Press Release
“Get on the pry and give me your weight, fellas.”
That call from Captain David Knowles echoed across the deck of New Legend as the team pushed through a challenging start to secure a decisive victory in the Class A division at the 70th Annual National Family Island Regatta in Exuma.
For HG Christie Ltd., proud sponsor of New Legend, the win represents more than a return to the top, it reflects the determination, teamwork, and excellence that define both the sport of Bahamian sailing and the people behind it. After finishing third in last year’s regatta, New Legend’s climb to first place this year marks a powerful comeback on one of the country’s most competitive stages.
The road to victory, however, was far from smooth.
In the opening race, New Legend became entangled with another vessel, resulting in damage to the boat’s main support jib stay—an issue that could have ended their regatta. Instead, the crew relied on skill, experience, and traditional knowledge to stay in contention.
“We got tangled with a boat from Ragged Island, and the main support jib stay broke,” said Emile Knowles, crew member and spokesperson for New Legend. “I was going to have a new one brought in, but I used what I learned from my father growing up and made an old-time sleeve to fix it. That allowed us to keep going.”
That quick thinking proved critical, allowing the team to recover and build momentum as the races progressed.
New Legend’s strength lies not only in its performance, but in its people. The crew is a dynamic mix of experienced sailors and emerging talent, reflecting a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation. Among those on board were three sailors under the age of 17, including a 13-year-old female sailor and 16-year-old Drake, who is already training to become a future captain.
“We try to take as many young crew members as possible,” Knowles explained. “That’s a big part of what we’re about—giving them the experience and helping them grow in the sport.”
With up to 18 crew members working in unison—balancing on pry boards, managing sails, and responding to the captain’s commands—the race demanded precision, strength, and trust at every turn. It is this combination of discipline and camaraderie that continues to make New Legend a consistent top contender in Class A racing.
HG Christie, The Bahamas’ largest and oldest real estate firm, remains deeply committed to supporting the country’s sailing traditions and the communities that sustain them. Through sponsorships like New Legend, the firm continues to celebrate a sport that is both culturally significant and economically impactful across the islands.
“We are incredibly proud to support New Legend and to see them return to the top in such a competitive field,” said John Christie, President and Managing Broker of HG Christie Ltd. “What stood out in this race was not just the result, but the way it was achieved, through skill, perseverance, and teamwork. That kind of commitment to excellence is something we value deeply, both in sailing and in our own work across The Bahamas.”
The National Family Island Regatta, held annually in Elizabeth Harbour, is one of the country’s most iconic events, bringing together sailors from across The Bahamas to compete in handcrafted wooden sloops for both prize money and pride. With a legacy dating back more than 70 years, the regatta continues to grow, drawing strong participation and reinforcing the importance of preserving Bahamian maritime heritage.
For HG Christie, supporting events like the regatta is part of a broader commitment to the lifestyle and traditions that make The Bahamas unique.
