Governor's Harbour Sailing Club Regatta Success

Sailing in the Harbour

The Governor's Harbour Sailing Club (GHSC) in conjunction with the Central Eleuthera District Youth Advisory Council hosted the 1^st Youth National Regatta and Festival (YNRF)  in Governor's Harbour, July 3-6.

The regatta was thrilling and sailing action was intense with races held in the picturesque aqua marine Harbour. The Eleutheran junior sailors gave the visiting Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) eight member team out of Nassau great competition.


(See Event Photos)

In the end, Jonathan Treco won over a fleet of 11. Daniel Gibson was second and Devaughn Williamson was third.

Kenneth Davis was the highest finishing Eleutheran in the fleet and settled for fourth place, Thomas Treco was fifth, Daniel Davis from the GHSC was sixth, Mishael Taffin was seventh, Donavan Williamson was eighth, Lili Wagner was ninth, GHSC's Rodney Cadet was 10th, GHSC's Kenrick Davis was 11th and Serita Evelyn was 12th.

Chairman of the YNRF was impressed with the turnout and highlighted areas for improvement.

"This event is still in the early stages so it will take time to develop. Some of those areas include hosting an even greater national sailing event. We have already spoken to the Regatta Unit at the Ministry of Sports and they highly endorse the idea," said Pinder.

Pinder further noted that the visiting junior sailing club considers the venue unique and ideal.

"Some of the parents and sailors from Nassau told me that the depth of the water and the length of the harbour off Cupid's Cay is good for optimist sailing boats. Also getting the boats here from Nassau is convenient. Next year we want to invite at least 20 optis representing several Family Islands," added Pinder.

BSA executive Bruce Wassitch agreed that there is great potential for this regatta in the future.

"One of the BSA's mandates is to introduce the class of optimist sailing throughout The Bahamas. We want to establish junior sailing clubs on all of the Family Islands. Right now we have fleets here, in Long Island, Abaco, Grand Bahama and New Providence.  Overall the junior sailors did well. We brought eight sailors down this year and next year we would like to bring even more.We would love for this to be an annual regatta. This kind of individual sport is very beneficial because it teaches children how to be independent.  They have to learn how to maneuver the boat by themselves and figure out what to do when they get into difficult situations. The sport also builds confidence. In addition the setting could not be better. It is one of the best environments for sailing," said Wassitch.

Wassitch is a seasoned sailor having represented The Bahamas at several Pan American Games.

Pinder took the opportunity to thank those who made a significant contribution to the success of the junior regatta and they include the GHSC's President Paul Simmons, Vice President - Bob Colman, Commodore - Mark Adams, Vice Commodore - Kennedy Rolle, Treasurer - Roderick Pinder, Secretary - Missy Kennedy Adams and Honorary member - Lawrence Griffin.