The Tribune

By Kathryn Campbell

Bahamas Information Services

EXUMA – “Sailing! Oh it’s so much fun,” says Jessica Minns of the family tradition that she’s been doing for more than two decades.

She’s a potter by trade, but every April Jessica sets aside her pottery making and sets sail on the Dream Girl to compete in the National Family Island Regatta in George Town, Exuma.

Although Jessica made her sailing debut four years ago she’s always been involved in water sports from her childhood days.

“I’ve been surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kite boarding and weight boarding all my life,” she said.

“My grandfather, Basil Minns, and I used to sail on a Hobie cat when I was little. My family also had a sunfish when I was growing up that we used to sail on.”

Jessica was trained in the “basics” of the art of sailing from her grandfather. He taught me about the direction of the wind, when to tack, how to tack, which is how to change direction. He also taught me how to jibe when you’re going down winds and tacking,” she recalled.

Jessica also learned a lot about the sport from a friend who introduced her to the male-dominated industry.

“I learned about the timing on the pry – when to go out and in, and when you’re watching the wind and the boat ahead of you to see the puffs of wind - that sort of stuff from her.”

Her passion for the cultural tradition encourages her to hit the waters every year.

“I like being out there with everybody. It’s really a traditional Bahamian sport and being from George Town I think it’s good to be involved in the Regatta,” she said.

The National Family Island Regatta has developed in many ways since its inception in 1953, but Jessica is pleased with the introduction of a sailing club in Exuma geared toward teaching children about sailing and the traditional Bahamian boats that sailors compete in.

More men than women comprise the crew on the Dream Girl today as it sailed the waters of Elizabeth Harbour. But Jessica is not intimidated by this.

“Some women are just as good as the guys. They practice throughout the year,” she said.

And while sailing the turquoise waters, Jessica also find inspiration for her colourful pottery pieces on display in Sandpiper Art Gallery.

“I’m inspired by the fish,” she said.