Sailing to New Heights: How the 2025 Best of the Best Regatta Made Waves

The 2025 Best of the Best Regatta surged across the waters of Nassau like never before, cementing its place as one of the most electrifying and culturally rich regattas in the region.

This year’s edition held from December 4th to 7th at Montagu Bay, didn’t just raise the bar, it shattered records. With over 90 Bahamian sailing sloops competing across the iconic A, B, C and E classes, the regatta become the largest in history.

What also set 2025 apart was not sheer scale, it was the unmistakable energy. From seasoned captains and rising stars to sponsors and thousands of spectators, the Best of the Best Regatta reaffirmed that it is an undeniably powerful celebration of Bahamian culture and showcases our mastery on the waters.

Acting Director of Local Government Donald Rolle, who heads the event, agreed with that sentiment. “This year marks our largest regatta yet, a gathering that not only showcases world class sailing but celebrates the beating heart of our maritime heritage,” he said.

“We honor the traditions that are passed down from generation to generation – our craftmanship, our courage and our deep connection to the sea. This regatta is more than boats and races. It is a celebration of our culture, our music, our food and the spirit that unites our islands. From north to south, we come together on these waters not just for keen competition but to strengthen friendships and build new ones.” Montagu Bay radiated with anticipation as the C-Class kicked off the weekend, showcasing tight races and bold maneuvers from the smallest but fiercest sloops. The winner of that class was the boat The Whitty K.

The B-Class was won by the Lonesome Dove, and the A-Class was won by the New Legend. All winning boats came out of Long Island with Photo Credit – Patrick Hanna BIS the exception the winner of the E-Class, Miss Agnes, a junior boat that came out of Exuma.

Sailing became the national sport of The Bahamas in 2023. Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting remarked that since then, the sport has grown tremendously.

“Over the last five years sailing has experienced a remarkable evolution in our country. We have seen an explosion of interest and participation from islands that were not traditionally involved in sloop sailing like the Sugar Loaf from Eleuthera. But all of these boats are participating from islands, and they do so with confidence and pride,” he said.

More than 10 schools throughout the Family Islands and New Providence participated in this year’s Best of the Best. This translated to a total of 42 boats in the junior division.

“The movement is growing and this regatta stands as proof. But the biggest sign of evolution is the school-aged children who are no longer just participating in the annual Sir Durward Knowles Junior Sailing Competition, but who wait all year to participate here, shoulder to shoulder with veteran sailors, representing this sport,” Minister Sweeting said.

“Let us remember that this is more than a competition, it is a legacy, it is heritage and most of all, it is our shared love for the sea.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper also noted that the youth’s participation bolstered the event’s success.

“I congratulate the Regatta Desk for engaging the young sailors. It truly warms my heart to be a part of this progress,” he said. As the sails came down and Montagu Bay returned to calm, the 2025 Best of the Best Regatta left an unforgettable mark on Bahamian sporting history. The recordbreaking weekend proved that when tradition, talent and national pride meet on open water, extraordinary moments follow. With 90 boats now setting the benchmark, the regatta’s momentum is unmistakable and it is steering Bahamian sailing toward an even brighter, bolder horizon. The legacy built this year is only the beginning of the best that’s yet to come. Photo Credit – Patrick Hanna, BIS