British and Bahamian Sailing Legends Unite at National Regatta
The Royal Yachting Association (UK) and The National Family Island Regatta Committee (Bahamas) have officially thrown their weight behind sailing as a national sport. This thrilling partnership celebrates a centuries-old tradition that truly binds the Bahamas’ scattered islands.
Historic Announcement and High Seas Action
British High Commissioner Tom Hartley was buzzing after witnessing the announcement that sailing is now a National sport in The Bahamas. Speaking from the heart of Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma, Hartley said:
“We were so pleased to bring British Sailing to The Bahamas to witness this historic event. The National Family Island Regatta was the perfect stage to dive into the rich tradition of Bahamian sloop sailing and soak up the festival spirit.”
“A highlight was presenting the High Commissioner’s Cup to the sloop Susan Chase from Long Island.”
A Deep Dive into Bahamian Sailing Culture
British Sailing came to learn from The Bahamas, where every sloop in the regatta is Bahamian-designed, built, and skippered. This homegrown flavour attracts sailors from across the islands and all backgrounds, proving sailing is at the heart of community life.
The British team, including CEO Sara Sutcliffe, Sport Development Director Nick Scott, and Racing Director Rob Clark, soaked in the regatta from a beautiful observer boat, guided by new National Family Island Regatta Committee Commodore Dallas Knowles. The sparkling turquoise waters of Exuma offered a stunning backdrop for thrilling races.
From Historic Vessels to Spirited Celebrations
The British contingent enjoyed a hands-on sailing experience aboard the Lonesome Dove, thanks to Hope Town MP John Pinder. They also had a history lesson with Captain James Wallace on the storied Ants Nest, a sloop famously visited by the Duke and Duchess of cambridge/" title="Cambridge" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Cambridge last year.
With tall masts and billowing white sails, sloops from the E, C, B, and A classes dominated the sea. Winners like New Courageous, New Legend, Lonesome Dove, and Xena took top honours. Nick Scott of British Sailing summed it up:
“We felt like part of the Bahamian Regatta family, thanks to Commodore Danny Strachan and the committee. This marks the beginning of a beautiful international sailing partnership.”
The British High Commission topped off the event with a lively cocktail party at the British Pavilion featuring British spirits from Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits. Dignitaries including Governor General HE Sir Cornelius Smith and top ministers rubbed shoulders with regatta skippers over flowing Scotch and sparkling English wine.
Building Bridges Through Sailing, Sport, and Culture
This year’s mission for the British High Commission is forging closer ties through sport, arts, and culture. With over a million juniors taught to sail in the UK and the world’s most successful Olympic sailing team, British Sailing looks forward to sharing expertise and offering scholarships to Bahamas’ National Sailing School this summer.
A huge thanks to the National Family Island Regatta Committee, the Ministry of Tourism Exuma, the Family Island Administrator’s Office, and the people of Exuma for an unforgettable Regatta experience.
