In a traditional maritime ceremony steeped in centuries of sailing history, British High Commissioner to The Bahamas Smita Rossetti has officially launched a new E-class sailing sloop, Catherine, at Nassau Yacht Club over the weekend. Following longstanding custom, Rossetti broke a bottle of champagne across the vessel’s bow to mark its entry into service, capping off a public christening event that also brought the top diplomat together with emerging young Bahamian sailors and their coaching staff.
Catherine is the first of two purpose-built sloops created through a collaborative initiative between the British High Commission and the Bahamas National Sailing School, designed exclusively to expand access to sailing for the country’s youth. The second vessel, named Independence, will join Catherine in serving young Bahamian competitors for years to come.
The launch of Catherine comes just one day ahead of the start of the much-anticipated annual Exuma regatta, where the new sloop will make its competitive debut under an entirely female crew. The event organizers note the project doubles down on efforts to celebrate and sustain The Bahamas’ deep-rooted maritime and sailing heritage, which relies on passing skills and passion to the next generation of seafarers.
The sloop draws its name from Catherine, Princess of Wales, an experienced sailor who has maintained a lifelong connection to the sport. Princess Catherine grew up sailing and often integrates the activity into her public and charitable royal engagements. Most notably, she and Prince William went head-to-head in a charity race during the 2022 Bahamas Platinum Jubilee Regatta during their royal tour of the country.
Sailing holds unique cultural status in The Bahamas, after being formally designated the country’s national sport in 2023. Speaking at Saturday’s ceremony, Rossetti emphasized the shared commitment between the UK and local partners to growing youth participation in the iconic pastime.
“Through this partnership between the UK and the Bahamas National Sailing School, we want to encourage more young Bahamians to get onto the water and try their hand at sailing,” Rossetti said. “It’s a sport that is about teamwork, resilience and perseverance – skills that are so valuable in life whatever you go onto do.”
She added that the project team was particularly proud to see an all-girl crew take the helm of Catherine for its first competitive outing at the Exuma Regatta.
The British High Commission is currently open to inquiries from individuals and organizations interested in supporting the expansion of the youth sailing partnership. Interested parties can reach the initiative’s team via email at ukinthebahamas@fcdo.gov.uk.