In the year 1954, Great Exuma welcomed its first regatta. Although the first participants in the race seemed to be amateurs, the rules were established and the competitors proved their worth. Since then, the Regatta has become an annual event and one of the most popular activities on the island. It is now called The National Family Island Regatta.
The following three articles were written by Robert Keir who attended the start of the first Great Exuma regatta. His account of the first organized nautical competition on the island is detailed and well describes the weather conditions, the exciting atmosphere of that weekend, as well as the race, its participants and its winners. He discusses how this relatively small event has played a big part in putting Great Exuma on the world’s list of sun and fun destinations. Today, the regatta, open only to sailboats “designed, built, owned, captained and crewed by Bahamians”, has become one of the most famous attractions in the Bahamas.
March 26, 1954
George Town, Exuma – A strong southeast wind at 15 miles, combined with clear blue skies and warm sunshine, make conditions inside Exuma Harbor ideal for the first Out Island Regatta which started here on Friday afternoon .
However, the weather outside the harbor was not so favorable, and had not been for the last few days. In many cases, native work boats and visiting yachts were forced to take refuge in the many inlets of the Exuma Cays.
Since the beginning of the week, ships have been arriving in George Town. By noon Friday, it was estimated that there were between 80 and 100 ships of all kinds anchored in the port.
The original entry list showed that 67 boats had been registered but, before noon, four more were added. Reports here that several others were en route but had been stopped by heavy seas.
J. Linton Rigg, race creator and committee chairman, made the belated announcement that the start time had been extended by one hour and the first race would start at two o’clock. Despite this, some boats did not arrive in time to participate in the regatta.
A short time later the committee changed the course of the race and the race was held inside the harbor instead of around Stocking Island as originally planned. This kept the smaller craft out of the rough waters of the open ocean.
At noon, a special meeting was held on the parade ground where the race committee laid out the rules and revised course. There was some dissension among the captains about the rules. In light of this, it was decided to handicap ships on the basis of eight seconds per mile, per keel footage.
The first race, on a four-mile triangular course, combined intermediate and large-class workboats. It started at 2pm, followed ten minutes later by the dinghy race. The last course was a three-mile run inside the harbor. On Saturday, the same courses were held twice more.
The winner of each event will be selected on a points system with ten for first, six for second, four for third and two for fourth.
First prize in each class is £100 with £50 for second, £25 for third and £10 for fourth. In addition, special prizes will be awarded in a variety of boat races.
March 27, 1954
George Town, Exuma – One of the world’s last and most picturesque sailing fleets today took their competition from the fishing grounds to the race course in the first-ever Out Island Regatta, held here over the weekend.
Most of the boats had never raced before and confusion reigned in all quarters as the first leg of the race got off to a slow start on Friday afternoon. The jumble of sloops, smacks and a patchwork schooner finally relaxed and continued their colorful course throughout the 14-mile race.
While the larger vessel, divided into two classes, lumbered into the port of Exuma. 30 smaller, faster boats made for an impressive sight as they began their three-mile jaunt.
The shores and Government Dock were packed with throngs of enthusiastic spectators. In the port, following the fleet or anchored in sight of the races, there were about 40 visiting yachts.
Many of the visiting boaters were astonished by the agility with which the natives handled their boats. While standard racing rules were unknown, many participants ran the course as seasoned veterans.
First place in the largest class was the 22-foot sloop Marie, owned and sailed by Nathaniel Cooper of Staniel Cay, Exuma. Harley L. Fox’s Edna K. of Salt Pond, Long Island finished second, while third place went to Swan, owned by Nathan Bethel of Williamstown, Little Exuma. Finishing fourth was Gold River, sailed by Sherwin Gray, also from Williamstown.
Alert, owned by ID McPhee. of the Mangrove Bay. Andros, came second overall in the race, but took first place in the middle group. He was followed by Ego, Hegron Moxey, Ragged Island; Kathrine L., Eustace Jacak Longley, Mangrove and Airenas, Clarence Sands, Staniard Creek, Andros.
After the first race on Friday, the race committee worked well into the night to determine the winners. Disabilities for the large class were resolved by RH Symonette, MHA, committee member. Others on the committee were J. Linton Rigg, chairman; Commissioner DH Burrows, Campen Heilner, Donald MacKinney, MHA, Ward Wheekock, and Bud Mulloy.
March 27, 1954
George Town, Exuma – This small 330-hectare settlement more than doubled in population over the weekend, as boaters and racing enthusiasts continued to arrive by air and sea for the inaugural Out Island Regatta.
As the regatta was in full swing at Exuma Harbour, the townspeople prepared for the first visit the Governor, the Earl of Ranfurly, made here. The Governor and his party arrived Saturday morning aboard HMS Cygnet after a tour of the southern Bahamas.
Lord Ranfurly received a stately reception when he landed at Government Dock at noon. He followed an inspection of the settlement, after which the governor observed the last important races of the regatta. In the evening, he made presentations to the winners of the regatta.
Before the ceremonies, the captains and their crews enjoyed a free picnic dinner on the parade grounds. Following the performances, the gala festivities began with a grand celebration and dance. A native calypso band that was to arrive from Bimini could not be present.
Among those who met with the Governor were Donald McKinney, MHA and RH Symonette, MHA, Exuma members, J. Linton Rigg, Chairman of the Racing Committee, Exuma Commissioner DH Burrows and Bahamas Police Commissioner RJ Verrall .
Special religious services were held for all attendees on Sunday morning.
Robert Keir– “This assignment was a highlight of a fascinating six-month stay in the Bahamas in 1954. Many, many memories remain with me, including my brief visit to Exuma, a truly beautiful place on this planet.”
