The Tribune

ON July 29, Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company, makers of Sands Beer, held their first E Class regatta and “Man in the Boat” sculling race at Fort Montagu, Nassau.

The regatta was a celebration of sailing and the art of sculling, and also paid homage to the Sheldon Gibson Summer Youth Programme which teaches young Bahamians to make 12-foot E Class boats by hand, from wood found in local forests.

The crafts is being kept alive by many of those involved in the programme.

During a cheque presentation to Mr Gibson, James “Jimmy” Sands said: “We are very happy to be a part of Mr Gibson’s summer programme and we are equally proud to support a Bahamian tradition like boat building that has been a lost art for some time.”

Eight sailing boats participated in the lively regatta, including: Sands, Sands Light, Strong Back, High Rock, One Bahamas 7, One Bahamas 1, Old Faithful and Vise Belle.

The sculling races featured men who were new to the sport as well as experienced participants who demonstrated the various ways to scull a boat to the audience who lined the seashore.

Winners of the sailing competition were: Lloyd Sands, first; Rupert Knowles, second; Corey Knowles, third.

Winners of the sculling competition were: Clayton Bain, first; Stephen Rolle, second; David Rolle, third.