ALL ABACO REGATTA
(Press Release)

The All Abaco Regatta Committee is being chaired for a second year by Island Administrator Everette Hart. Chief Councillors Joseph Norris (North), Mike Malone (Central) and Benjamin Pinder (South) have all agreed to serve as deputy chairpersons. Newly-appointed Senior Deputy Administrator Chrisfield Johnson also serves on the committee. Police Corporal Hubert Smith will again perform as commodore, a task he executed with distinction last year, and Hugh Cottis will once again serve as race coordinator.

Participation from the skippers and sailing associations has been overwhelming. This year's roster is expected to surpass last year's entry of over 20 boats. The Governor-General and Prime Minister's Cup races are expected to be the highlights of this year's sailing. Prize/take home money will remain as solid as the 1997 purse. Already, hotels are boasting of high occupancy bookings for this period and it is anticipated that by month's end 95% of all bookings would have been confirmed.

A jet from Bahamasair will airlift passengers from Nassau and Freeport. private charter companies are also scheduling special runs for this year's 'battle of the giants'. Abaconians are gearing up for the greatest sailing event in recent times.

The second All Abaco Regatta promises to be one of organisation, class and style. The 1998 Regatta has been dubbed: "Abaco Regatta - a Tribute to the Legends". Regatta '98 is scheduled for 29th October - 1st November in the picturesque waters of the harbour between the Treasure Cay ferry dock and Green Turtle Cay, North Abaco. Abaco extends a warm invitation to all its visitors, homeboys, homegirls and well-wishers to join the community in its final celebrations of our country's Jubilee Year of Independence.

A number of activities have been planned. As Bahamians commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Independence, so will the committee, with twenty-five stalls to serve native dishes during the breakfast, lunch and dinner hours. Stalls are expected to remain open throughout the day and on into the night. The special drink of the regatta will be the Abaco Legend Punch.

Entertainment will focus to a great extent on cultural shows. A fashion show is also planned as part of the onshore activities. A Junkanoo Rush-Out and Abaco theme skits will reflect the true art and culture of the people of these islands.