Welcome to Bahamas Local, Your Bahamas Online Search Engine

Abaco Regatta Returns with Support from Mount Gay Rum and Sands Beer

Mon, Jun 12th 2023, 11:41 AM
Business Community/Charity Sports

For many years, the annual summer regatta has been a hallmark of Abaco, seamlessly combining exciting boat races with the charm and hospitality of the various cays to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The event traditionally includes activities on Great Abaco, Elbow Cay, Guana Cay, and Green Turtle Cay. After a 3-year hiatus, the highly anticipated event, newly dubbed Regatta in The Abacos (RITAS 2023), is set to return just in time to help mark the country's 50th anniversary of Independence.

“This is really the perfect time for regattas to come back to Abaco” explained RITA Commodore Dwayne Wallas, “The Bahamas is about to celebrate 50 years of independence and we just named sailing as the national sport. So, for us who live here, and truly appreciate the beauty of the islands as a premier sailing destination, there is no better time to continue the tradition of Regattas in The Abacos.” 

As the country's Truly Bahamian option for premier wines, spirits, and beers, Jimmys Wines & Spirits (JWS) has its roots deeply embedded in the core of this Bahamian cultural tradition. The company is proud to lend its support again, returning as a major sponsor through its Mount Gay Rum & Sands brands, both of which are widely revered for their expertly crafted beverages and for championing local and international partnerships. 

“Sands Beer used to be a regular part of this summer regatta,” recalled Bahamian Brewery General Manager Gary Sands. “We enjoyed following the races from cay to cay and being there to get the party started with The Truly Bahamian Beer,” he said. “Mount Gay Rum is synonymous with regattas around the world, and the brand has been a part of the Abaco Regatta in the past.”

In 2020, Mount Gay Rum started to call Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits home when JWS became the official distributor of the Remy Cointreau House, which includes the Mount Gay line of rums, along with Louis XIII, Remy Martin, St. Remy brandy, Bruichladdich whiskey, The Botanist gin, and Cointreau orange liqueur. “Mount Gay rum is historically known as the rum of regattas and is no stranger to the Abacos. We are excited for this return and know that this year will be memorable,” added Keiani Thomas, Area Manager for Remy Cointreau.

In addition to cash support, Mount Gay Rum and Sands Beer will supply sailors and spectators with libations and branded gift items like the much-loved red Mount Gay Rum regatta hats and more. “Our goal is to ensure the sailors, other participants, and those who are just there for the party have the time of their lives this summer,” said Angela Moss, Mount Gay Rum Brand Manager.

The event, slated for June 23 to July 2nd, will feature 10 fun-filled days of activities, including 5 “Awards Party” nights which will feature an hour-long free bar powered by Mount Gay Rum cocktails and Sands Beer. Each night, regatta-goers will enjoy free welcome drinks, drink specials and giveaways. During the day, sailors will take to the Sea of Abaco for 5 races all set against the backdrop of the stunning Abaco coastline. 

For the event organisers, RITA 2023 not only represents the return of a major cultural event, but also symbolises the resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit of Abaconians in a post-Dorian era. “The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian was an interesting time for Abaconians,” Wallas noted. “The re-inauguration of this competition fills me with happiness and also much gratitude to the racing sailors who are willing to try their luck again or maybe for the first time on the incomparable Sea of Abaco. I am grateful for the efforts to help keep the wonderful sailing destination it has always been.” Please visit RegattasinTheAbacos.com or their social media pages for a complete listing of the events.

For many years, the annual summer regatta has been a hallmark of Abaco, seamlessly combining exciting boat races with the charm and hospitality of the various cays to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The event traditionally includes activities on Great Abaco, Elbow Cay, Guana Cay, and Green Turtle Cay. After a 3-year hiatus, the highly anticipated event, newly dubbed Regatta in The Abacos (RITAS 2023), is set to return just in time to help mark the country's 50th anniversary of Independence.
“This is really the perfect time for regattas to come back to Abaco” explained RITA Commodore Dwayne Wallas, “The Bahamas is about to celebrate 50 years of independence and we just named sailing as the national sport. So, for us who live here, and truly appreciate the beauty of the islands as a premier sailing destination, there is no better time to continue the tradition of Regattas in The Abacos.” 
As the country's Truly Bahamian option for premier wines, spirits, and beers, Jimmys Wines & Spirits (JWS) has its roots deeply embedded in the core of this Bahamian cultural tradition. The company is proud to lend its support again, returning as a major sponsor through its Mount Gay Rum & Sands brands, both of which are widely revered for their expertly crafted beverages and for championing local and international partnerships. 
“Sands Beer used to be a regular part of this summer regatta,” recalled Bahamian Brewery General Manager Gary Sands. “We enjoyed following the races from cay to cay and being there to get the party started with The Truly Bahamian Beer,” he said. “Mount Gay Rum is synonymous with regattas around the world, and the brand has been a part of the Abaco Regatta in the past.”
In 2020, Mount Gay Rum started to call Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits home when JWS became the official distributor of the Remy Cointreau House, which includes the Mount Gay line of rums, along with Louis XIII, Remy Martin, St. Remy brandy, Bruichladdich whiskey, The Botanist gin, and Cointreau orange liqueur. “Mount Gay rum is historically known as the rum of regattas and is no stranger to the Abacos. We are excited for this return and know that this year will be memorable,” added Keiani Thomas, Area Manager for Remy Cointreau.
In addition to cash support, Mount Gay Rum and Sands Beer will supply sailors and spectators with libations and branded gift items like the much-loved red Mount Gay Rum regatta hats and more. “Our goal is to ensure the sailors, other participants, and those who are just there for the party have the time of their lives this summer,” said Angela Moss, Mount Gay Rum Brand Manager.
The event, slated for June 23 to July 2nd, will feature 10 fun-filled days of activities, including 5 “Awards Party” nights which will feature an hour-long free bar powered by Mount Gay Rum cocktails and Sands Beer. Each night, regatta-goers will enjoy free welcome drinks, drink specials and giveaways. During the day, sailors will take to the Sea of Abaco for 5 races all set against the backdrop of the stunning Abaco coastline. 
For the event organisers, RITA 2023 not only represents the return of a major cultural event, but also symbolises the resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit of Abaconians in a post-Dorian era. “The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian was an interesting time for Abaconians,” Wallas noted. “The re-inauguration of this competition fills me with happiness and also much gratitude to the racing sailors who are willing to try their luck again or maybe for the first time on the incomparable Sea of Abaco. I am grateful for the efforts to help keep the wonderful sailing destination it has always been.” Please visit RegattasinTheAbacos.com or their social media pages for a complete listing of the events.
 Sponsored Ads