Photo: Dean Bethel and Nicholas Rolle sailing back from Opti practice
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- After returning from Laser Nationals in Nassau Nov 20-21st, the Grand Bahama Sailing Team headed state-side to New Orleans for the club's first international regatta. The Optimist Mid-Winters regatta, hosted by Southern Yacht Club, is one of the top racing events in the USA.
Currently, over 212 sailors from USA, Mexico, and now the Bahamas are registered. The Grand Bahama Sailing Club has never attended a regatta of this size, nonetheless with the expected level of international competition.
Alex Thompson, Nicholas Rolle and Dean Bethel represent the island of Grand Bahama with coach David Valentine. Long Island and Harbour Island also sent a number of junior sailors to bump up the number of Bahamian sailors to 9. Sailing takes place over the Thanksgiving holiday with racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The experience gained from this regatta will surely advance the next generation of Bahamian sailors to the next level.
The Grand Bahama Sailing Club has organized this multi-island effort to send these deserving sailors to New Orleans. If you are interested in learning more about the GBSC sailing program please visit the website at www.grandbahamasailingclub.org or contact the sailing director at david.valentine@grandbahamasailingclub.org.
