The spirit of Bahamian sailing was on full display last weekend as the 69th Annual National Family Island Regatta took over Elizabeth Harbour in Exuma. Among the fierce competitors in the Super Sea Marine A Class 1st Series Race was New Legend, proudly representing Long Island and carrying the HG Christie logo along her hull.

Although New Legend faced tough competition this year, the team fought valiantly in a series of close, hard-fought races. With their sights now set on the upcoming Long Island Regatta in June and the Best of the Best Regatta later this year, excitement is building for what’s to come.

Emile Knowles, captain of New Legend, says the team is eager for the upcoming Long Island Regatta. “We bring on a young crew for every regatta,” he explained, “and we’re always looking to improve, especially as the competition gets stiffer with boat upgrades happening all the time.” For Knowles, the sport is personal – his grandfather was a traditional sloop builder, making this more than a race; it’s a living legacy.

HG Christie, The Bahamas’ largest and oldest real estate firm, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the national sport of sailing and preserving the country’s rich maritime heritage. Through sponsorships like these, the firm celebrates not only the competitive spirit of regattas but also their vital impact on local communities.

“We are proud to continue our support of Bahamian regattas across the islands,” said John Christie, President and Managing Broker of HG Christie. “Sailing is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of The Bahamas, and we believe in championing traditions that bring communities together and showcase the unique lifestyle our islands offer.”

HG Christie’s connection to sailing runs deep, with members of its team embracing the sport both professionally and personally. Realtor and avid sailor Dwayne Wallas, based in Abaco, also took to the waters during the Exuma regatta, competing independently and representing the spirit of the islands.

Wallas crewed for Lonesome Dove, a 21-foot B class sloop that ultimately took first place in its division, he also crewed aboard Shroud in the C class, helping the 17-foot Bahamian sloop secure her first piece of hardware with a proud 5th place finish. Perhaps most meaningful of all, Wallas shared the experience with his daughter Clara, who skippered the E class sloop Bluebird and then joined the crew of the crowd-favorite It Ain’t Right in the C class. “Clara and the crew sailed really well for their first time in this boat class and Regatta,” Wallas said. “I love this sport. It’s something I’ve passed down to her, and now we get to enjoy it together.”

“Sailing is my passion; being a realtor with HG Christie just helps fund it,” Wallas added with a laugh. “Events like the Exuma regatta offer incredible exposure to the beauty of The Bahamas and provide a major economic boost to the local communities. Every house, car, and boat is rented, and every hotel room is filled. It’s a powerful reminder of why so many people want to live here.”

Excitement is already building for the next major event—the Regattas in the Abacos, taking place from June 22 to 29, 2025. HG Christie will proudly serve as a Gold Sponsor of this premier eight-day sailing event, which kicks off at Green Turtle Cay and cruises through some of the most picturesque locations in the Abacos, including Great Guana Cay, Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay, and Little Harbour.

Participants will compete in four race classes: multihull, spinnaker, non-spinnaker, and the fun-loving “Mother Tub” class—designed for heavier cruising sailboats. With handcrafted bronze trophies for each class, nightly island parties, and unforgettable scenery, the Regattas in the Abacos offer something for everyone, from seasoned sailors to casual cruisers and spectators. It’s not just a race—it’s a full celebration of Bahamian sailing culture, and HG Christie is thrilled to support such a vibrant and meaningful event.

The team at HG Christie, made up of true Bahamian lifestyle ambassadors, remains perfectly poised to share the excitement, beauty, and culture of island life with their clients. As the sailing season continues, HG Christie looks forward to supporting New Legend, local sailors like the Wallas family, the Regatta in Abaco and the vibrant regatta community across The Bahamas.

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