NASSAU, Bahamas – As a show of the Ministry’s “firm commitment to the sport of sloop sailing in The Bahamas,” Minister of State for Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard presented a cheque for the All for One Regatta and announced plans for the National Sailing Week.
“I would also like to thank the Commodores of the various Sailing Associations for their involvement with the planning of the National Sailing Week and the All for One Regatta, which is the reason why we are all here today,” Minister Maynard said at the press conference announcing the week of activities.
“The Ministry will be hosting a week of activities for the sailing community and the public at large commencing with the C Class Boat races at Montague Beach on Saturday, January 24, 2009,” he added. “The Annual Church Service will be held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, on Charles Vincent Street on Sunday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m. Following the Service there will be sailing at Montague Beach.”
Minister Maynard said an exhibition is scheduled for Monday, January 26, at Rawson Square, where Sloop Boats A, B and C classes will be on display, as well as a presentation by various boat skippers on the art of Boatbuilding.
The Official Opening Ceremony will be held Thursday, January 29, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Workshop for Sailors in the foyer of the Ministry of Education Building on Thompson Boulevard, he said.
“This initiative provides a forum for meaningful discussions relative to this unique Bahamian Sport,” he added. “Our youth sailing program will be highlighted on Friday. when the youth will participate in the School Sailing Competition. This promises to be a very meaningful and exciting event as we continue to develop our young people in the art of Sloop Sailing.”
On Friday, January 30, junior sailors sailed at Montague Beach. Participants included Government High School, C.V. Bethel Senior High School, C.R. Walker Senior High School and the L. W. Young Junior High School.
“These students are very enthusiastic about sailing,” he said.
The A and B Class sailing was held Saturday, January 31, and the Optimist Sailors sailed on Saturday from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm. The A and B Class sailing continues on Sunday, February 1st.
“This week of sailing activities will culminate at Government House with an Awards and Reception Ceremony on Monday, February 2nd, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.,” Minister Maynard said.
“An invitation is extended to the public to come out and enjoy the sailing activities; in particular to support our junior sailors. The exhibition promises to be very educational, informative and entertaining.”
Captions
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NASSAU, The Bahamas — Acting Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Minister of State for Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard (left) announces plans for the National Sailing Week, as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Archie Nairn, looks on. (BIS Photo / Letisha Henderson)
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Acting Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Minister of State for Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard presents a cheque and poses with boat captains and stakeholders during the press conference announcing plans for the National Sailing Week and the All for One Regatta. Pictured, from left, are Commodore of the Bahamas Boat Owners and Sailors Association (BBOSA) Sidney Forbes, Treasurer of the National Sailing Association James Wallace, Chairman of the Regatta Committee Stafford Armbrister, Minister Maynard, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Archie Nairn, Michelle McPhee of the Ministry’s Regatta Unit and Jimmy Lowe of the Bahamas Sailing Association. (BIS Photo / Letisha Henderson)