The Tribune

SIR DURWARD Knowles, who put the Bahamas on the map of world sailing nearly 70 years ago and has done so much for the country in other respects, celebrates his 99th birthday tomorrow with his ritual Wednesday luncheon with select friends.

Sir Durward made history by becoming the first Bahamian to win a world sailing championship and his impact on the nation has helped usher in a wave of tourism for mariners that has carved the country’s modern lifestyle.

His triumph in Los Angeles in 1947 was not only remarkable for the winning, but the adventure he and Sloan Farrington endured to get there, eight days of one mishap after the other on the road to California. A borrowed converted boat trailer, a borrowed car and donated money for their trip to get there. “What an adventure,” Sir Durward reflected. “We were lost, but somehow we found our way and then we won on top of that.”

The significance of that victory was felt immediately. At first, Sir Durward and his mate Sloan Farrington were ridiculed when they appeared at the event. But once they began sailing, the other competitors noticed something different about this unbeatable crew from the Bahamas. When the final race was over, everyone at the championships wanted to know who Sir Durward was and where was the Bahamas. Thus started a new wave of tourism.

Another presitgious victory in New Orleans saw the word spreading about this young sailor from the Bahamas, to where mariners now headed to see what it was all about. The interest became so big that marinas had to be built to accommodate these boaters.

By the time Sir Durward had won the first Olympic gold medal for the Bahamas in 1964 in Tokyo, Japan, the world had come to expect it. Although his mate was Cecil Cooke, who had replaced Farrington, the Bahamas was still expected to win. Sir Durward proved them right and the Bahamas has been seeing mariners to our shores ever since.

Now that Sir Durward has reached 99, he has resorted to a more relaxed life away from the sea. He remains humble and witty, but his days are filled with memories of the many adventures to make the Bahamas a major tourist destination for mariners. He has never sought the limelight or to be a hero, simply to sail and win. He did that with grace and humility.

Sir Durward will celebrate his birthday with his “Lunch Bunch” crew at the Montagu Gardens, marking 20 years of this Wednesday ritual. His friends - Captain Munroe, Antonius Roberts, Drexel Munroe, George Valentine, Obie Pindling and others - have formed a bond that has transcended politics, race or religion. Mr Pindling, the son of the late Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, and Sir Durward once went to the election polls together sporting opposing party tee-shirts.

“We have become great friends”, said Sir Durward. “Obie and his family are now dear to me and these guys are special. I look forward to seeing them every Wednesday.”

Sir Durward and his wife, Lady Holly, have three children - Jill, Randolph and Charlotte.