NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Best of the Best Regatta is on the schedule again after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, Clay Sweeting, made the announcement during a press conference held at the Ministry. This will be the fifth edition of the annual event.
“Best of the Best Regatta displays the best The Bahamas has to offer in the sport of sailing – a tradition that has been a part of the Bahamian identity for over 80 years,” Sweeting said.
He said that this was significant as the government endeavors to make sailing the country’s national sport.
“We are hoping to make this official by next year as we celebrate our country’s 50th Independence anniversary. We expect that this event will bring more than 20,000 Bahamians to Montagu foreshore to witness and participate.
“This premier event will also be televised and live-streamed for our viewers in the Family islands. Those who attend the free event will be able to see the play-by-play of the races thanks to large screens on the beach that will display all the action along with live commentary,” Sweeting said.
The minister said that over 60 sloops from the A, B, and C classes will compete for a ‘handsome’ cash prize purse and bragging rights. For the first time, the E class will also be in the mix and will be led by participants all under the age of 18.
Sweeting continued: “Moreover, we expect representation from all islands famed for sailing and boating. Best of the Best, in its short existence, has become the culmination of fierce sailing competition in our country.”
Regatta Desk Manager at the Ministry Barry Wilmott, gave an outline of the upcoming event. He said that the five-day event will include four days of sailing and a Regatta village, featuring cultural events and concerts with major musicians expected to perform.
The village opens this Wednesday, November 30. A visit from Santa Claus was promised for Saturday, December 3 which will be Family Day.
Danny Strachan, who is chairman of the National Family Island events, said everything will begin on time and will follow the Family Island Regatta rules.
Coca-Cola, which is partnering with the government to host the event, will launch its first-ever Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Marketing Director at Coca-Cola, Jonathan Thronebury said that six limited edition Bahamas Goombay Punch cans are now available with distinctive designs of the Regatta sloops (Tidal Wave, New Courageous, Running Tide, New Legend, Southern Cross, and San Sally).
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is open to all A-class vessels. the winner of which will be determined by cumulative points totaled from three major Regatta events (Best of the Best, National Family Island and Long Island Regatta). The victor will be announced upon the completion of the Long Island Regatta in June 2023 and will receive a $5000 cash prize, an $8,000 stipend towards advancing the sport for their island’s junior sailing club, and exclusive congratulatory Goombay cans from September 2023 until January 2024.”
Another partner, Bahamas EVAC services, will provide emergency medical services.
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