The Annual ‘King Eric’ Gibson All for One Regatta, in memory of the notable entertainer and sailing legend, held at the start of the New Year, will take place January 6-8, on Montagu Bay. Events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.

Committee Chairman Eric Gibson, Jr. in press conference to announce the regatta at Bahama Grill on Wednesday, said of his father: "King Eric was responsible for establishing most, if not all, of the Bahamian Sloop Sailing Clubs in The Bahamas, as well as starting most, if not all, of the Regattas on the various Family Islands” -- adding that King Eric saw regattas as an excellent way to stimulate economies on those islands. He was also known as an excellent sail maker for Bahamian sloops and supplied most sloop owners with products for the upkeep of their boats.

Eric Gibson said his father told him it was not about him (King Eric), it was “about building the country.”

He continued, "this Regatta will be a grand affair hosting all Class A, Class B, and Class C sailing sloops in The Bahamas, wanting to participate. There will be an array of onshore activities including entertainment by local bands: Ronnie Butler, Ira Storr and the Spank Band, Soulful Groovers Band, So Be It Band, Funky D, Geno D, Puzzle, Veronica Bishop, Ericka, Dyson, Exzec, Wendy and DJ Rev.”

All music played will be Bahamian music, paying tribute to King Eric's legacy as a Bahamian musician. As always, Gibson said, all Family Island Regatta Committees were encouraged to take food stalls and represent their various islands, through food, to raise monies for their individual regattas.

Mr. Gibson thanked early sponsors, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (which has responsibility for Regattas), Burns House and the general public for remembering King Eric’s contribution to Sloop Sailing in The Bahamas.

At Press Conference, January 4, 2017 at Bahama Grill to announce the Annual ‘King Eric’ Gibson All for One Regatta are from left: Delworth Gibson, Vice-Chairman; Eric Gibson Jr., Chairman; and Stanford Armbrister, Race Coordinator. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)