The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TO reward businessman Frank Hanna for coming on board as his new sponsor, Rev Dr Philip McPhee’s Thunderbird went out and won the South Andros Regatta over the weekend.

The new Frank Hanna WG Thunderbird split the two races held in the B Class competition with the Dragon. But by virtue of her performance, the Thunderbird, skippered by Efford Kemp, clinched the title with 12 points.

The Dragon, skippered by Jimmy Saunders, had to settle for second with 10. The Melba B, skippered by Edney Rolle, emerged in third place with 9. The Dream Girl, skippered by David Rolle, was fourth, the Lady Ruthnell, skippered by Jay Green, was fifth and the Revelation,skippered by Clay Moss, came in sixth place.

Dr McPhee, owner of the Thunderbird, which is dedicated to the memory of his late father Rev Dr WG McPhee, was previously sponsored by Asue Draw. But McPhee said when he approached Hanna, the colourful wearing businessman, there was no hesitation because of their long-time association.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for an Androsian to come to the aid of an Andros boat, especially in these tough economic times,” Dr McPhee said. “Sailing is a very expensive sport and through the generosity of sponsorship, boats are able to compete in all regattas.

“Failing that, many boats are not able to compete because it’s just too expensive to go to regattas without some type of financial support.

“So the McPhee family and indeed the Thunderbird is very appreciative to a true Bahamian in the person of Frank Hanna, who has contributed to just about every regatta in this country, both financially and with his colourful presence and we’re appreciative of his support.

“We were delighted to give him the winning trophy from the South Andros Regatta and to say thank you so much for coming to the aid of the Thunderbird, who might not have been able to compete, if not for his generosity and his kindness, so we say thank you to Frank Hanna and we hope that he can step up to the plate again so that we can go to Governor’s Harbour and to North Andros.”

Although the deal was just completed on Thursday, Dr McPhee said Hanna has been a long-time friend who has supported him in everything he does, including when he ventured into the political realm.

“He’s been like a father to me. He’s taught me how to drive a car when I was about 13-14 years old, so it’s been a tremendous and long relationship and I’m very gratified that I’m able to give him a trophy to put on his stand in honour of his contribution to me and to the Thunderbird.”

Hanna, known for his colourful clothing, said when Dr McPhee approached him, he couldn’t say no because “he doesn’t take no for an answer. So I told my daughter that I will have to help him out and I will sponsor the Thunderbird. Frank Hanna Company was proud to sponsor him.”

In South Andros, Hanna said he was pleased to see the performance of the Thunderbird and it showed why he came on board as its new sponsor.

“These sailing regattas bring a tremendous amount of economics to the islands,” Hanna said. “If it was not for these regattas, I don’t think these islands will survive. From regatta to regatta, these people are there whether it’s in Acklins, Long Island, Farmer’s Cay or Eleuthera.

“I hope that one day, the government will make sailing the national sports of the Bahamas. It costs a lot of money for the boats to compete and I will continue to make my contribution whenever I can. But I’m happy to be associated with my good friend, Dr Philip McPhee.”