Four Regattas Set For Emancipation Holiday - Which One Will You Choose?

Four regattas are set to take place with all being hosted from July 31st to August 4th. 
During a Monday afternoon press conference held at the Ministry of Youth,Sports and Culture it was announced that the 32nd Acklins Regatta will be named in honour of 'King' Eric Gibson.
Not only will the Acklins Regatta take place, but the 46th Black Point, Exuma Regatta, Rolleville, Exuma Regatta and the 53rd Cat Island Regatta will also be going on.
Minister responsible Desmond Bannister made four check presentations to the organizers of the various regatta committees yesterday and said he is pleased to see the Family Islands coming together to support each other.
About three years ago it was thought that four regattas going on at the same time would not be successful, but after the local sailing clubs and organizing committees decided to try it, they saw it was a huge success for all of the islands. 
An important piece to the puzzle was spreading the sailing sloops among the various events, and some islands featured just one sailing class and not three as is usually the case.
"I am pleased to see that we can put aside our disputes as has been the case in the past, by working together we can resolve those matters. I am also glad to see that we can honour our own in the person of 'King' Eric Gibson, as no one can honour our own like we can," said Bannister.
He challenged the organizers that will return to the various Family Islands settlements to do the best they can to ensure success.
He also encouraged Bahamians to go to their favorite island and support the events.
"Let's remember that once you hold a regatta on an island that regatta usually provides the kind money that people on that Island can count on during the year.  They rely on that, they depend on that, and again I want to urge Bahamians to support the regattas as much as they can," added Bannister.
The Minister will be attending the 'King' Eric Gibson Regatta in Acklins and the Black Point Regatta.
Gibson who is 74 years old thanked the Sports Minister and organizers of the Acklins Regatta for naming the event in his honour.
"I really appreciate the honour for my 34 years of contribution to the sport in The Bahamas.  I am happy for what I have given to sailing, and if I had to do it all over again, I will do it the same way," said Gibson who at one time in the past was not on the same page with the Acklins Regatta Committee.
With the many regattas taking place on the same weekend, Gibson too encouraged Bahamians to attend one of the events and show their support to the sport and the residents on those islands.
Chairman of the Cat Island Regatta Maxwell Burrows said their regatta will run from July 31st to August 1st and encourages Bahamians to attend.
He said because of the economic downturn, the regatta this year will only have 14 sloops but that the competition will still be fierce, in addition to a lot of on shore activities.
"I certainly want to thank Gibson for his contribution to the sport of Sloop Sailing as he raised $14,000 in sponsorship for last year's regatta. I certainly say hats off to you Gibson and congratulations on your honour," said Burrows.
Anita Collie-Pratt an executive member of the Acklins Regatta Committee said it is an honour to select Gibson as the patron for the 32nd Acklins event for his outstanding work and contribution to the development of the sport.
Margret Woodside chairman of the Rolleville Regatta in the Exuma Cays said this year is expected to be bigger with the participation of 17 Class-C Sloops.  She said five of the sloops will come out of Barry-Tarry and the others from George Town and Rolleville.