The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

KING Eric Gibson said any support they can get for sailing is better than nothing at all.

On Friday at Bahama Grill, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government V Alfred Gray presented Gibson with a cheque for $2,000 to assist with the staging of the A Class regatta in Montagu Beach November 30 to December 1.

“I’m very, very proud...things are tough,” Gibson said. “But the minister has ensured that $2,000 has been raised. I think that’s very good. He deserves all the praise in the world. I promise him that we will not disappoint.”

“I’m so happy that the minister has joined in this event. As you know, the A Class has been having problems all year. Most of the regattas have been cut down from A to B and C. We haven’t been giving the A Class much sailing. So I thought it’s fitting to have them sailing out there at the end of the month.”

Gray, who is responsible for regattas in the country, said he was delighted to be in attendance to throw their support behind the efforts of Gibson, the legendary sailing icon.

“On November 30 and December 1, we will all be in Montagu Bay where we will have for the first time in a long time, only A Class sailing,” Gray said. “I would like for all of the boat owners who have not yet registered to do so without delay. The monies are ready. I’ve come to make a presentation to the King on this special occasion. King Eric we are delighted to support you. I bring you greetings on behalf of our government and the prime minister and I congratulate you for all you have done so far.”

Gibson, who along with Rev Dr Philip McPhee is organising the event, also went on record as saying that his Palm Cay Queen will emerge as the champion.

“My captain is here and I already put him on notice. Either he brings in a first or I will get another captain,” Gibson said. “We will see.”

Stephano Kemp said he’s looking forward to fulfilling the mission that he has been charged with.

“My chief in commander has already told me that we need a first, so it’s going to happen,” he said. “I ask that all boats who are participating, you can now come and pick up the second and third place trophies because first place is going to Palm Cay.”

Jermaine Adderley, representing the Red Stripe, objected to the comments. “I accept your challenge, but I think you better pick up your second place because first place belongs to us.”

Joseph Brown, the owner of the Ed Sky, said he’s just honoured to be able to have his boat sail in the regatta. “We all know that King Eric has done well for sailing in this country and he continues to let his light shine in sailing,” Brown sad. “I continue to tell him, I will see him when he reaches in because he will be so far behind. The cup is mine. I will take it.”

With seven boats participating, McPhee said the competition has Red Stripe, Southern Cross, Ed Sky, Palm Cay Queen, Good News, Courageous and Who Dat to provide some excitement.

“It’s certainly an opportunity for the guys who have been sitting on the fence for some time to get back and get in shape,” McPhee said.

“Next year, our minister has made it clear that next year sailing will be done on a regular basis.

“We’re going to bring back sailing in Nassau in Montagu Bay, probably on every month where after church every Sunday where we will sail. My Thunderbird will be back in the water. We will bring sailing back in a meaningful way and we owe a great deal to our minister for allowing us to bring sailing back.”

Although the Sweet Island Gal is not an A Class boat and will not be participating, Treco said she’s just delighted to be able to support Gibson in the venture.

“I have to commend King Eric, who is synonymous with sailing. It’s nothing like sailing. I wish we can have sailing every week in the Bahamas because I love sailing,” Treco said. “Sailing is us. That’s our culture.”

Cora Wright, who is in charge of the on-shore activities, said they’re looking forward to having some tasty fish, chicken and rib dinners, all provided by Bahama Grill.

“If you don’t understand sailing, just come for the food,” she said.

Bahama Grill, the Caribbean Bottling Company Limited (Coca-Cola) and Craig Flowers are among the major sponsors for the three-race series this weekend.