This Saturday and Sunday, some of the top 'C' Class sloops in the country will gather at Montagu Bay to compete in the "Lean on Me" Regatta, being staged by legendary boat owner Eleazor "Barber J" Johnson.
The title was inspired by the nature and purpose of the event. Johnson does not want the sole focus of the two-day event to be about money and prizes. This regatta is set to be different because aside from the action on the water, there will be a back-to-school give-a-way for the opening of school.
"We have a lot of things to give away from business houses like books and pencils and just whatever they give us, we're giving it out. I want to thank the sponsors that we have already, but we still need more sponsors to come forward and donate and give out things to help the kids because things are rough, and anything you can do to help them, you should do it," said Johnson.
Johnson has been involved in sailing in the country for many decades. He is the owner of the popular Lady Nathalie "B" Class sloop. Some feel that the event will be well supported due to the reputation that Johnson has developed within the sailing community and the general public.
"You know when 'Barber J' puts on an event the public looks forward to whatever it is that he is doing. We expect thousands of people to come out, and this time we expect for most of the ladies to bring their children out because we have a considerable amount of stuff to give away to the kids. I would prefer seeing the more underprivileged kids come to the forefront so that we can give the stuff out to them," said veteran skipper Clyde Rolle.
At the regatta, almost 40 kids will have a chance to sail alongside some of the veteran sailors. Most of them are a part of The Bahamas' sailing school and competed in the first ever Bahamas Youth Olympic Regatta that took place in June at Montagu Bay.
"When they go back to school they can brag and say that they sailed with the great Lundy Robinson and Mark Knowles and others," said Rolle. "To say that you sailed with these legends, they should be able to write a good essay about these great sailors that they sailed with."
Only 'C' Class sloops will compete in the regatta this weekend.

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