The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Businessman Craig Flowers said there’s no limit on how much money could be spent on supporting Bahamian icon King Eric Gibson when it comes down to sailing.

Flowers, the owner of FML Group of Companies, said whenever Gibson calls on him, he will lend his support. Flowers made the comment during a press conference at Bahama Grill on Friday as he joined Rev Lloyd Smith in throwing their support behind Gibson.

The Acklins Regatta Committee has announced that during its annual regatta over the weekend of August 2-6, they will name the site in Spring Point, Acklins, in honour of Gibson. It’s the first time that any regatta site has been named after anyone.

“When it comes to King Eric, it is a special treat for me in particular because we come from so far back,” Flowers said. “King Eric has been a friend of my father and certainly my family got many years. So when King Eric takes on these boat races as commodore, it is a success in all.

“My company sponsors a great deal of these events and the reason I am here today is because it is Acklins and I know it is very special because it is our hometown. Being a friend of the family our company will continue to do its endeavor best in this entire embarking that King Eric has. We will continue to support him.”

Flowers, who has also played a number of years on the golf course with Gibson, said his company will do whatever it takes, whether it’s $5 or a week’s work, to ensure that the regatta is a success. He said he was delighted to be able to be a sponsor for the regatta.

Rev Smith, pastor of the Mount Horeb Baptist Church and a long sailing friend of Gibson, was not present at the press conference. But Rev Dr Philip McPhee said Smith was just as elated to be able to make his contribution to the regatta in support of Gibson.

“Rev Smith could not be here today, but he has made a substantial contribution to King Eric,” McPhee said. “He just wants to show his appreciation to King Eric for all that he has done for sailing in the Bahamas.”

In response, Gibson said he has only tried to do whatever he could to enhance the sport and as such he’s appreciative of whatever support he has received.

“It is an honour to have a place named after you,” he said. “Acklins will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you to the sponsors, Craig Flowers, Peter Nygard, Lloyd Smith and others who have assisted me. The sailors who have always come when I call and sail.”

The regatta, which is one of four being staged during the August Monday holiday, will have about 15 boats competing in the A, B and C classes combined. A number of activities will be held during the weekend with the highlight being the naming of the King Eric Gibson Regatta site on Saturday, according to committee chairman Rufus Hanna.