Hezron L. Moxey

Written by Earnestine D. Moxey

No Bahamian has the depth of knowledge of the seas of The Bahamas, the craft of beat building and the art of sleep sailing as Captain Hezron Lenox Moxey. He epitomizes what is great about a Bahamian sailor. Over the years, Captain Moxey has earned the status of a Bahamian icon of sleep sailing.

Coming from a family of sailors, sailing became a necessity for survival – thus becoming his life and his passion. Under the watchful eyes of his father and grandfather, Captain Moxey sailed the waters between Haiti, Cuba and The Bahamas, trading fruits, cows, rum, cigars and other goods. At age twelve he had already mastered the skill of sailing, and chartered the course of 24-footers.

Bern in Duncan Town, Ragged Island, this legendary seventy year old Bahamian sailor has the distinction of sailing in the company of royal- ty and with the rich and famous of the world. During the 1960’s and early 70’s, at a time when modern technology was non-existent, he made and distribute hundreds of navigational tapes for yachtsmen to be guided through the treacherous reefs, wrecks and shoals of The Bahamas.

At ether times, he guided up to thirty yachters into The Bahamas.   This decorated sailor was the first Captain and Chief Inspector in the Marine Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He has sailed the seas of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, and has bought great credit to his country as a quintessential sailor. The sea- faring Captain Moxey has piloted vessels through Canada, Spain, Italy, Greece, the Caribbean, United States of America and the South West Coast of Africa.

“Whitehead”, as he is affectionately called, has participated in more regattas than any other sailor. He has skippered races in Grand Bahama, Bimini, Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera and Cat island, and has participated in the National Family Island Regatta in Exuma, since its inception in 1954. in fact, he was the first man to enter the Elizabeth Harbour in 1954, thus delivering the ice for the regatta.

A skipper of both “A” and “B” Class sloops, his 24-footer, “B” class boat called the “Ego” won most of the races during the 1950’s and early 60’s. During the 1980’s he won four National titles in the “A” class division and over the years, led many other vessels to victory including the Good News, Unca Boss, Lady Eugenia, William’s Auto, New Thunderbird and intrepid.

inducted into the Bahamian Sailing Hall of Fame in 1990, he was awarded the British Empire Medal from Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his contribution to the sport. Married to Elva Joffre, he retired from active sailing in 1996 and presently enjoys sports fishing.

A proud tradition of sailing which started with his forefathers in now carried by seven of Captain Moxey’s children, who themselves are captains.

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A Poem

The Exumas
Sail her down, sail her down,
Sail her down to George Town.
Highborne Cay the first: we see,
Yellow Bank is by the lee.
Harvey Cay is in the moon,
Farmers Gay is coming soon.
Now we come to Galliot,

Out in the ocean we must go,
Children’s Bay is passing fast,
Stocking Island came at last.
Nassau gal is all behind,
George Town gal is on my mind.
A wiggle and a giggle and a jamboree,
Great Exuma is the place for me!
Exuma Islands Poem

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