The National Family Island Regatta Committee recently recognized four Bahamians for their contributions to the growth and development of the championship sailing sport.

Aulice “Tommy” Thompson, George Knowles, Joshua Green and Shirley Rolle, secretary of the National Family Island Regatta Committee, were robed in special National Family Island Regatta jackets by the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, to symbolize their accomplishments during the closing ceremony of the 64th National Family Island Regatta in George Town, Exuma, Saturday, April 29, 2017. 

Prime Minister Perry Christie, in his greetings for the souvenir booklet published for the event, congratulated the gentlemen and said their efforts have kept regattas moving forward over the years.

Mr. Green, from Mangrove Cay, Andros, is an outstanding skipper and boat builder who made a living from diving and selling sponges, a trade which he acquired from his father who also built boats for service to fishermen, tradesmen and for racing.

Mr. Green is a successful regatta racing captain and a National Sculling champion. At the age of fourteen, he built his first ‘C’ Class boat, the “Bullet” in 1972 which placed third in the Mangrove Cay Regatta.

Mr. Thompson, from Steventon, Exuma is a master boat builder who was introduced to sloop sailing by his Uncle ‘Mu’ Edmund Collie. For two years he competed as a crew member with Lundy Robinson on the ‘Sea Plague’ originally known as the ‘Running Tide’ but soon realized his preference is for boat building.

He has contributed to the building or design of boats including the ‘Thunderbird’, the ‘Cobra’, ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ and the ‘Queen Drucilla’.

For the past ten years Mr. Thompson has served as Deacon in Union Baptist Church. His pastimes include playing dominoes, spending time with friends and being a spectator of regattas.

Mr. Knowles, boat owner and contributor to the National Family Island Regatta, developed a passion for the sea and boats, including the sail and the motor, from a very young age.

As a youngster, he took his elders to Long Island from Nassau by boat to visit and trade with other communities. During his visits to the United States he saw vessels owned by prominent Long Islanders and decided that one day he would own similar vessels.

He recalled that in 1954, at the age of 13, he desired to join a group of Long Island sailors who competed in the inaugural regatta in George Town, Exuma. He was not selected for the first regatta. However, he later joined the team that represented Long Island at the regatta.

Mr. Knowles was employed on the contract in the United States, at Kelly’s Lumber Yard, and held positions at other business establishments.

A descendant of McKanns, Long Island, he is responsible for birthing and developing wonderful sailing sloops (but does not claim to have done any of the work singlehandedly or for himself but views himself as a part of a process each time).

Shirley Rolle is one of the many special volunteers who lend support and assist to make the National Family Island Regatta a success.

She grew up in Steventon, Exuma and became involved in the All Exuma Association some twenty years ago.

In her capacity as Secretary, she assists the National Regatta Committee with all Nassau-based administrative requirements including the promotional activities.

She is a member of Christ Community Church where she participates in the church’s Community Outreach Programme.

Danny Strachan, Chairman and Commodore of the National Family Island Regatta Committee, said the committee no longer presents trophies and plaques to those they recognize, instead National Family Island Regatta jackets are presented to individuals who are considered eligible to be entered into the hall of fame. The honorees also received gift baskets of goodies.

Bahamams Information Services