ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

Our series ‘The Many Faces of Yachting in Antigua’ continues, this month highlighting Franklyn Braithwaite who has played a key role in the yachting community in Antigua for several years.  Franklyn was recently honoured for his services and contribution to sailing and community development. Franklyn grew up and still lives in Falmouth and started sailing competitively and representing Antigua & Barbuda at the age of 12.  He competed in the 1992 Olympics representing Antigua & Barbuda in sailing. He began working in the yachting industry in 1976 at Antigua Sails, and opened his own business, A & F Sails, in 1982.

What is your role in the yachting community in Antigua?
Along with owning A & F Sails, I am the currently President of the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association.  I also hold the office of Vice Commodore at Antigua Yacht Club with previous stints as the Commodore.  I’ve played numerous other roles in the yachting community of Antigua over the years.

How long have you been in that role?
I was President of the ABMA from 1992 to 1993 and have now been the President for the past three years.  A & F Sails was started in 1982 and I have been on the board of Antigua Yacht Club off and on for many years.

What interested you in the yachting industry originally?
Growing up around boats in Falmouth Harbour attracted me initially to sailing and sail making.

What is one of your most memorable moments during your time in this field?
Participating in the 1992 Olympics and representing Antigua and Barbuda is definitely one of the most memorable moments for me.

What is the highlight of the yachting year for you?
The highlight of the yachting year for me is sailing in Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week.

Does yachting form part of your leisure activities?
Yes, sailing is my main leisure activity outside of work.

What do you think can be added or worked on to improve the yachting environment in Antigua?
There are quite a few procedures within the yachting industry that could be simplified to enhance the yachting environment in Antigua.

What is your advice to someone wanting to start in the yachting field in Antigua?
My advice to someone wanting to start in the yachting field in Antigua is that the industry is very diverse and you must be sure to be professional and reliable in everything you do, and totally honest in doing so.

We would like to thank Franklyn for taking part in our Many Faces of Yachting in Antigua series.  If you know of someone working in the yachting industry who you would like to read about in Antigua’s Yachting Insider, please let us know by emailing stephanie@antiguanice.com.