Sailing's vital contribution to the Island's development was highlighted as Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) Commodore Ralph Richardson yesterday announced a festival in its honour.

In a speech to the Hamilton Rotary, Mr. Richardson said a full weekend of activities is planned as part of Bermuda's first-ever Festival Sail, to be held at Barr's Bay Park this weekend.

The Commodore presented a brief history of sailing in Bermuda, describing it as particularly "integral to understanding our Island and its people" as it was a sport participated in by both black and white.

He noted that because the subject is not taught in schools, the progress of its pioneers has not been appreciated or acknowledged in recent years.

To emphasise its importance, he presented a historical timeline of the various businesses sailing had enabled in Bermuda including privateering and trading, declaring it vital to the progression of the Island's economy.

The sailing community felt it necessary to host the Festival of Sail as it believed there has been a decline in interest in the sport in recent years, Mr. Richardson said.

"One of the key objectives of the Festival is to help Bermuda's young people, and their parents, connect with our maritime past while we celebrate the development of the sport of sailing in Bermuda," he stated.

The event will feature a display of sail, motor and rowing boats at the RBYC, with live narration of Gold Cup match racing and a demonstration and explanation on its rules. given.

Charity partners are a key component to the event, the Commodore insisted.

"We have teamed up with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the youth mentoring program that will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in Bermuda, and the Bermuda Sailing Association which is the governing body of the sport of sailing in Bermuda and a key supporter of youth sailing.

"Each of (the latter) two organisations will be responsible for the various components of the Festival," said Mr. Richardson.

He added that through various sailing initiatives introduced to the Island, the interest in the sport has risen in younger generations.

"Bermuda is now producing world class junior sailors from both public and private schools," he said.

"It is my sincere belief that Bermuda's next Olympic medal will be in the sport of sailing and I suspect that the winner will be amongst this fine group of young people now honing their skills in the sport and representing our Island successfully in overseas events. I also envision a time when sailing will become a Bermuda national sport."

He added: "Last week I had the privilege of addressing the assembly of the T.N. Tatem Middle School and asked how many students had sailed in the WaterWise program or on the Spirit of Bermuda. Nearly half the students raised their hands – 10 years ago there may have been one or two."

For more information on the Festival of Sail contact the RBYC on 295-2214 or visit www.rbyc.bm.

For the Festival of Sail schedule, visit the web page at www.blotgraphix.com/festival.