Introducing Franklyn Braithwaite, MBE, GOH, OLY: A Passionate Sailor and Entrepreneur

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Introducing Franklyn Braithwaite, MBE, GOH, OLY: A Passionate Sailor and Entrepreneur

Antigua & Barbuda, October 26, 2023 – Allow us to introduce you to Franklyn Braithwaite, a distinguished individual holding the titles of MBE (Member of the British Empire), GOH (Grand Officer of the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage), and OLY (Olympian). He is the proud owner and proprietor of A & F Sails, serves as the President of ABYMA (Antigua & Barbuda Yachting and Marine Association), and holds the esteemed position of Commodore at the Antigua Yacht Club.

Mr. Braithwaite’s remarkable journey in the world of yachting commenced at the tender age of 15. In his early years, he faced limited access to a formal high school education, compelling him to forgo further academic pursuits. Instead, he embarked on an apprenticeship with Antigua Sails. Fueled by an unwavering determination to succeed and a personal mantra that recognized no limits to his potential, he co-founded A & F Sails in 1982, at the age of 21, with the support of a Canadian company and a local partner.

Today, A & F Sails employs ten dedicated individuals and offers a range of services to yachts, including sail repairs, awnings, canopies, and anything made from fabric that vessels require for covering or repairs. With over four decades of experience, Mr. Braithwaite attributes his success to consistently delivering exceptional services characterized by a high level of quality and dependability. He firmly believes that trust and honesty are essential when conducting business, whether with local or international entities.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mr. Braithwaite’s heart lies in the world of sailing, which he defines as not only his sport but also his lifelong passion and occupation. His love affair with sailing commenced at the age of nine, and his talent became evident early on, leading to an invitation to sail with the Antigua Yacht Club. Throughout his sailing career, he proudly represented Antigua & Barbuda in numerous competitions across the Caribbean and around the world, culminating in his participation in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

In 2014, his outstanding contributions to sailing and community development earned him the distinguished title of Grand Officer of the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage (GOH) as part of the Independence Honors list. Currently, Mr. Braithwaite holds the esteemed positions of President of the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association and Commodore of the Antigua Yacht Club.

Mr. Braithwaite is a strong advocate for his fellow Antiguans and Barbudans to consider careers in the yachting sector, highlighting its potential as a lucrative industry with diverse job opportunities. He urges everyone to dispel the misconception that yachting is exclusive to the English Harbour community, emphasizing that the sector is open to all of Antigua and Barbuda.

To further this mission, the upcoming Industry Showcase, hosted by ABYMA on November 16 – 17, aims to unveil the full scope of opportunities the yachting sector offers, from business-related roles to provisioning, marine carpentry, engineering, electronics, and more.

Mr. Franklyn Braithwaite, MBE, GOH, OLY, is an unwavering advocate and dedicated champion of the yachting sector, displaying a profound commitment to nurturing the next generation of yachting professionals in Antigua and Barbuda.

 

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9 COMMENTS

  1. As an Antiguan/Barbudan myself I congratulate my Antiguan brother on his selfless service to our nation. I am indeed proud of his accomplishments too. May the Almighty grant him long life too. He is indeed a patriot of our dear land.

  5. I wish our Politicians would be as Passionate as Franklin is to our Country instead of selfish greed. God bless you Mr. Braithwaite you’re man of integrity.

  7. Yes, I’ve known him well, as following in the footsteps of the Antiguan Icons of Freelance, Molly Hawk, Harbinger and Warrior Giant fame: And even form my time sailing on Flying Fifty, Bird Of Paradise, Sagittarius and even my Catamaran prowess claim. He was born close to the water, some fifty yards from Falmouth Harbour water ebb. Top Bay was for Seniors at the tender age he learned to swim: as sailing in that local was a foregone conclusion, of childhood passage on the sea ; with Nellie, and Sixpence gracing, and traversing the Harbor, and, the many sails that go waltzing by upon the balmy south easterly winds; to show their mast from the shelter of English Harbor “aka” Dock Yard. It’s an impressive imprint he had possess and, with an unending inquisitive fascination with the discipline of the Sea’s demanding reparative respect. As per, I posited and, concur: Franklyn B. was destined to be-all that he wants to be. A Man Of My Soil: A Student Of The Sea.

  8. As a past student of my first alma mata and I dare say one of my fellow community of Falmouth Cobbs Cross and English Harbour he’s always been so humble polite and quiet. I am happy for all he has achieved and for.the encouragement he continues to those who are aspiring in this field. Proud of you Franklyn – way to go

  9. As a past student of my first alma mata and I dare say one of my fellow community of Falmouth Cobbs Cross and English Harbour he’s always been so humble polite and quiet. I am happy for all he has achieved and for.the encouragement he continues to give to those who are aspiring in this field. Proud of you Franklyn – way to go

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