NFI Regatta 2024 - onward together

The National Family Island Regatta (NFIR) is an anticipated annual event that brings together the communities of Exuma along with national and international visitors, for a week of sloop sailing competition. The NIFR is the highest level of sloop racing throughout The Bahamas and arguably the largest Bahamian cultural event of the year. This year, over 6,000 people are expected to attend the regatta festivities in Elizabeth Harbour for the 68th edition of the NFIR, under the theme: Onward Together, Sailing: Our National Sport.

Festivalgoers will look forward to experiencing onshore cultural activities including music concerts headlined by top Bahamian performing artists, a fashion show, a beauty pageant, traditional games, art & craft exhibitions, and sample a taste of some of The Bahamas’ best dishes. Elizabeth Harbour will be host to over 80 sailing sloops, ranging in size from 28ft to 12ft (class A to E), from throughout The Bahamas, to race for the title of Best of the Best.

In 2023, the Bahamas Government officially declared sailing the national sport of The Bahamas, and this will be the first National Family Island Regatta to be held since sailing became the National Sport. 

The National Family Island Regatta is the perfect blend of competitive sports and the unique culture of The Bahamas. While many people travel to Exuma at the end of April to take part in the great food and entertainment in George Town, there are also the faithful sailing fans who attend specifically to watch the 4 classes of sloops race in beautiful Elizabeth Harbour. 

The task of a successful National Family Island Regatta is made possible only with the help and support of so many faithful sponsors both locally in Exuma and Nationally, and of course the continued dedicated support of the Government of The Bahamas. Every year the Ministry responsible for Regattas and Family Island Affairs, which is currently the Ministry Of Works, picks up a substantial portion of the budget. This along with the Ministry of Tourism and private sponsorships from corporate Bahamas and philanthropic individuals helps to reach the budget for this massive event, a budget which now soars over $500,000 every year.

This event is seen worldwide and captures the interest of sailing purists throughout the world. In a world where the sport of sailing is becoming more and more advanced to the point of being almost unrecognizable as sailing in some instances, the sight of wooden hand-made boats with canvas sails and no electronic instruments assisting the sailors is a breath of fresh air to sailing enthusiasts around the world. 

The National Family Island Regatta is the longest-running sailing regatta in The Bahamas and still proudly holds the record as the most attended of all the sailing regattas throughout the islands. It is one of those authentically Bahamian events that’s part of the reason so many visitors conclude that It’s Better in The Bahamas.

A special thanks to all of the donors who contribute to making the NIF Regatta successful each and every year. If you’d like to donate, please visit our donors page. We look forward to seeing you in George Town April 23-27th, 2024.

Thanks to Commodore Dallas Knowles for providing this information