The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Coca-Cola is the new sponsor for King Eric Gibson’s B Class ‘Queen Drucilla’ boat. The new arrangement goes into effect for the Grand Bahama Regatta that is scheduled for September 26-29 in Taino Beach.

“We realise the relevance of Bahamian sloop sailing to our heritage and to the economies of the out islands,” said Donnisha Armbrister, marketing manager at Caribbean Bottling Company Limited, as she announced the powered by Coca-Cola sponsorship.

Gibson, who is now having the necessary adjustments made to his Queen Drucilla, which will have a new red and white colour with the Coca-Cola label on it, said he’s thrilled to have secured such a major deal with the leading soft drink company in the Bahamas.

“Look at this boat. All you can see is danger. She’s ready to hit the water, all in the name of Coca-Cola,” said Gibson as he showed off the boat to the media at his residence on West Bay Street. “I’m looking forward to her going to Grand Bahama and winning the regatta.”

Gibson thanked Caribbean Bottling Company Limited for its corporate sponsorship, joining Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard and Richard Browning, the CEO of Palm Cay, the residential Marina development on Yamacraw Road, who originally came on board to sponsor the regatta.

Gibson has gotten Nygard to sponsor the A Class Good News, while Browning intends to launch a new boat called the ‘Palm Cay Princess,’ which Gibson intends to sail.

“They put the challenge out and I’m glad that Coca-Cola decided to come forth and sponsor my boat and the regatta in general. Could you imagine if we had about 10 corporate sponsors who sponsor at least one boat. That will take a lot off the load on the organisers of the regattas to put out so much money.”

Through their corporate sponsorship, the A Class will get $3,500 to the winners, while the B Class will collect $2,200 and the C Class receives $1,200. Obtaining the sponsorship from Coca-Cola, Gibson said his boat will not be eligible for any prize money regardless of where they finish in the field.

“This is the most exciting thing that has happened to me in a long time,” Gibson said. “When I ran it by them, they were all eager to do it right away. They realise what we are doing and they jumped on it right away.”

Added Armbrister: “When King Eric called on Coca Cola to support his “B” and “C” class sloops for the upcoming Grand Bahama Regatta, we saw it only fitting to get on board. We’re proud to support a living legend like King Eric Gibson and to assist with keeping the spirit of regattas alive here in the Bahamas.”

Gibson also said: “A lot of things need to shape up, as far as the organising of regattas in the country is concerned. The people on the islands need the regattas. That’s all they gat. That’s why we need to implement the law where you can’t come from Nassau and go and set up your stalls to sell anything against those people.”

Gibson called on everybody who attends the regattas to throw their full support behind the organising committees to make sure that they are successful.