Home|Sports|Deltec sponsors the next generation of sailing talentSports
The Nassau GuardianSend an emailJuly 6, 2023 99 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email
Deltec Bank and Trust Limited (Deltec Bank) is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Bahamas National Sailing School, to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. The sponsorship program will cover the costs associated with professional sailing lessons for 10 students and the purchase of new sailing boats for the school. Deltec Bank will also host the Spring Championship in 2024, which represents an exciting third and final qualifier for the international race teams.
As a maritime nation, The Bahamas has a rich history of sailing, as a means of inter-island transportation of goods, primarily in the fishing industry, and as a leisure sport. This past April, the House of Assembly named sailing the national sport of The Bahamas, underpinning the Bahamian spirit and evolution of the sport in the country. A pillar of The Bahamas’ community, providing greater access to sailing was a natural step for Deltec Bank and its ongoing local stewardship.
“Sailing has long been a part of the fabric of The Bahamas, and despite our global reach, Deltec Bank has always been proud to call The Bahamas home,” said Odetta Morton, chief executive officer of Deltec Bank and Trust. “We strongly believe in the power of sport and education to open doors to opportunity and are proud to contribute to The Bahamas’ rich maritime culture, by investing in the next generation of sailing talent.”
Since the announcement of sailing as the country’s new national sport, the Bahamas National Sailing School has received a surge of interest from youth keen to learn the ropes this summer. Program alumni have gone on to sail at the collegiate level, acquired college scholarships based on their sailing merit, and even entered careers in the industry. Although the school endeavors to make the sport available to Bahamian youth from all walks of life, as a non-profit organization, it relies on funding from the government and private sector to continue its operations and associated events, including its annual Optimist National Championship, a sailing race that takes place at the Nassau Yacht Club in October.
After the Deltec Bank Spring Championship, the final qualifier, top sailors will be selected to attend the Worlds, North American and European Championships to represent The Bahamas.
“We are incredibly grateful and excited to partner with Deltec Bank to advance our sailing programs this summer. Our motto has always been rooted in making a difference to the lives of youth through sailing and teaching our students to stay focused on making their dreams come true,” said Emma Tinkler, from the Bahamas National Sailing School. “Deltec Bank’s support not only helps us fulfill our mission of providing accessible sailing education, but it also directly supports our students in achieving their ambitions.”
The official check presentation with the Deltec-sponsored students will be held on Tuesday, July 11, and the new sailing boats to be operational by early next year.