The seventh annual Best of the Best Regatta, held from December 5–8, 2024, at the Montagu Foreshore, reached an electrifying climax on Sunday, December 8, with the grand finale of the A-Class race. New Legend, proudly sponsored by HG Christie, delivered an exciting performance, finishing second place overall for 2024. This followed a spectacular first- place victory in Saturdays A-Class race, showcasing the crew’s skill and determination. These achievements build upon their legacy as 2022 Grand Champions, solidifying their status as one of the top competitors in Bahamian sailing.
Event organizers hailed this year’s regatta as the largest edition since its inception, bringing together hundreds of the nation’s top sailors to compete for glory in Classes A, B, C, and D. The event drew widespread attention to The Bahamas & national sport of sailing.
HG Christie, The Bahamas’ oldest and largest real estate firm, reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Bahamian culture by continuing as a lead sponsor of the regatta. The company proudly supported New Legend for the third consecutive year, helping the vessel achieve its remarkable performance.
“We were happy that HG Christie came on board as sponsors again for the third year in a row,” said Emile Knowles, a representative of New Legend. “She was in the best shape she’s ever been, and we expected to perform well this regatta—we came for the win.”
Dwayne Wallas, an HG Christie real estate agent and avid sailor, also added to the firm’s presence on the water by competing in the B and C classes, representing boats from Abaco.
Wallas expressed his admiration for the camaraderie and community spirit of Bahamian sloop sailing.
“The really cool thing about Bahamian sloop regattas is that the crews represent a wonderful reflection of the Bahamian people,” Wallas shared. “The spirit of the sailing sport is a great equalizer, bringing many different neighborhoods together. When waiting at the start line for the boats to anchor up, it is always entertaining to hear the various dialects and vernacular from all the different islands of The Bahamas. I love this sport.”
John Christie, President and Managing Broker of HG Christie, reflected on the firm’s long- standing connection to sailing. “Sailing has always been part of HG Christie’s tradition, especially since my father, Peter Christie, was an avid sailor. Our support for regattas reflects our dedication to preserving the maritime heritage of The Bahamas and fostering a sense of community,” he said.
Over the years, HG Christie has been a steadfast supporter of regattas, including the National Family Regatta, RITA (Regatta in The Abacos) and the Cat Island Regatta. The New Legend and its crew have consistently embodied the spirit of these events, with HG Christie providing resources and branded gear to help them achieve success.
With the conclusion of the 2024 Best of the Best Regatta, HG Christie’s enduring support once again highlighted the firm’s commitment to the culture, heritage, and sporting traditions of The Bahamas. By championing events like these, the company continues to play a vital role in uniting communities through shared traditions and celebrating the country’s maritime legacy.
Looking ahead, HG Christie’s sponsorship of sailing events is poised to expand in 2025, promising even greater impact on The Bahamas’ national sport.
