The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE annual Grand Bahama Regatta and Homecoming is set for July 28-30 at Taino Beach and organisers have planned a number of fun-filled activities this year, in addition to the traditional sailing competition.

The event dubbed, 'Put Your Sails UP When the Waves Up,' will feature live entertainment, a beach party, beer fest, cultural activities, and a sailing component for C-class boaters throughout The Bahamas.

Chervita Campbell, regatta chairman, is appealing to corporate Bahamas come onboard as sponsors to help defray the cost of this year's event.

"We are looking at going bigger and harder in terms of planning and getting other sponsors aboard to participate," she said.

She believes that with the improvement of the regatta and homecoming events, the sailing culture will continue to develop on Grand Bahama so that Grand Bahamians can actively participate in future events.

Many sailors from other islands are expected to participate in the sailing, and residents and visitors are asked to attend the event and participate in fun-filled festivities.

Jackie Rolle, onshore activities co-ordinator, Grand Bahama Regatta & Homecoming Committee, shared some of the onshore activities.

She stated that this year is going to be different, and persons can expect to be entertained by performances by the steel pan band, Kevin Tomlinson and his group, a fire dancer and Grumma's Kitchen.

Some of the other activities include an onion peeling and watermelon eating competitions, hopscotch, a "back in time" treasure hunt, face painting, bouncing castle and many other family-friendly activities.

Jay Phillippe, assistant manager of sports tourism at the Ministry of Tourism on Grand Bahama, said that the regatta is not only a local event but provides an opportunity to promote the island.

"The Ministry of Tourism totally endorses the Grand Bahama Regatta and Homecoming. This is an opportunity to first and foremost showcase the island of Grand Bahama. The regatta is considered a sport culturally, and it is an excellent opportunity to promote this island with a number of persons visiting the island to attend," he said.

He said the Ministry of Tourism has been sponsoring the event for some time and we will continue to do so.

Mr Phillippe stated that they provide free transportation for visitors from their hotels to the event.

Local vendors and artisans interested in investing in a stall for the Grand Bahama Regatta and Homecoming weekend can collect a form from the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.