Tradition Under Full Sail
The 54th National Family Island Regatta attracted
58 Top Bahamian sloops to George Town, Exuma.

Each spring since 1954, Bahamian sailors have gathered at Elizabeth Harbour in George Town, Exuma, to race their sloops for cash prizes and the coveted title of “Best in the Bahamas.” The early regattas were sailed in traditional island fishing boats. Today’s hand-made craft are strictly racers but they still conform to the original design for over-canvassed sloops with hiking or “pry” boards on which crew perch precariously to windward as ballast. The rules call for all wood construction and canvas sails. No winches or instruments are allowed, not even tell tales. Each boat must be designed, built and sailed by a Bahamian. The races within the regatta each have a unique focus, with the accumulation of total points determining the National Champion in each class.

This year the fifty-fourth sailing of the National Family Island Regatta, April 24-28, attracted 58 competitors in four classes ranging from 15-foot double-handed dinghies to 28-footers with up to 18-man crews. Also racing were seven enthusiastic teams competing in the National Junior Championships for sailors less than 18 years of age. Capturing the top spot among this next generation of skippers was Leslie Rolle, Jr. sailing his family’s Bull Reg. ...

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