Sir Durward Knowles was born to the late Captain Harry and Charlotte Knowles, on November 2nd 1917.

He was educated at Queen’s College. After graduating he immediately joined his father working on his Pilot Boat, he learned to be a Pilot, and after various jobs on the waterfront, was appointed a Pilot in 1952.

He was married in 1947 to Hollie Shaw, an English girl who lived next door, and they have three children, Jill, Randy and Charlotte, and six grandchildren.

In 1947, he also won the World Championship in California.

Sir Durward’s main hobbies were sailing and rugby.  In 1956, he won the bronze medal along with Sloane Farrington, in Melbourne, Australia and in 1964, along with Cecil Cooke they won the Gold medal in Tokyo.  He is still sailing at age 85.

In 1964 Sir Durward was awarded the O. B. E. At Government House by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and in 1996, he was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace for his outstanding work in the community and for winning the Gold and Bronze Medal in the Olympics. In 1997, Sir Durward was also awarded the Bahamas Order of Merit, B.O.M.

In March of 2002, Sir Durward was awarded Rotary International’s highest honour when he received the ‘Service Above Self Award’.

In November 2002, after his 85th birthday, Sir Durward retired from being an active Harbour Pilot, but has not retired from the office.

He serves on various Committees, including Honorary Vice President Charity Guide No. 37, Co-Chairman of One Bahamas, Vice President of the Bahamas Olympic Association, Member of Ebenezer Methodist Trustees, Member of the Bahamas Methodist Conference, President of the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled, Director of Sir Durward Knowles Cheshire Home, Past President of the Rotary Cub of  Nassau.  Member of the Bahamas National Board for the Disabled and Older Persons, and President of the Bahamas Yachting Association.  He, along with Bobby Symonette, were founders of BASRA.  He is also well-known for his charitable contributions to various organizations, and to the various Regattas.