After months of competition, the winner of the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup was announced at the conclusion of the 54th Long Island Regatta, held in Salt Pond June 5-8th.
Despite the gray clouds during the festivities, the Susan Chase shined through and claimed their victory.
The second annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup season, which began last year at the Best of the Best Regatta held in Nassau, observed the skill and speed of each B-Class sloop throughout the sailing season.
The sailing competition brought on by Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, measures the performance of various sailing sloops across the Best of the Best Regatta, National Family Island Regatta and Long Island Regatta. During the final leg of competition, at the Long Island Regatta, the team with the most points across the three major events is crowned the winner.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Director of CBC said through the desire to further enhance the legacy of Bahamas Goombay Punch, a Coca-Cola heritage brand, culture was prioritized in creating the Goombay Punch Cup.
“We sought to create a meaningful partnership that would benefit Bahamians while celebrating our unique traditions. After careful consideration, the Regatta emerged as the ideal match. Its rich history and the knowledge passed down from generation to generation demonstrates a strong connection between seasoned sailors and our youth from boat building to junior sailing clubs across our islands.” Wells-Ligaris shared.
Despite stiff competition, Susan Chase rose on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup leaderboard during the second round of competition at the recent National Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma. As they enjoyed the lead, they were determined to carry their winning streak straight through the finale in Long Island to capture the crown.
Stefan Knowles, Captain of Susan Chase spoke on winning and his team’s overall experience this sailing season.
“It was very exciting winning. As you know we won all three rounds of the Goombay Punch Cup, but it came with tight competition from Lonesome Dove,” he said.
“They also came second at each Regatta and definitely pushed us. They are great contenders but overall it has been a lot of fun.” Knowles continued.
“And of course, it was great to keep the Goombay Punch Cup crown in Long Island once again after New Legend won it last year. It speaks to the talent we have in Long Island.” he concluded.
Although bragging rights hold a weight of their own, the winner of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is awarded a five-thousand-dollar cash prize, and in addition to this, the junior sailing club of their respective island receives an eight-thousand-dollar stipend to assist with advancing the sport for future generations.
Wells-Lisgaris hopes that, with time, the competition will motivate future competitors and spectators alike, ultimately attracting more visitors to our beautiful islands.
“Through our partnership and support, we aim to enhance the cultural heritage and traditions associated with Regatta sailing. We envision the competition continuing to grow with the sport while inspiring future generations of sailors, ensuring the preservation and progression of these important skills and traditions.” she shared.
Bahamas Goombay Punch, a proud sponsor of the Long Island Regatta, aided in the enjoyment of hundreds of Bahamians and sailing enthusiasts as they flocked to Salt Pond, Long Island over four days to soak in the excitement, both on the sea and shore at the Regatta grounds.
Between the live entertainment and multitude of delicious Bahamian food sold by vendors, the 2024 Long Island Regatta catered to everyone’s needs, making it a success once again.
