By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE House of Assembly passed a resolution yesterday naming sailing the national sport of The Bahamas.

Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting moved the resolution, expressing delight in what he said was a long-awaited announcement.

“I am so happy to be here to support this historic resolution to name sailing the national sport of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. This has been a long-awaited announcement by Bahamians far and wide,” Mr Sweeting said.

“We have witnessed its evolution, and it is a sport that has won the hearts of Bahamians and the millions of visitors to The Bahamas. It is a sport that subtly reminds us of who we are – a friendly, maritime people that continues to make waves internationally by sailing with vigour and grace – the underpinnings of the Bahamian spirit.”

“For centuries, Bahamians have been known as masters of the sea. From the Lucayans and Arawaks, swashbuckling pirates, quaint work boats to meticulously crafted sloop race boats, Bahamians have evolved the sport of sailing as it plays an integral part of our culture. Historians tell us that the first regatta was held in Rolleville, Exuma in 1943.”

Mr Sweeting said over the past decades, sailing has grown in strength and is now a “formidable” economic driver for the Family Islands.

He said there are currently 18 senior regattas held throughout The Bahamas and 17 junior sailing events that take place annually.

“There is no doubt that regattas are essential to the social, economic, and cultural development of our country,” he said.

The minister also acknowledged several sailing athletes, including Rolly Gray, Edgar Moxey, and others.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard, the former Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, seconded the resolution.