Since the first race held in April 1954, the National
Family Island Regatta has grown in size and
popularity. Today, although the race remains the main
attraction, visitors are invited to participate in the
countless onshore activities.

During the first Exuma race, about 70 Bahamian
schooners, dinghies and sloops assembled in Elizabeth
Harbour for the three-day racing event. Unlike the
boats you see today, the first sailors in 1954 raced
in the same boats they used to earn their livelihood.

These working vessels were fast, but sailors realized
they would stand a better chance of winning the prize
money if they had even faster boats. This competitive
spirit led many sailors to enter the race with boats
crafted for speed in the second year of competition.

"One of the early aims of the regatta was to help
preserve the boat-building skills of Bahamians," says
Strachan, "but with the prize money as an allure,
Bahamian sailors are still motivated to keep up this
tradition."

Today, this regatta draws top-notch racing boats from
virtually every island in The Bahamas, all of which
are categorized under one of five classes, A through
E. This year 60 boats are expected to compete.

"The National Family Island Regatta is about
competition and excellence," says Strachan. "In this
race sailors are set against one another in an extreme
competition that tests skill and endurance. It's just
something that you have to see."

For more information call the George Town Local
Government office at 336-2166.

NATIONAL FAMILY ISLAND REGATTA

How to get there

WHERE TO STAY:

RACING SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Apr. 22: National Junior Championships

9:00 a.m. - Half Hour Gun

9:29 a.m. - Warning Gun

9:30 a.m. - Starting Gun

Wednesday, Apr. 23 Class "C" Commodore Emeritus Cup
Race

9:00 a.m. - Half Hour Gun

9:29 a.m. - Warning Gun

9:30 a.m. - Starting Gun

Class "B" Governor General's Cup Race

12:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

12:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

12:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

Class "A" Prime Minister's Cup Race

3:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

3:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

3:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

5:00 p.m. registration of all boats (community center)

Thursday, Apr. 24 - First series race all dinghy
classes

9:00 a.m. - Half Hour Gun

9:29 a.m. - Warning Gun

9:30 a.m. - Starting Gun

First series race for class "B"

12:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

12:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

12:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

First series race for class "A"

3:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

3:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

3:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

Friday, Apr. 25 - Second series race all dinghy
classes

9:00 a.m. - Half Hour Gun

9:29 a.m. - Warning Gun

9:30 a.m. - Starting Gun

Second series race for class "B"

12:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

12:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

12:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

Second series race for class "A"

3:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

3:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

3:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

Saturday, Apr. 26 - Final series all dinghy classes

9:00 a.m. - Half Hour Gun

9:29 a.m. - Warning Gun

9:30 a.m. - Starting Gun

Final series race for class "B"

Noon - half Hour Gun

12:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

12:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

Final series race for class "A"

3:00 p.m. - Half Hour Gun

3:29 p.m. - Warning Gun

3:30 p.m. - Starting Gun

EVENT SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Apr. 22

4:00 p.m. – Skipper's meeting and registration at
Community Centre

8:00 p.m. - Church service/opening ceremony at Regatta
Park

Wednesday Apr. 23

10:00 a.m. – Official opening of Yuma Arts Exhibition

10:30 a.m. - Yuma Art Exhibition at Magistrate's Court
Bldg.

6:00 p.m. - Skipper's party at Community Centre

Thursday Apr. 24

10:00 a.m. - Yuma Art Exhibition at Magistrate's Court
Bldg.

6:00 p.m.- Cultural Show at Administrator's yard
(local talent)

7:30 p.m. – Miss Exuma Beauty Pageant at Community
Centre

Friday, Apr. 25

10:00 a.m. - Yuma Art Exhibition at Magistrate's Court
building

5:30 p.m. - Regatta fashion show at Peace & Plenty
poolside

7:00 p.m. - Junkanoo rush-out in honor of Rollie Gray

9:00 p.m. - Concert at Regatta Park

Saturday, Apr. 28

10:00 a.m. - Yuma Art Exhibition at Magistrate Court
building

noon – Domino tournament, pavilion at Regatta Shack

4:00 p.m. - Cultural explosion featuring Exuma Police
Youth Band and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching
Band at Regatta Park

8:30 p.m. -Closing ceremony at administrator's
compound