The Bahamian sailing icons during a taping for the JCN television Sports Forum show expressed delight that The Bahamas is the location for such a quality sailing event.
"This is tremendous. The best 5.5 metre sailors will be here for the series. Craig and I will be competing. The only regret is that both of us will have to sail with foreign helmsmen. But, it is good to have the event here. It gives The Bahamas a high profile," said McKinney.
Symonette, a brother of the late 5.5 metre legend Bobby Symonette, is equally excited. He recalled his years in school in England when his older brother would have him transport his boat, the famed John B, to different competition areas.
"Yes this is an exciting time. I'm proud that we are able to host this event. There is a lot of excitement in the country now about international sailing. We have a lot of youngsters in the Optimist programme. They will eventually graduate to other international classes. I expect that the competition will be great and I really think Gavin can win the Gold Cup," said Symonette.
The Scandinavian Gold Cup will be the first of the series, running from March 2nd to March 6th. The Bahamas Nationals/Duke of Edinburgh Cup series is scheduled March 5-6 and the World Championships will close out the sailing extravaganza March 9-14.
The 5.5 metre regatta series is highly regarded by the Government of The Bahamas. At the recent official announcement of the event, both the Ministries of Sports and Tourism presented cheques to Regatta Chairman John Lawrence. Hon. Byran Woodside, Minister of State for Youth and Sports and Hon. Branville McCartney, Minister of State for Tourism and Aviation did the honours.
According to Lawrence in a recent Bahamas Information Services release, teams from Great Britain, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and the Netherlands will be participating, in hopes of carting off the top awards.
It is anticipated that McKinney and Symonette will keep the Bahamian tradition alive. Bobby Symonette was an international champion several times and is considered one of the prime catalysts for the 5.5 metre regatta. In the last three decades and more so over the last 10 years, McKinney and younger brother Craig who understudied the great Bobby Symonette have done quite well and are both highly respected within the international fraternity.
The actual competition will take place over a course of about five nautical miles in the waters east of Montague Bay.
- Austin DWI - New York DWI