Exuma Sailing Club Update
2023 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the Exuma Sailing Club. This year they celebrate their 10-year anniversary, as well as accomplishing a few milestones that will likely change the trajectory of the ESC’s future.
In the early months of 2023, the ESC hosted a fundraising event with the goal of raising funds to acquire an A-class Sloop for the Club and for George Town, which has been a long-time dream of the ESC.
The legendary A Class Sloop “Lady Muriel” has been unused and in slight disrepair in Staniel Cay since 2016. The estimated costs of the repair are about $30,000, and with the support of donors, the ESC was able to raise that amount. At recent meetings in Staniel Cay, the ESC met with those in charge of “Lady Muriel” and have reached an agreement for her to be repaired and sailed by the Exuma Sailing Club. It is forecasted that she will be repaired and ready to be sailed for the Best of the Best Regatta in Nassau in December.
Another big accomplishment is that the ESC has been given permission from the Prime Minister to use the land next to the ESC to officially begin building a permanent clubhouse, sailing academy, and boat-building workhouse. At the National Family Island Regatta this past April, Hon. Brave Davis publicly gave the land between the fish fry and the Augusta Bay hotel to be used by the Exuma Sailing Club to begin construction on a clubhouse. After 10 years, the ESC begins to have a real home with proper storage and a classroom and clubhouse to hold events and train more young sailors in Exuma. This will mean presenting blueprints and plans for buildings, and seeking assistance from those that love the sailing club and want to help build a better future for sailing in Exuma.
This year, Dallas Knowles of the Exuma Sailing Club was named the next commodore for the National Family Island Regatta. He will be in charge of next year's regatta, and with this responsibility it will also mean a more active role for the ESC in the event as well.
Sailing in Exuma is growing fast and the community is becoming the capital for Sloop Sailing, NFIR will become more organized and better funded as Dallas looks to restructure and refocus the event more on the amazing sailing that takes place that week.
2023 is off to a great start, and this is in large part because of the generosity of Friends of Exuma and those who love and support the Exuma Sailing Club.