Times of the Islands Spring 2021

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
He fondly recalled memories of looking out to the bay in
Blue Hills and seeing the masts of numerous anchored
Caicos sloops. James also spoke about the regattas,
especially his competitions with Carl Ewing, Hilly Ewing,
Hedley Forbes and “Hearts” Capron. An interesting design
note—the Dean vessels have a wider hull when compared
with the designs of Hedley Forbes. Both builders
claim their technique is the best for speed and control
in the water. Over his career James built over 50 Caicos
sloops of various sizes, the last in 2009, which he named
Wildfire.
After the interview, we were shown some of the Dean
fleet that were destroyed in 2017 by Hurricanes Irma
and Maria. Wing Dean told us that he was building a new
sloop at his home and invited us to view his work. We
were excited by this opportunity because although many
sloops were lost during the 2017 hurricanes, we could
not find anyone building a new Caicos sloop.
A few months later, Michael visited Wing, to interview
him and observe him building his new sloop. The interview
focused on the differences between the traditional
(historic) and contemporary methods for building sloops.
Traditionally, boat builders would go into the forests and
harvest the locust tree to build the frames and Caicos
pine for the planking, masts and spars, with the entire
vessel being constructed with hand tools. Today, lumber
is purchased from hardware stores with metal masts,
and construction is almost exclusively with power tools.
Although the tools and techniques have evolved, modern
builders follow the traditional design techniques.
The final documentary will be submitted to the Turks
& Caicos Film Festival 2021. Follow peopleoftheislands.
com and our social media channels to be kept up to date
on the release of the trailer for a Caicos Sloop Story, full
interviews, and the release of the full documentary.
The 2017 hurricane season was devastating for traditional
Caicos sloops. Many were lost and the traditional
regatta grounds in South Caicos were destroyed. With
projects like this documentary, the One Design program
and the programs launched by the TCI Department of
Culture, we hope that this art can be revitalized. a
Thanks to Martin and Donna Seim, Director’s Welcome
Grant for Projects (purchased Camera gear) and Brian
Riggs, donation from Quiz Night to the museum.
Not every interview made it into this article. Others interviewed
include: Cardinal Arthur, Middle Caicos; Kendal
Butler, Bahamas; George Dean, Providenciales; “Pringle”
Dean, Providenciales; Elbert Higgs, North Caicos; JJ
Parker, Providenciales; Timothy “T-boy” Robinson, Middle
Caicos; Wilton Selver, Salt Cay; Curtis Simmons, Grand
Turk; Eustace and Alfred Williams, North Caicos; and
Pastor Goldstein Williams, Providenciales.
“Wing” Dean constructs a new sloop at his home.
Times of the Islands Spring 2021 61