The Tribune

A NEW regatta trophy has been commissioned and named for Sir Durward Knowles by Richard Browning, chief executive officer of the Palm Cay Marina. Its first public presentation along with a cash prize will be to the winner of the 'Catch Me If You Can' St Valentine's regatta at the Montagu foreshore on February 19. And for the first time, if the Class 'B' boat is not caught by the Class 'A' boats, he will get a $1,000 cash prize and the first annual floating, 'Sir Durward Knowles Regatta Cup Trophy.' $1,000 will also be awarded to the boat who came closest to catching him, giving this exciting race an added boost of incentive for sloop owner Eleazor 'Barber J' Johnson and his Lady Nathalie to get away and for the dozen-plus A-Class sloops trying to catch him. The announcement and cocktail reception for the presentation of the new trophy to Sir Durward in honour of his life and sailing times was held at the Palm Cay Marina Club House, Eastern Road, with many well-known boat owners, boat captains and industry stalwarts to witness the event. Trophy Browning presented the new trophy to Sir Durward's son, Randy Knowles, saying it was his honour to do so and that Palm Cay was proud to be the originator of a sailing trophy bearing Sir Durward's name. "Even 'though I've been in the Bahamas for under a year, as the CEO of a residential marina development with 194 slips, Sir Durward's name, reputation and accolades are well known to me. "Our idea was to have a trophy in Sir Durward's name to honour his life of sailing and philanthropic accomplishments. This is therefore a floating trophy to be presented each year at a different regatta event of Sir Durward's choice," said Browning.