The Tribune

THE upcoming Diamond Jubilee Cat Island Regatta will feature the top recording artists in the country. The regatta is scheduled for Friday, July 29 to Monday, August 1 in New Bight, Cat Island.

This year, patrons will be entertained by D Mac, Geno D, Veronica Bishop, Funky D, Lassie Doh Boys, Anderson and Bo Hog & the Rooters. Top recording band the Falcons will be the house band.

Godfrey Kelly, co-founder of the regatta, will be this year's honouree. The first regatta was held in 1956 in Knowles.

“Godfrey Kelly has been a pillar of strength for our regatta for the past 60 years,” said Pat Strachan, president of the Cat Island Sailing Club.

“It is greatly in part because of him along with the late Harold G Christie that we've come this far. We will give him the recognition he truly deserves. I encourage regatta-goers to make reservations with Sky Bahamas or Fast Ferries and reserve a hotel room as early as possible. “The island is anticipating the economic boom. Also, proceeds from the last two regattas and financial assistance from BTC has helped us to award eight scholarships for Cat Islanders to attend BTVI. We plan to continue the same with proceeds from the upcoming regatta. So, we need thousands of people in New Bight.”

Maxwell Burrows, race committee chairman, has promised to bring the top A, B and C class sailing sloops to Cat Island. “This year, we will have the most exciting races in the history of our regatta,” Burrows said. “Our honouree Godfrey Kelly will be present for the races. And we have promised him an exciting event.”