Youth Sailors Battle Waves From Governors To Palmetto Point

Photo Of Steffon Fernander On The 'Hybrid'.

On Saturday, April 26, with winds gusting to 25 knots, three optis and three sunfish took the challenge and sailed from Governor’s Harbour to south Palmetto Point beach.

The Pametto Point Homecoming committee had asked the Governor's Harbour Sailing Club to take the five-mile sail and they would also supply two extra safety boats – driven by Scott Bethel and Wade Sands. The third safety boat belonged to the Club and was driven by Steven Simillien. Also acting as a safety boat was "Angel", Commodore Mark Adam’s 22-foot westerly.

Conditions were rough and the high winds were off shore, threatening the little dinghys to be driven futher out to sea. Only Patrick Simillien in his sunfish and Daniel Davis in his optimist made it to the beach at Palmetto Point. Steffon Fernander had capsized and righted his "hybrid" - a mixed blessing of a minifish hull and a much larger sunfish sail - many times and was finally convinced to drop his sails and be towed into shore. Kenneth Davis and Kendrick Davis were also towed in, after a valiant attempt to reach the beach.

The sailors, including those aboard "Angel" were all treated to a splendid barbeque lunch, and medals were given to the competing sailors. The return sail to Governor’s Harbour was fast, with the winds on their back, and first into the harbour was Ashton Johnson, with Rasheed Nelus right behind him. Ted Thompson would have reached, but his rudder broke in front of the Sunset Inn.

The GHSC has 40 registered junior sailors and sailing events continue to come their way. On May 10 and 12, Commodore Mark Adams will set a race course for the sailors at south Palmetto Point with awards and trophies for the highest points. Races will begin at two pm on the 10th and 12th.

Also coming up the sailing club will be in July, when sailors from Nassau will be in Governor’s Harbour to challenge the GHSC. August has the Club hosting the third annual "Swim and Sail" camp and during September, the Bahama Sailing Association will host the National Optimist races, which will see Daniel Davis and Kenneth Davis participating.

 

Club Members At Palmetto Point