One of the most legendary regattas in the Caribbean has made its triumphant return to the Bahamas.
The National Family Island Regatta, which was held annually in Exuma before the pandemic began, returned this weekend to the heart of George Town.
It was part of a wider relaunch of Bahamian festivals.
“There is no nation in the world more conducive to sailing competition and these wonderful events,” said Clay Sweeting, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Island Family Affairs of The Bahamas. “Racing is the source of the birth of many businesses, including shipbuilding, sailmaking, fishing, straw work, t-shirt making, culinary arts, music, folk arts, entrepreneurship, transport, hospitality and tourism.”
This year’s Exuma Regatta began on Thursday with racing for three consecutive days at Elizabeth Harbour, near George Town, with an emphasis on traditional Bahamian sloop sailing.
Hundreds of sailors in dozens of ships competed for cash prizes and the “glory of victory”, said Danny Strachan, chairman and commodore of the island’s national family regatta committee.
It’s been a big year for regattas in the Caribbean, with many of the region’s biggest sailing festivals making a comeback.
And it’s even bigger for Exuma, whose breathtaking waters once again welcome the country’s greatest sailors.