National Committee praises supporter

A man who grew up in the heartland of America, hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean and would later make an island whose waters he fell in love with his home, was praised as being “the most dedicated supporter of sloop sailing in The Bahamas.”

The praise came from National Sailing Committee chairman Dallas Knowles as the man he honored, Exuma resident and developer Bob Coughlin, was presenting a check for $20,000 to a local boat builder in Black Point, Exuma, to complete work on three E-class native sloops.

“I cannot emphasize enough the impact Bob Coughlin has had on the youth and sailing in Exuma and The Bahamas, both through direct donations and his founding and leadership of Friends of Exuma,” said Knowles, who also serves as chairman of the National Family Island Regatta which Coughlin has sponsored for the past three years. – Full report