News of The Abacos

CLICK HERE for Previous Articles

CLICK HERE to Return to List of Articles

Annual Abaco Sunfish Regatta
By David Cote

Hidden from the hustle and bustle of business and. the ever-changing trends which beckon for a new and more frenzied following are the things of substance which hold a community together with values that last. Although this may be true, such lofty sayings are of little worth unless it directs us to something that makes the point. The Sunfish is a true one-design sailboat. That is to say that all Sunfish sailboats are scientifically equal in size and in all aspects of sailing. As such, those who seek to harness the elements to their cause and to match themselves against others, have only the years of slowly-acquired skill with which to reach out for victory. Such is the valor and the thrill of sailing in the Sunfish Regatta.

Like the club which organizes it, this Regatta has the reserved distinction of being world-famous but not very well known. When I heard that the Annual Sunfish Regatta was scheduled for the Discovery Day weekend of October 12' and that it was organized by the Marsh Harbour Sailing Club, I checked around to see what I could find out. Thanks to the help of Jim and Leann Kaighan, I was able to uncover another facet of the many sides of Marsh Harbour that make it so unique.

As one looks back to the origins of the Marsh Harbour Sailing Club, one senses just the kind of pure love of the sea and the art of sailing which deserves recognition and respect. Believe it or not, the real beginning of the Club stretches back to the 1920's. At that time, transportation between Abaco and the Cays amounted to an occasional sailing trip. For supplies and the necessities of life, a mail boat from Nassau make regular trips every two weeks. Communication was transmitted across the Cays by telegram.

For young Lucien Stratton, growing up in this kind of isolation from the rest of the world had a strong influence on him. It bred in him a love for the sea and a spirit of adventure the would develop into an enthusiasm for sailing and the desire to compete. He learned the art of sailing early in life. By his fifth year he was skipper in a home-built Abaco dinghy of his own. In his early teens, Lucien bought a 12' Abaco dinghy. Many of the other young men in Marsh Harbour had similar boats and so with the sniff of the changing breeze they were off chasing one another across the Harbour. He made many trips with his father throughout the Bahamas doing missionary work. Surveying the seas with youthful eyes, these long trips on board Dr. Stratton's 75 foot, two-masted schooner served to deepen his appreciation and knowledge of the sea.

In 1965, he and his brother, Stuart purchased two 12' dinghies from John S George. The two of them became a familiar sight competing across the Harbour. In the early 70's, Lucien's nephew, Keith Stratton purchased a Sunfish. After this, Lucien and Stuart bought their own Sunfish. The purchasing of these small boats would be the beginning of the Marsh Harbour Sailing Club. The fun and enthusiasm they all generated became contagious and attracted other young sailors. Local residents like Van Stratton, Allan and Donald Lowe, Philip Hall and others dotted the choppy swells of Marsh Harbour with the brilliant colours of their tiny sailing craft. The craze grew into a commitment which has held these men together until this very day. It all began in fun, but as the mastery and skill grew and the competitive edge sharpened, this band of childhood comrades challenged one another to become better and better. This enthusiasm did not go unnoticed. Others with varying levels of the same enthusiasm and skill would join the fray. And before long, an entire generation caught the bug.

The Club eventually gained international status and became a member of the United States Sunfish Class Association. With this status the more competitive members participated in more international competitions. Within sailing circles the Marsh Harbour Sailing Club began to get a name for itself on the World stage. So, in 1995 when Columbia forfeited their invitation to hold the World Sunfish Championships, the international association requested the Bahamas to hold the event. It was two years before their scheduled time. But with only a few months to prepare, the Club accepted the honour. The 1995 week-long World Championships were a hug success both for the Sailing Club and Marsh Harbour.

Club members honestly admit that the years that followed the '95 Champions have seen a decline in sailor participation. But the true diehard sailors remain true to their commitment and continue to have weekend practices around Marsh Harbour. They are always open to new members joining, especially junior members who would like to acquaint themselves with the art of sailing. The Annual Sunfish Regatta sails from Pond Bay to Mermaid Reef in a triangular course. The Pace is open to all owners of Sunfish sailboats and a $1 0. 00 registration fee is required (which includes lunch and trophies). Those interested can contact Jim and Leann Kaighan at 1-242-367-2222.