One of the Caribbean’s most legendary regattas has made its triumphant return in The Bahamas. 

The National Family Island Regatta, which had been held annually in Exuma before the onset of the pandemic, returned this weekend to the heart of George Town. 

It was part of a broader relaunch fo festivals by The Bahamas. 

“There is no nation in the world more suitable for sailing competition and these marvelous events,” said Clay Sweeting, The Bahamas’ Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs. “Regattas are responsible for the birth of many businesses including boatbuilding, sailmaking, fisheries, straw work, T-shirt manufacturing, culinary arts, music, folk arts, entrepreneurship, transportation and hospitality and tourism.”

This year’s Exuma Regatta began Thursday with races for three straight days in Elizabeth Harbour near George Town, with a focus on traditional Bahamian sloop sailing. 

Hundreds of sailors in dozens of vessels competed for prize money and the “glory of the win,” said Danny Strachan, chairman and commodore of the National Family Island Regatta Committee. 

It’s been a big year for regattas in the Caribbean, with many of the region’s top sailing festivals having made their return. 

And it’s even bigger for Exuma, whose breathtaking waters once again host the country’s greatest sailors.