Sutania Beckford beamed with joy after her boat crew guided ‘Empress’ to a thrilling victory in the Yamaha Engine Race which brought an exciting close to the 43rd annual Old Harbour Bay Regatta on Emancipation Day.

It was sweet triumph for the crowd favourites and their supporters after losing the marquee event in the six-race boat competition to rival ‘Father’s Day’ last year.

“Every year, people come just to see [Empress] because it’s like we are up against everybody,” Beckford said.

“However, Empress decided this time not to have any boyfriends, she was under proper supervision this time, so she came out victorious,” she added with a smile.

Each Emancipation Day, hundreds of residents and visitors converge at the Old Harbour Bay Fishing Village to participate in what Jason Fuller, the president of the Old Harbour Bay Community Development Association, calls “the premier boat racing competition in Jamaica”.

It was another massive turnout on Saturday, with numbers estimated to be in the thousands.

“They love it, they live for it every year,” Fuller said about the lure of the event. “This is their passion, this is their love. And we just try each and every year to ensure that we improve and make it a memorable one.”

In addition to the races, the residents also unite for food, entertainment, and other competitions – including fish scraping, cook-offs and beer drinking – at the regatta. Due to the event’s massive growth, the organisers introduced live streaming at last year’s edition to share the experience with persons who are unable to physically attend.

“Remember, it’s the largest fishing village in Jamaica. So almost everyone have some interaction with fishing, whether you’re a fisherman, a family of fishermen, or so on,” Fuller said. “So, that is one of the main reason why the regatta means so much to the community.”

Noting that a number of fisherfolk in the community were affected by Hurricane Melissa last October, Fuller said the regatta organisers partnered with sponsors this year to give away nets and other items to help affected persons get back on their feet.

Aerial view of the crowd at the 43rd annual Old Harbour Bay Regatta on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

“So, even though they were affected, we are trying our utmost best to make it a seamless transition to getting back to what they were before,” he said.

Social Development Commission’s parish manager for St Catherine, Shana-Lee Archibald hailed the event for the economic activity it generates for small businesses in the community.

“The regatta is a great event, it provides an opportunity for our small businesses to benefit and that’s one of the main reasons the SDC is a part of the activities,” Archibald said.

In the meantime, spectators commended the organisers of the regatta while expressing their satisfaction for the fun and entertainment provided.

“Good energy, good vibes, super lit,” said spectator from Canada who goes by the name “Breezy”.

“I just like the view, the people, the music, it’s very nice,” he said.

– Julian Richardson