NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs said we are happy to announce the re-launch of regattas, homecomings and festivals throughout the islands of the Bahamas.

Speaking during a press conference at the ministry he added these magnificent events are known as the heartbeat of the Islands as they create numerous opportunities for Family Islanders. “Regattas are responsible for the birth of many businesses including boatbuilding, sailmaking, fisheries, straw work, T-shirt manufacturing, culinary arts, music, folk arts entrepreneurship, transportation and hospitality and tourism,” Minister Sweeting said.

After the onslaught of COVID-19 in 2020, many of our superb A, B, and C Class boats have not been able to sail on our “breathtaking waters,” the Minister said. “For these sailors who are masters of the sea, this has been devastating.  I’m told that many of them give up time at jobs and other pursuits to participate in sailing our awe-inspiring waters.

“With such passion that these men and women demonstrate, it’s little wonder why the Government of The Bahamas decided to name ‘Sailing’ its national sport. From island to island, sailing has been at the core of the Bahamian spirit. It bolsters tourism both domestically and internationally as many Bahamians from the Family Islands use the opportunity to return home, while international tourists marvel at the skill of Bahamian sailors, and perhaps meet friends who instantly become family.

“We at the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs,” Minister Sweeting said “are proud to be the lead sponsor for this thrilling sport. We recognize how vital it is to the Bahamian economy and its role in producing jobs for generations of Bahamians yet unborn.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, as a minister from a Family Island, I am indeed excited about what the future will bring for festivals, homecomings and regattas. There’s no nation in the world more suitable for sailing competition and these marvelous events.  In the future, we hope to advance the sport even further and provide countless more opportunities for Bahamians.”

Also speaking during the press conference was Danny Strachan, chairman and commodore, the National Family Island Regatta Committee who said “It will be a most exciting three days with hundreds of sailors in dozens of vessels competing for prize money and trophies and the glory of the win!”

The press were told: all fans will have the regatta atmosphere in Exuma, which they have come to celebrate every April and there will be great excitement on the water and on land.  Come celebrate, and enjoy the racing and the festivities.

The local Exuma Regatta Committee looks forward to welcoming sailing fans to Exuma with races to begin on Thursday morning, 21st April continuing through Saturday, 23rd April.