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NASSAU,
The Bahamas – Minister of State for Tourism and
Aviation the Hon. Branville McCartney (right)
recently presenting 5.5 World Championship 2008
Regatta Chairman Mr. John Lawrence with a cheque
to defray costs of the event, which will take
place March 2-14, 2008, about five nautical
miles off the east end of New Providence. (BIS
photo: Derek Smith) |
(BIS) NASSAU, Bahamas, February 11, 2008: –
The Bahamas’ hosting of the 5.5 World Championship 2008
Regatta March 2-14 is another opportunity to showcase the
country’s world-class amenities and attractions to “a
discerning group of travelers,” Minister of State for
Tourism and Aviation the Hon. Branville McCartney said
recently.
“We are all well aware of the significant interest that this
event is generating and will continue engender among sailing
enthusiasts around the globe,” Minister McCartney said
during a press conference announcing the event.
“We intend to provide a warm, hospitable welcome to all
attending this event during the month of March and, of
course, whenever they may choose to our shores again.”
The event, presented by Lombard Odier Darrier Hentsch
Private Bank and Trust, is sponsored by the Ministry of
Tourism and Aviation; the Department of Sports in the
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture and other
private sector partners.
It will be sailed under the auspices of the Bahamas Sailing
Association and will be sailed off the east end of New
Providence, approximately five nautical miles from the Club.
The Scandinavian Gold Cup, the Bahamas Open Nationals Duke
of Edinburgh Cup and the World Championships will be the
three races making up the 5.5 World Championship Regatta
2008, which will be host by the Nassau Yacht Club.
Regatta Chairman John Lawrence said that among the three
races, the Scandinavian Gold Cup is slightly different in
that only one boat per country can register to participate.
“We will have a team from Great Britain, Finland, France,
Norway, Switzerland, Australia, the Netherlands and, of
course, The Bahamas vying for that trophy,” he said.
The Scandinavian Gold Cup is also one of the oldest sailing
trophies in the world, second only to the America’s Cup in
age.
Mr. Lawrence added that The Bahamas has had a “very long
history” in the 5.5 metre class.
“Over the years The Bahamas has won multiple 5.5 world
championships and also has won the Scandinavian Gold Cup
numerous times, as well,” Mr. Lawrence said. “We are hoping
to continue that very active tradition with The Bahamas
being successful in this class.”
“I think we have much to be proud of and we need to
advertise this and promote this more so that young people
could know what we are all about and what we are doing in
this type of sport,” Minister McCartney said of The Bahamas’
past accomplishments in this event.
According to information provided by the Regatta officials,
the 5.5 metre is “classic” 3-person keelboat of about 30
feet in length that is designed to a formula involving the
boat’s length, weight and sail area.
There is considerable scope for boat owners and designers to
make changes in their boat’s design, as long as they stay
within the 5.5 metre rule. This makes for boats that are
unique in their make up, even encompassing modern technology
in their design.
Minister McCartney pointed out that The Bahamas would be
fielding no less than three competing boats in the regatta
series, skippered by Messrs. Craig Symonette, Gavin McKinney
and Thierry Huguenin.
“Since two of them; Mr. McKinney and Mr. Symonette, both
hold medals in international sailing events in this class,
we no doubt anticipate an exciting regatta from this very
competitive field,” Minister McCartney added.
Minister of State for Youth and Sports the Hon. Byran
Woodside said it is a “welcomed regatta” to The Bahamas and
having hosted the event in 1992, it is appreciated that the
event returned.
“We are delighted to support this event and build upon The
Bahamas’ rich sailing tradition,” said Minister Woodside.
He added that The Bahamas is proud of its past international
sailing success – for example the Olympic Gold Medal in 1964
– as well as the indigenous sloop sailing, which plays an
important role in “our country’s sporting cultural
heritage.”
“We have great waters,” Minister Woodside said. “We have a
great sailing tradition and, so, The Bahamas is a most
appropriate place to host this international event.”
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