During the winter, at various times and on various islands, the Bahamians host parties and race little sailboats. The Class C boats (~25 feet long), patterned on traditional Bahamian work sloops, are handmade, wooden, and cat-rigged (meaning the sail mast is close to the front). The excitement built around Black Point last week as race day approached. Friday morning was fairly grey. We even captured this image of a water spout out on the Exuma Bank.
The wind prevented some of the sloops from nearby towns from making the trip to Black Point on the supply boat, however, the afternoon cleared, and we had front row seats as three local sloops began to practice, ducking in and out of the boats anchored in the harbor.
Mid-afternoon, Lady Eunice, Raging Bull and Patton Pride took their places at the buoy marking the outer starting line. They all have to be anchored, with sail down, before the start. Each boat holds a team of five guys ready to race.
When the official blows the horn, the teams pull the anchors, 
quickly hoist the sails 
and catch the wind. 
Then they’re off! Racing through the anchorage in the harbor! 
In each of the three races, the teams used different tactics 
These two got hung up while trying to cut around a big catamaran
The race official was all smiles. Maybe because after the race there was a wonderful party. Free food and beer for all! We enjoyed talking to the folks and trying conch salad for the first time. Yum!
Party aside, life goes on – the supply/mail boat made another visit, allowing us to secure some fresh produce and a few staples. And then, as the latest cold front made its arrival, the anchorage kicked up, so it was time to retrieve the Lil Filly (dinghy!)
She’s gonna end up with Popeye arms. 😉
Our Travels 
Glad you’re finding something to eat out there, wouldn’t want you succumbing to scurvy or resorting to cannibalism on your maiden voyage. And a boat race seems like a lovely way to while away an afternoon.
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It was easy to get caught up in the thrill of the race. To the victor go the spoils: Bragging rights for the boat builders, and, in our case, “We scored eggs and lettuce! Yes!” 🙂
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