The Tribune

BUILDER and sculling crafter Sheldon Gibson captured the second annual St Valentine’s Day Massacre Regatta sculling championship on Sunday in Nassau.

Mr Gibson not only teaches others to sail but actually built the sculling crafts for the owner of the Bahamian Brewery.

He was commissioned by the company’s President James ‘Jimmy’ Sands to build the four E class boats – Sands, Sands Light, High Rock and Strong Back in order for Sands to help revitalise the sport of sculling, which he used to participate in as a child in his native Eleuthera.

Mr Gibson won his heat, then took on other heat winners Kevin Deveaux and Stephen Rolle to capture the championship title on Montagu Beach.

The Anatol Rodgers High School teacher said: “Sculling is one of the things that made us who we are as a people.

“Back in the day, we went into the boats and had to scull to get from one island to the next, so we want to see if we can get more people involved in the reviving this cultural sport.”

Lynden Johnson, marketing manager at Bahamian Brewery, was thrilled with the turnout for the event.

“We really feel that sculling is catching people’s attention. This is the second year that we have held sculling races at this event and it’s great to see the crowd really cheering and supporting their favourite boat and sculler.”

The Sands team will now focus on travelling to Eleuthera for their next sculling event over the Easter holiday weekend.

“Last year we worked with each Regatta committee and showcased our sculling fleet,” said Mr Johnson. “This year they are excited to have us return and have our races. Each island’s winner will travel at the end of the year to Grand Bahama for our championships.”