The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ALIV Thunderbird will be back to defend its title in the second annual Bimini Regatta, scheduled for June 23-25 in Alice Town.

Lynden Johnson, of L Andrew Consultants, who are helping to organise the event, said they have partnered with a number of entities to make it a festive time as they "lay low in Bimini."

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, BTC, Resort World Bimini, Caribbean Bottling, The Ministry of Tourism, L Andrew Consultants, Bahamas National Festival Commission, 112 Restaurant and Bar, Sherice M and the Bimini Big Game are among the sponsors.

The regatta will feature the Aliv Thunderbird from Andros, San Sally from San Salvador, the Dream Girl from Grand Bahama, Uncle John from Acklins, Flash, also from Acklins, Melva B from Mangrove Cay, Andros and Lady Eunice from Black Point, Exuma.

"Once again, Bimini is the place to be from Thursday, June 22 to Saturday, June 25," Johnson said.

While the boats are scheduled to arrive on the Sherice M from Thursday, June 22, just in time for the Skippers Party at Coca Plum, sailing will take place Friday to Saturday, June 23-24.

The awards presentation will be held on Saturday, June 25, at a BTC-sponsored beach party where a number of Bahamian entertainers will perform.

Although this will be the first time that the Aliv Thunderbird will sail since some work was done to her, Rev Dr Philip McPhee said they are eager to retain the title.

"We expect to have great competition. We have six outstanding boats and we expect that they will put on a show," he said. "What is key about Bimini is the number of tourists who come to Bimini from around Florida just for the event.

"Last year, we had almost foru to 500 yachts that came and we are expecting that to happen once again. So we are looking forward to enlarging that with Bahamian participants. We're really asking all of our Bahamian brothers and sisters involved in sailing to see the development in Bimini."

Edward Reckley, president of the Bimini Regatta, said this year they are taking the regatta to another level in doing a little more for the kids.

"This year is expected to be a very successful one. This is something new to the island," he stressed. "Right now we have more than enough boats who want to take part, but we can only go so far with it."

Roscoe Dames, CEO of the Bahamas National Festival Commission said there's no better place to be than in Bimini to complete their year-long circle of activities.

"I know the slogan is lay low in Bimini, but the weekend of June 23-25, Bimini is going to come alive with great entertainment, local entertainment," Dames proclaimed.

"What better way to combine sloop sailing with rake-and-scrape, down home Bahamian cultural experience. It's going to be a true lay low in Bimini experience."

The commission according to Dames, reaches out and supports initiatives in the Family Islands and persons like Geno D, Ira Storr and the Spank Band, Lady E and Stevie S from Bimini are among the line up of entertainers.

"We are quite excited as the National Commission. We just participated in the Red Bays Fishing competition and we have done an event in Inagua, so going to Bimini completes the 2016-2017 cycle."

Sean Munroe, one of the local organizers, said they are looking forward to putting on three exciting Cup races as they compete from Friday to Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to a good showing and to give the (Aliv) Thunderbird a run for her money this year," he said.

Urban Gibson, the builder and captain of Uncle John, said after he got a taste of the competition in Bimini last year, he wouldn't want to miss the trip this year for nothing in the world.

"I've traveled all over the Bahamas to regattas and Bimini was one of the best," he insisted. "I'm looking forward to it this year. I can't wait. I'm looking forward to some good competition and being in Bimini this year."

The treasurer of the Bimini Regatta said next weekend is the place to be.

"We want everybody to come down and spend some money," he quipped.

For those interested, the Sherice M will sail at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 21c for Bimini and will return Saturday evening following the BTC Beach Party.

A special of $125 is being offered for travel to the regatta. Tickets can be purchased at the Sherice M's office at eastern end of the dock.