It's going on three decades of sailing at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre!
The popular regatta, one of the biggest in the country, is set for February 18-19, in the waters of Montagu Bay.
Organizer Eleazor "Barber J" Johnson said that with this being the 30th year, they are looking to do everything in style. He's looking to cap off the regatta with another victory in the 'Catch Me If You Can' Race, set for 2 p.m. on the Sunday of the regatta. In the race, 'A' Class sloops from around the country will try to chase down the Campari Lady Nathalie. The 'B' Class sloop Lady Nathalie is given a 10 to 15 minute head-start on the 10-mile course, and the 'A' Class sloops are charged with the task of chasing it down.
"The Lady Nathalie is in great shape. She will sail well," said Johnson, owner of the Campari Lady Nathalie. "I never worry about the bigger boats. They have to worry about me. When the wind is light, they have a hard time with me. The Lady Nathalie will come out on top. I want to beat the nearest boat by at least three minutes," he added.
Confirmed for the regatta so far are the Running Tide, the Southern Cross, Redstripe, Good News and Ed Sky. The Redstripe prevailed last year, passing the Campari Lady Nathalie on the home stretch.
"Lundy Robinson and the Redstripe always give me a good run. I'm about two up on them, but I expect them to come out and sail well. We'll be ready for them," said Johnson.
The Campari Lady Nathalie last won the 'Catch Me If You Can' Race in 2015, and has more than a dozen victories under its belt.
On the Saturday of the regatta, starting around 10 a.m., about eight 'C' Class sloops will take part in a series of races. There will also be optimist races, featuring about 30 young sailors. On shore, Johnson said that there will be a number of activities, particularly for the youngsters, and entertainment for the crowd. Food and drinks will be on sale.
"I expect this to be one of the biggest regattas for the year, if not the biggest," said Johnson. "The Grand Bahama Sailing Club contacted me, looking to have a cookout to raise some funds for hurricane relief. We want the Bahamian people to come out and support the cookout and just have some fun. All you have to do is come out, park your car, watch the races and have fun."
Johnson is asking all vendors interested in setting up a stall for hurricane relief to contact him at Johnson & Johnson Barber Shop at telephone numbers (242) 324-2946 or (242) 323-4358.
For the 'Catch Me If You Can' Race, the 'A' Class sloops are required to line up at 1 p.m. in time for the start of the race at 2 p.m.
Sponsors for the regatta include the government of The Bahamas through the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Butler and Sands, Burns House, Bristol Wines and Spirits, Caribbean Bottling, Sands Beer, Lowe's Wholesale, Asa H. Pritchard Ltd., BTC and Sir Durward Knowles, just to name a few.
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