For the first time, the International 49er and 29er Classes are bringing their World Championships to The Bahamas. The 2010 international sailing championships will be held in Grand Bahama, out of the Viva Wyndam Fortuna Resort, January 2 - 9.

Making the presentation on behalf the Port Group of Companies was Mr. Hannes Babak, Chairman of GBPA. "The hosting of this event is a landmark achievement not only for the island of Grand Bahama but the entire Bahamas. Once again, our beautiful shores, facilities and people, will be broadcast to the world. Therefore, GBPA is more than happy to assist by providing funding for the hosting of such an event of this magnitude," Mr. Babak said.

The world-class event will be sailed under the auspices of The Bahamas Sailing Association and hosted by the Grand Bahama Sailing Club. About 150 boats are expected to participate with some 350 sailors. The sailors, their families, support crews and race officials will be guests of the Viva Wyndam Fortuna Resort during the week of races.

Accepting the donation was Mr. Joe Thompson, Commodore, Grand Bahama Sailing Club, who expressed gratitude to GBPA for their support. "We have heard from competitors who are shipping their boats in from as faraway as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Argentina, to name a few. Some crews are arriving up to a month before the event to train," Mr. Thompson added.

According to Grand Bahama Sailing Club officials, The Bahamas expects to field entrants in the 2010 29er World Championship, including International Sailing Federation Youth World participant, Donico Brown. It is hoped that through sponsorship donations, a number of boats will be able to remain in The Bahamas after the regatta to become part of a strong sailing tradition in the country and to train future Olympic sailing athletes.