53rd Annual L.I. Regatta Underway

SALT POND, LONG ISLAND – Thousands expected to descend on long island over the next few days as the 53rd annual Long Island Regatta is underway. Islanders looking forward to significant economic returns. It’s the second largest regatta and it follows the recent return of the sporting and cultural event, which kicked off in Exuma in April.

Kendeno Knowles is in Salt Pond tonight and files this report following a long day out on the seas.

Long Islander’s Association Committee member and former Member of Parliament Larry Cartwright is excited for the return of the islands annual Regatta.

Low winds causing a late start for races including the Aliv Cup but once winds grew stronger, sloops were in line waiting for the sound of the starting gun.

Tarven Rolle out of Black Point Exuma among the winning team of sailors on sloop Slaughter in the second Aliv Cup C-Class race.

The return of the regatta comes following a two-year hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The island also previously hard hit by hurricane Joaquin in 2015.

But islanders and vendors, some of whom have returned home for the event, agree with Cartwright, saying the return of regattas will bring a much-needed economic boost for this community of resilient people.

Dominic Petty is Aliv’s General Manager of Family Islands and he says the company’s sponsorship helps to do just that.