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- Hope Town Sailing Club
Welcome to the Hope Town Sailing Club
Nestled on the waterfront of the iconic Hope Town Harbor, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, the Hope Town Sailing Club (HTSC) was founded in 1964 to promote sailing in Hope Town, and surrounding Abaco Cays. HTSC is a private Club licensed in the Bahamas.
The Club encourages temporary and permanent visitors and local Bahamians to join the club to participate and support racing and cruising in the community with a variety of activities for adults and juniors. The Club also schedules member social events and sponsors activities to support the Club's goals and the local community.
September 2024
Commodore Marcia Talley's Message
Five years ago, hurricane Dorian slammed into Elbow Cay leaving unprecedented destruction in its wake. Almost before the winds died down, local residents, second home owners, harbour rats and international volunteer organizations sprang into action cleaning up and rebuilding our beloved island. The Sailing Club pitched in early, too, lending the Club to World Food Kitchen for nearly six months while it fed countless locals and rescue and construction workers. Then, just when we paused to take a collective breath . . . Covid.
We are happy to report that the HTSC 2023-24 season was active and exciting, a season marked by restoration, recovery, and growth.
Under membership chair, Linda Brodie, membership, which had plunged after Hurricane Dorian, is steadily increasing and inching every upward toward pre-Dorian levels. We are excited by the influx of new, younger members, many of whom have pitched in wherever they saw a need, as well as the return of “old hands.” Be on the lookout for new members and encourage them to apply for membership!
Weekly standups have been well-attended and have attracted record numbers of members and guests, with the club house almost bursting with partygoers during “high season.” Incoming House Chair, Nancy Rowell, has planned another busy social calendar for us—check it out here, and don’t forget to sign up to host or assist with an event.
I am most pleased to report that the sailing program has been rejuvenated under the competent leadership of Vice Commodore, John Barr and Race Committee Chair Scott Collinson. Scott’s motto is: “No boat, no problem. No crew, no problem.” Turnout for races and Club cruises has been enthusiastic and encouraging, and we expect more of the same in 2024/25. Check out this season’s exciting sailing schedule and plan accordingly.
Wear and tear experienced by the clubhouse during its time serving as a food kitchen, water depot and community hub is being addressed. Thanks to the efforts of B&G Chair, David Fuger assisted by Bill Hand and hired contractors, the clubhouse floor has been reinforced, sanded and refinished, the side entrance steps rebuilt, the clubhouse painted inside and out, the roof replaced and coated with waterproof paint, and the surrounding yard cleaned up. New construction on the patio has moved a trip hazard as well as enclosed the water pump and propane canisters. Dock repairs have also been made.
Kudos to joint webmasters, Glenn and Linda Brodie, whose expertise has brought the Club into the 21st century. In addition to providing a “front facing” webpage, the system allows for automation of essential club functions, such as membership records, the online payment of dues/donations, etc., as well as registering for events. Linda also produced this attractive HTSC directory. You can help the Club out by making sure your member information is always kept up-to-date.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone when Barry and I arrive in early December!
Sail on!
Marcia
HTSC Objectives
To promote the sport of sailing in the area of Hope Town, Abaco. To hold or arrange regattas, races and other competitions and to offer, grant or contribute towards the provision of prizes, awards and distinctions. To encourage the Bahamians to continue their interest in sailing and racing. To provide social amenities for its members. To finance the objectives of the organization through membership, subscriptions and fees. To support, financially and otherwise, community projects.
HTSC Programs and Interests
- Variety of Social Events, Including a Weekly Stand Up in the Club House
- Sponsoring Large and Small Sailing Races Open to all Community racers
- Seasonal Day and Overnight Cruising Events
- Support of Hope Town Junior Sailing Program
- Support of Hope Town Fire and Rescue
- Support of Abaco Rage Sailing Syndicate
Hope Town Community
Post Dorian the Hope Town Community is rebuilt and rejuvenated! Restoration projects, harbor cleanup and amazing rebuilding is completed. The community is vibrant with social, cultural and sailing activities, while much of the infrastructure - school, playground, church and community centers have been rebuilt or repaired. The Hope Town Sailing Club continues to grow our membership as visiting boaters and new and old home owners arrive in Hope Town and enjoy all that this community has to offer. The resilience of the local community can never be understated! An amazing rebirth of progress and innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors have taken hold fours years post Dorian.
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