As sailors of the C-Class category gear up for the second leg of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products is proud to share an in-depth look into another two of the six competing sloops of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

CBC is thrilled to present Bull Reg and King & Knights as this month’s Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup sloop highlight. Continuing last month’s Goombay Punch Cup sloop deep dive, which featured Sassie Sue and Patton Pride; this edition will provide a clearer look into the sloops of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and their stories.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup was created based on furthering the advancement of sailing and the amplification of Bahamian culture through monetary and social support.

In upholding that, captain Leslie Rolle of ‘Bull Reg’ and Stephano Kemp of ‘King & Knights’ shed intimate details about their sloops and their experience competing thus far.

How did you name your sloop?
Rolle: “My father, Reginald Rolle’s nick name was ‘Bull Reg’. After my father’s death, I built the boat and named it after him in his honor.”

Kemp: “The boat was named after the King & Knights native show. I was a member of the band as well so after the passing of King Eric I named the boat as a tribute to him.”

Who are the members of your sloop?
Sailors of Bull Reg: Skipper- Leslie Rolle Sr, Bowman- Leslie Rolle Jr, Pry – Travano King, Harcourt Rolle, Sherman Bain
Sailors of King & Knights: Derrick Hanna, Shermin Bain, Craig Flowers, Stephano Kemp and Jermin Thurston

How important is having a healthy relationship amongst team members?
Rolle: “Having a healthy relationship means a lot.  First of all, keeping everyone happy is very important.  Even in the off season when we are not sailing, we always keep in contact with one another. I always tell my crew that practice makes perfect.”
Kemp: “My relationship with my crew is magnificent we get along like brothers we sail together hang together and go through similar life challenges together, so the bond is a brotherhood.”

What are some structural features that make your boat special?
Rolle: “Bull Reg is designed to carry a large rig. She has a clean entrance and a clean departure.  She also has a free board that can carry at least five big men on board all the time.”

Kemp: “King & Knights is special, not only because of its performance, which the sailing world didn't expect, but after all it’s the crew that makes it special.”

What does the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup mean to you?
Rolle: “Goombay Punch was always a beverage that I enjoyed a lot.  A few years ago, when they started putting the boat names on the cans, I was inspired by it. I’m so happy that my boat was chosen to compete this year. I appreciate what Coca-Cola is doing for me, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Kemp: “The culture of sloop sailing needs to be advertised and put on the world market; that alone made me want to be a part of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Hats off to Coca-Cola they are doing a great job, and I am grateful for being a part of that.”