2015 Summary
“A HISTORIC AND FANTASTIC 2015 REGATTA –TIDA WAVE, NEW SUSAN CHASE, WITTY K, JUDGEMENT D AND DONZIE WERE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CLASSES”
Danny Strachan, Chairman & Commodore of the National Family Island Regatta released the result of the 2015 National Regatta which was held in picturesque Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, Exuma.
According to the Commodore the Regatta was an historic one because 70 boats participated in the first Regatta in 1954 and this year we had a total of 72 boats which makes it the largest Regatta ever held in the country. This level of participation speaks well for the sustainability of this great cultural tradition.
While we had some challenges with light wind this year we nevertheless were able to get all the races completed and ended with undisputed champions in the various classes. The races were highly competitive and the light winds tested the skills of all the Skippers and in true fashion the best men prevailed.
The Regatta was dedicated to two outstanding contributors, Captain Lee Armbrister from Ragged Island and Captain Marcus Mitchell from Samson Cay, Exuma. They were robed with their commemorative National Family Island Regatta Jackets by the Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.
The organizers were especially pleased with the outcome of the Regatta in terms of its planning. All of the participants are worthy of praise and congratulations for making the event one of the best ever. Thousands from all over The Bahamas attended the week long event in George Town, Exuma. The attendance surprised the Committee given the state of the economy. The Regatta had a tremendous impact on the economy of Exuma and it is estimated that millions of dollars flowed through the economy as businesses experienced a boom as a result of the Regatta.
The event was attended many dignitaries including the Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and many other Cabinet Ministers. The Committee wishes to say “Thank you Bahamas for making the 62nd Regatta one of the best ever”.
The Committee also want to publicly express its thanks and gratitude to all its valuable sponsors – the Government, private & corporate sponsors, boat owners, participants, the National & Local Regatta Committees and the Bahamian and Foreign spectators who all came together to make the 62nd event one of the best ever.
We look forward to seeing you next year at the 63rd National Family Island Regatta, when the tradition will continue in picturesque Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, Exuma 19th through 23rd April 2016.
DANNY STRACHAN,
CHAIRMAN & COMMODORE
A Poem
Sail her down, sail her down,
Sail her down to George Town.
Highborne Cay the first: we see,
Yellow Bank is by the lee.
Harvey Cay is in the moon,
Farmers Gay is coming soon.
Now we come to Galliot,
Out in the ocean we must go,
Children’s Bay is passing fast,
Stocking Island came at last.
Nassau gal is all behind,
George Town gal is on my mind.
A wiggle and a giggle and a jamboree,
Great Exuma is the place for me!
