailing, like his father was, and we need to recognize that. I am very happy that Grand Bahama is back on schedule and I will do everything in my power to make this regatta a huge success." Gibson along with Dr. McPhee were instrumental in ensuring the success of the event by seeking quite a few sponsors here in New Providence.

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