The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE All Andros and Berry Islands Regatta committee looks to galvanise support for July’s event as they expect thousands to patronise the upcoming 26th edition, July 5-7 in Morgan’s Bluff, Andros.

Twenty sloops are expected to compete and highlight the weekend of events which also includes a variety of entertainment on shore to accompany the race series.

“We are anticipating an exciting regatta with sailors competing for bragging rights, along with entertainment from the best in Bahamian music. There will be native dishes with over 15 vendors to choose from. We are inviting all regatta fans and friends of Andros to attend this very exciting event,” said Ricardo Wilson, regatta chairman.

“We are moving along progressively. This event will be all things Bahamian and all things Andros. It is an expensive event so we want to thank all the boat owners and sailors throughout the Bahamas who have partnered with us in keeping this great Bahamian tradition alive.”

The A Class series will include the Red Stripe, Southern Cross, Good News, Ed Sky, while the B Class features the Ants East, Cobra, Barbarian, Eudeva and Lady Natalie.

The C Class will feature the most sloops with the Melva B, Revelation, Thunderbird, Carla D, Baby Harriett, Irene Good Night, Sweet Island Gal, Barbarian, Lady Eunice and H20.

Stafford Armbrister, the race coordinator, said the regatta will continue to develop. “It’s going to be bigger and Andros couldn’t get much better than it is right now already being the best. It’s going to be very exciting in Andros and we have many boats going down,” he said.

Event sponsors include the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Kalik, Caribbean Bottling Company, the Ministry of Tourism, Chances Games and Frank Hanna Cleaning Company.

Michela Munnings, of Kalik, said: “With Kalik being the beer of the Bahamas, we are always excited to partner with events and programmes that are intrinsically Bahamian and with regattas being synonymous with our culture, we had to come on board.

“Over the years, our relationship with various regatta committees, we’ve seen it grow and develop and we look forward to strengthening the relationship with AA and BI committee for years to come.”

Added Gabriella Suighi, Caribbean Bottling Company marketing manager – Activations: “At Caribbean Bottling Company we believe in serving the committee in which we operate and we have committed to keeping our sailors hydrated throughout the entire regatta, so the best of luck to them and we look forward to seeing you in Andros.”

Thursday, July 5 will feature the gospel explosion concert headlined by the Singing Prophet Bishop Lawrence Rolle and Racheal Mackey.

Friday will feature a culture show by local artists and Saturday features live entertainment, including Geno D, Veronica Bishop, Batangy and the Synergy Band.

The calendar of events surrounding the regatta began last month with the All Andros and Berry Islands Crab Out Day.

Floyd Newton, local regatta chairman in Andros, said they are planning added elements to the traditional regatta festivities.

“We are looking to prepare for 10,000 people to come to this regatta. We are feeling the rush already and this is going to be a grand time. For the vendors, we will host a stall contest. The most decorated stall, with an all-Bahamian theme, will be our winner. When the sailors are rewarded with their trophies, the vendors will be rewarded as well,” he said.

“We also want to really cater to the kids this year. We want to give the kids something to do when they come out in the daytime. We all know regatta has its own energy, we are just looking to channel that energy to a successful event in Andros.”