It’s Valentine’s Day with a flurry of sailing activity set for Saturday, February 18 on Montagu Bay spearheaded by Eleazor Johnson and the Bahamas Sloop Association. And once again, the Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) junior sailors will be on parade with the ‘big boys’ showing off their sailing skills. These are kids from the ages of 8 to 15 who come from a variety of social backgrounds with just one thing in mind – SAILING.
“The youngsters will be racing around a very short but fun course close to the Montagu Beach shore,” said sailing coach Robert Dunkley. “The event promises to be interesting and fun for spectators to view and helps bring awareness to the fact that their kids could be out there on the water taking part in the racing. ”
The beginner fleet, known as Green Fleet will be racing in the morning, with the more advanced Silver and Gold Fleets racing in the afternoon.
“Three of our sailors who have earned the right to represent The Bahamas at the Optimist World Championships in the Dominica Republic later this year will be on Montagu Bay showing off their skills,” said Dunkley. Spencer Cartwright, Paul de Souza and Alande Forbes, all 12, will participate with over 200 other sailors from around the world.
“They are training hard and sailing well,” said Dunkley, who said both events help showcase the sailing talent at the junior level throughout The Bahamas under the guidance and support of BSA. “We hope there will be a great turn-out for people cheering for the juniors as they test their mettle against the big guys in native sloops.”
