Club History

On February 21, 1964, the first meeting of the Hope Town Sailing Club took place at the home of Bowen White. By-laws were adopted stating the purpose of the Club:

To encourage sailing in the Hope Town, Abaco area; especially in dinghies of the workboat type, by organizing races and giving prizes.  Towards this end, to encourage temporary and permanent visitors to join in, but most especially to encourage local Bahamians to continue their interest in sailing and racing.

Membership was to consist of ordinary members, junior members (under 21); and honorary members. Dues were $21. The five founding members were Clinton Baverstock, Bowen White, Frank Kenyon, Rudy Malone and Marcel Maury.  Mary Balzac was part of the group, but only men were members! By the end of 1964 there were 47 members.

The Club burgee was designed as a white triangular flag with a stylized version of the Hope Town Lighthouse in red. 

Among the dinghy racing fleet was an old sponge boat, a 60-year-old antique, a rickety fishing dinghy, an old work boat, and eventually an Abaco Dinghy. Race prizes were mugs.

In 1966, the Pinder building, formerly the store of Roger Lowe, was chosen for the clubhouse and was rented  for $18/month with an additional $2/month for the dock. It was opened every day, the flags raised, and closed at night. In 1974 the building was purchased for $9000 plus $900 for legal and other fees.

As early as 1972 there were complaints about members bringing too many guests to Stand-ups. Other things haven't changed over the years either: crowds and noise cause a search for solutions, racing handicaps don't please everyone - and most everyone reports that Hope Town is a very special place. More than 50 years of the HTSC and still racing, cruising and having fun!