The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

DURING a special reception for participants in the Western Hemisphere Star Class sailing championships, legendary skipper Sir Durward “Sea Wolf” Knowles announced that he will not be serving as the commodore for another term.

At Montagu Gardens Wednesday night, 95-year-old Knowles said it is time for him to pass on the baton to a younger and vibrant sailor to continue the rich tradition of the sport that is currently sailing its championships in Montagu Bay this week.

Knowles competed at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he won a gold medal in the Star Class, together with Cecil Cooke. He received a bronze medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne with Sloane Elmo Farrington.

“I have decided that I will not seek re-election as commodore,” Knowles told a large gathering of participating sailors, family members and friends. “I will probably be 100 if I serve again. So I want to say thanks on behalf of the Bahamas for the Star Class coming back to the Bahamas.”

Knowles threw his support behind Tomas Hornos, a 24-year-old from Boston, who is competing in the championships as his heir replacement. Knowles, who won a gold, silver and two bronze in the World Championships, considered Tomas to be the future of the Star Class. “This gentleman took part in the Junior World Championships a few years ago and he earned the right to be the junior world champion,” Knowles said of Tomas. “He is now taking part with the seniors and he is performing very well here. This young man will go a long way.”

Before he was done, Knowles congratulated the 21 boats competing in the championships that officially got started on Wednesday and is slated to wrap up on Saturday. He noted that they wished to have more participants, but he understands the plight of the economy.

Knowles said three years ago when the event was held in Montagu, he had an accident that prevented him from treating the sailors to his usual reception, so he was delighted to be around to do it now as he passes on the reign of commodore to a younger person.

To keep his legacy alive, Knowles noted that a second memoir is being produced and he introduced Albert Cox, who is the author. Knowles noted that he has already lined up a number of persons, whom Cox will be contacting to get their views and contribution to the book.

“This book encompasses the last 25 years of his life,” Cox said. “His first book was more of an autobiography. This book will detail what he has done over his last 25 years.”

At least three of Knowles’ long-time friends, who were in attendance, shared their appreciation for his contribution to the sport.

“I want to extend to you, on behalf of the entire room, the years of service that you have given to us,” said Richard Burgess, who serves as the chairman of the Star Class. “I just want to say thank you and it has been an honour, having you serve as our commodore.”

For American Augie Diaz, one of the top competitors in the championships, Knowles has been an idol of his for so many years. “All of my life I’ve been sailing the Star class and I always looked up to you by the way you sailed, not just by winning, but sailing with class and that’s really what the class is all about,” Diaz said. “We always love coming to the Bahamas to sail and we really appreciate you for accommodating us.”

And Paul Hutton, who considers Knowles to be an honourary Bahamian, said it’s always a joy to have the Star Class sail in the Bahamas and they enjoy the way he has interacted with all of the competitors.

Knowles, who has made countless contributions to Bahamian society as a philanthropist, said he enjoyed his tenure in the Star Class and just like he treats all Bahamians - whether they are black or white - the same, he has tried to do that with all of the sailors he has encountered over the years.