BAHAMAS NAMES SAILING THE NATIONAL SPORT

By Kendea Smith

Photographs Courtesy Of Patrick Hanna

Hundreds of Bahamians were elated during this year’s 67th National Family Island Regatta on Exuma this past April when sailing was officially named the national sport of The Bahamas – replacing cricket.

It had been a long time coming, particularly for sloop sailors – most of whom had spent their entire lifetimes building the sport.

The onshore activities held at regattas around the Islands of The Bahamas with tantalizing food and drinks thrill many locals and visitors. However, the main attraction for many lies on the scenic harbour, as scores of sloop sailors in the A, B, C and E categories use their brains and brawn to get to the finish line.

This year was particularly special for sailors as it is the 50th anniversary of independence for The Bahamas.

At the regatta site in Georgetown, Exuma, there were tributes given to long-time sailors such as “Grandmaster” the late Rolly Gray; the late Sir Durward Knowles – the first Olympic champion of sailing; and one of the founders of the National Family Island Regatta the late Linton Rigg, among others.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said naming sailing the national sport was a proud moment.

“Sailing runs in our blood. For many generations, these wooden vessels, forged by Bahamian hands were crucial modes of transport, vital tools to seek out a living, and a crucial part of island culture. Today, sailing is preserved and celebrated in the institution of regattas – a key cultural and economic catalyst for many of our Family Islands who use the occasion to showcase their own distinctive style and festivities,” he said.

“Regattas offer reconnection, a time for friends and family to come together; and with 18 senior regattas and 17 junior events, the opportunities to celebrate our Bahamian spirit are ample and golden.”

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting also declared his excitement.

“Sailing has defined our history. It is how our ancestors travelled to our beautiful country; it is how the Family Islanders traded goods and services and developed. It has connected us as Bahamians for hundreds of years,” he said.

“Sloop sailing has elevated the entire sport. When the first organized regatta was held at this very scenic harbour, few could have predicted the vital role it would have played in the lives of Bahamians today. Regattas have thrilled Bahamians for over 70 years and all skippers, captains, boat builders and sail makers have become national heroes.”

Co-Chair of the Naming of Sailing as the National Sport Committee and Member of Parliament for Central and South Abaco John Pinder said he believes sailing has a bright future. “We are not sons of the soil; we are sons and daughters of the sea. Sailing in The Bahamas has a bright future with knowledge and skills being taught from generation to generation. Sailing will always be a part of us all. The youth are our greatest resource, and we must make it a point to pass down our culture of sailing,” he said.

After the announcement, there was a performance from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force band, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks.

Many spectators and former sailors were excited to hear the news with many agreeing that sailing should have always been the national sport.

“I love sailing,” said Leslie McKenzie, former sailor of the famed boat Tidal Wave. “No matter what island it is on, I will find a way to get to it.”

Freddie Gray, son of Rolly Gray, added, “It makes me feel very good to know that this is happening because we were doing this for so long and now, we finally get some recognition. It is a good thing for the sailors.”

Greg Cottis, sailor of Ruff Justice, said he understood the British influence behind cricket, but conceded that it was not popular amongst Bahamians.

“I would have thought that (sailing) would have been the national sport since independence,” he said.

“Fifty years is a long time for this to be officially recognized. I have a bit of an English background from my parents, but they became Bahamian citizens. I understand the connection to cricket, but I do not know any Bahamian who plays cricket. So, I do not think it is going to be missed by too many.”

National Family Island Regatta outgoing Commodore Danny Strachan said sailing being named as the national sport is a dream come true.

“I have been calling for sailing to be the national sport for over 25 years. I felt like I was a lone wolf most of the time. But I always had the support of the government,” he said. “I must thank Prime Minister Davis along with Minister Clay Sweeting and their Cabinet colleagues for making this happy declaration real. It was long talked about but now we celebrate with all sailors and tens of thousands of sailing fans.”

The National Family Island Regatta was a four-day event and the night concerts on Friday and Saturday featured many Bahamian artists such as Blaudy, D-Mac, Geno D, Puzzle, Julien Believe, Nishie L.S., Fanshawn, Mama D, Shine, Lady E and Ebony 242 amongst others.

Charlotte Williams and her husband Michael of Atlanta, Georgia, have been coming to the National Family Island Regatta on Exuma for many years. She said it is a tradition she is hoping to keep.

“We have found friends who have become family here,” she said. “We have brought our children and we always have a great time. We were glad to be a part of history because we understand what sailing means to The Bahamas.” UA

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Comprehensive Cancer Care Network we understand that cancer is a complex disease, requiring you to navigate insurance coverage, travel arrangements, medical records and other unanticipated needs. Our international team is committed to helping you handle these logistics so you can focus on what’s important to you—your health.