The Tribune

CAT Island Sailing Club Association is celebrating its 61st annual regatta this year, August 4-7 in New Bight.

The regatta is the second oldest regatta in the Bahamas, second to the National Family Island Exuma Regatta. 

“The fact that our regatta is the second oldest speaks to the consistent efforts through the years by the dedicated people of Cat Island,” said Pat Strachan, the president. 

“The commitment and dedication by our members is unrelenting. This year we will honour and recognise the accomplishments of one of those individuals, Ezekiel Taylor. Mr Taylor is one of those giants, unassuming, quiet, but he has been a tower of strength and support for the regatta.”

Ezekiel Taylor is affectionately known as ‘Zeke’. Several years after the death of another legendary Cat Island member Herbert ‘Captain’ King, the local community sought out and looked to Zeke to get involved in the regatta because of the relationship he had with ‘Captain’ King to provide leadership for the Cat Island Sailing Club. Zeke was elected president in the early 80s and like they say, the rest is history.

Zeke became president of the club and remained in that post for 15 years. He was a hard and committed worker.  He carried out by himself or under his supervision many of the improvements and repairs to the club.  

Some of the many contributions Zeke made in the 80s were the club had no electricity and he provided a generator that was serviced and running properly.  He installed running water to the club from a well across the main Queens Highway.  Additions to the Sailing Club was done under Zeke’s supervision.  

He supervised the addition of the club’s office and bathrooms.

Under Zeke as president, other improvements to the club house included installing a bar, kitchen and dining area.

During his tenure, the club earned revenue because the bar and kitchen were opened daily with dances held on weekends.He was also a cook in the kitchen when the club’s chef was absent.  

Under the tenure of Zeke, the Cat Island Regatta improved from a minor regatta to a major regatta. He invited Eleazor ‘Barber J” Johnson to sail the Lady Natalie in Cat Island to prove to the world that the Cat Island Regatta could accommodate the Class A and Class B sloops.

And because of that, the rest of the world now knows what Cat Islanders already knew that Cat Island has the best sailing regatta in the Bahamas.

“I’m especially proud to be sitting in the office of the Chair when we are honouring Zeke Taylor.” Strachan said.

“During my presidency, he is following in the footsteps of co-founder Godfrey Kelly and Herbert King of being honoured during my term.  

“I’m pleased that I’ve continued the process of recognising those individuals who are deserving of recognition. And I trust that future presidents will continue the trend.  During the past three years, I’m proud of the many accomplishments inclusive of three successful regattas.  

“The economic input to the island, the almost 20 scholarships for students to attend BTVI. The Food 20/20 Donation Project for senior citizens, the extensive renovation to the Sailing Club, the re-naming of the Sailing Club to the Godfrey Kelly Sailing Clu and the Godfrey Kelly Wall of Fame in the Sailing Club.”  

Strachan said his term ends in November and he’s dedicating his energy to ensuring their fundraising events are successful, the regatta is organised in an efficient and effective manner and they break ground for the Cat Island Cultural and Community Centre in New Bight.  

“We envision this centre will be able to house a banquet hall, a computer room, a four-room motel, library, reception area and office area and kitchen,” Strachan said. “Our vision for this centre is to provide an after-school venue for kids to do their homework, provide access to computers, provide access to a library and to have a banquet hall where weddings and parties can be held.  

“The Association would be able to earn revenue from the hotel rooms and banquet hall. Obviously, this is a long-term goal, but we’ve applied for an acre in New Bight to break ground. To see this come to fruition would be the icing on the cake for my presidency.”