In the Bahamas today 18 (eighteen) sponsored Government Regattas take place each year. Regattas take place on most major Islands and cays throughout the archipelago. Regatta Season begins in January with the 'All for One' Regatta in Nassau and ends in October with the North Eleuthera Regatta in Harbour Island.

The sloops participating in regattas are divided into various classes based on the size of the boats. In official races the ‘A’ class sloops accommodates 15 persons, the “B” Class sloops accommodates nine (9) persons and the Class “C” sloops accommodates (5) persons. In order for a regatta to be considered a major regatta it must include sloops from all of the classes (A,B,& C classes). The National Family Island and Long Island Regattas are the only regattas at which D and E class sloops participate.

The Department of Youth & Sports wherever possible assists with the costs of hosting Regattas. All committees needing funds from the Ministry must submit a request letter accompanied by a complete budget. The request letter should be delivered to the Ministry thirty (30) days prior to the event taking place.

Regattas are fast becoming one of the most anticipated events on the Family Islands. Regattas provide the various Bahama Islands with a much needed economic boost. During regatta season hotels are full, rental cars are sold out, restaurants have a brisk business and airlines and boats are fully booked