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.

The 2019 All Andros and Berry Islands Regatta is scheduled for July 5-7 in Morgan’s Bluff, Andros.

“We are expecting over 18 sloops in all classes, three from the A Class, five from the B Class and 10 from the C Class. Sloops will be selected from the three sailing clubs. We are anticipating an exciting regatta with sailors competing for bragging rights, along with entertainment from the best in Bahamian music,” said Ricardo Wilson, chairman of the regatta.

“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. Our sailing budget, along with the entertainment, is nearly $105,000 and at the moment we are nearly 50 per cent there, thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Kalik and Caribbean Bottling Company. The committee is appealing to corporate Bahamas, especially those who benefit directly from our community, to please support this event by partnering through sponsorship and advertising in this year’s commemorative booklet.”

Nikia Wells, marketing manager of communications at Caribbean Bottling, said the regatta falls in line with her organisation’s mandate of supporting all aspects of Bahamian culture.

“We are just very proud to support the All Andros Regatta,” she said. “When you think of Bahamian culture, you think of regattas and that celebration of Bahamian pride. We are ecstatic to keep the sailors refreshed and energised and we are just happy to be on board with this expression of Bahamian pride.”

The calendar of events surrounding the regatta begins this weekend with the All Andros and Berry Islands Crab Out Day, Saturday, June 1 at Montagu Beach from noon to 6pm.

Floyd Newton, local regatta chairman in Andros, said they are planning on 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.”