NASSAU, The Bahamas – Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, said the unveiling of “See How the Main Sail Sets” will ensure that the citizens of the new millenium understand and have an appreciation for how the nation’s iconic sailing event, Regatta, began and how it evolved to become what it is today.

“The documentary film we have gathered here tonight to view will create a place in our country’s historical record for an event that has contributed greatly to the economy of Exuma and shaped the identity of the Exuma island chain as the sailing capital of the world,” said DPM Cooper.

He addressed the premiere showing of the film, a detailed documentary that highlights the history of the National Family Island Regatta and explores the legacy of sailing and boatbuilding in The Bahamas, January 18, 2023 at Fusion Superplex.

The launch was held under the patronage of the Hon. Clay Sweeting, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs. Attendees included Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith; cabinet ministers, government officials, representatives of the Regatta Desk, sailors, boat owners, Commodore Danny Strachan and members of the National Family Island Regatta Committee.

On behalf of Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, DPM Cooper officially recognized the outstanding leadership of the National Family Island Regatta Committee headed by Chairman Commodore Strachan.

He said, “The documentary film we are about to view this evening is a  testament to the visionary leadership of Chairman Strachan and his committee members, who had the foresight to commission a 90-minute film to document the history and development of our country’s oldest and most significant sailing event.

“Without the historical record, the passage of time blurs the details of the past. We owe the generation coming after us an explanation of the origins of key events in the life of our country.”

Minister Sweeting endorsed the film and outlined the context in which the National Family Island Regatta evolved and the role it has come to play in the development of Exuma and The Bahamas.

He said, “This documentary is the beginning of the creation of a library of digitized and written information which will be a comprehensive resource for today’s enthusiasts and generations to come.

“We must make this documentary and other information readily accessible to the Bahamian public. The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs is proud to patronize this masterpiece that we know will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.”

He extended thanks to the organizers of the event including the producers, the National Family Island Regatta Committee, the Regatta Desk, the nation’s sailors, boat owners and others intricately involved in sloop sailing in The Bahamas.

The film was produced by Charlie Smith, director; Fred Munnings and Nadir Hasan, executive producers; written by Christopher Curry, and narrated by Philip Smith, former High Commissioner to Canada.  Ronald Simms served as the co-supervisor of music.

Scenes from the debut of "See How the Main Sail Sets" at Fusion Superplex, January 18, 2023.  

 (BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)