In preparation for the 60th National Family Island Regatta, a local sailing icon christened a new sloop before it sets sails in Georgetown, Exuma, next weekend.
King Eric Gibson unveiled the “repaired, re-painted and re-sponsored” Palm Cay Princess during a special ceremony at Arawak Cay.
The “A” Class sloop will set sale in the fleet that will battle for bragging rights in Exuma, and Gibson assured that his ship is ready.
“Sailing in the Palm Cay Princess, I can tell you one thing for sure, they will all see me coming. We have a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude in this boat and second place is not an option for us, especially coming up at this regatta,” he said. “I promised my sponsors a winner and that’s what I’m going to deliver, first place for the Palm Cay Princess. We tested her out a few times in the other events, but now we are ready to go and you will not want to miss this one. I aim to win, I will win – the ‘Palm Cay Princess’ can take on all comers.”
Serena Williams, who Gibson called the godmother of the Palm Cay Princess, called it an honour to assist Gibson in his regatta preparation.
This year’s National Family Island Regatta will coincide with the country’s 40th anniversary of Independence, and the 120th anniversary of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, which traditionally performs at the regatta site.
[Editor’s note: King Eric was recently photographed for The Bahamian Project. The Bahamian Project exhibition will open July 11, 2013 at The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas at which time 40 photos of Bahamians will be unveiled for the first time.]
