Bimini gets an outpost;

special fall rates

Back in the [Big] Game

The Bimini Big Game Club in Alice Town, now a newly refurbished Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina, held a grand re-opening celebration in July. According to Mark Ellert, president of Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, the plan is to preserve the ambiance of the historic Big Game Club while evolving the former fishing lodge into an adventure destination with an emphasis on the island’s unique marine ecosystem, natural beauty and cultural character.  The new Guy Harvey Outpost takes its cue from the legendary Jamaican artist, explorer and conservationist who gave it its name.

The resort received a $3.5 million renovation to its 51 rooms and 75-slip marina, which accommodates boats up to 120 feet. A new restaurant, the Bimini Big Game Bar and Grill, was opened on the property. Work to be completed includes a fuel dock, fitness center and spa, expanded conference space and a Guy Harvey theater. For more, visit biggameclubbimini.com.

Walkers Cay redux?

Bahamas cruisers are buzzing over the recent announcement of a potential, long-awaited re-development of Walkers Cay in the Abacos. Offshore developer Victoria House IBC has been approved by the Bahamas government to purchase the 69-acre island this fall and return it to a fishing and diving destination, with hotels, spa, condominiums, wet- and dry-storage slips, yacht club, 2,800-foot runway, and Customs and Immigration.

Autumn rates are falling

Many resorts and marinas throughout the Bahamas are offering special fall rates and off-season discounts. In the Abacos, these include Conch Inn and Harbour View in Marsh Harbour, Man-o-War, Sea Spray in Hope Town, Spanish Cay, and Treasure Cay. The Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour is offering group rates; a 10-boat minimum with a two-night stay will get you a special room and dockage rate.  In Bimini, discounts will be available from Bimini Bay Resort; in Nassau, Nassau Yacht Haven (which also has an upgraded electrical power system); on Eleuthera, Davis Harbour; in the Exumas, Emerald Bay; on Rum Cay, Sumner Point; on Grand Bahama, Port Lucaya.
Valentine’s Resort & Marina in Harbour Island announced two unique promotions. The resort now is welcoming private pilots with discounts. In addition, starting this fall, it will be offering special packages with the Orvis Company, the result of the property’s being selected to become an official Orvis-endorsed resort.
In other marina news, Bimini Bay Resort is slated to open its Captain & Crew Lounge. The former Club Soleil, now Hope Town Marina in the Abacos, has reopened its lodgings and is soon to complete rebuilding the marina.

Mariners take note

The Nassau Harbour entrance channel has been dredged to widen it for cruise ships, and the entrance is fully open once again to boating traffic.
R&B Boatyard in Spanish Wells now has a new 36-foot towboat for “just in case” scenarios, covering the central and southern Bahamas. Also, Overseas Salvage, located in Sampson Cay in the Exumas, is available for help when things go wrong at sea.
Fuel prices in the Bahamas in August were generally down from the previous month; however they are expected to rise in September. You can get a monthly update at explorercharts.com.

Ban On Grouper…Try Lionfish!

Bahamian sailor takes on the world

Junior Laser sailor Christopher Sands and his coach Robert Dunkley represented the Bahamas in the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2010 in Turkey during July. Christopher sails in the Laser Radials Class and 54 boats raced in Chris’ division where he finished 28th. Christopher is a multiple Bahamas National Champion in Optimist, Sunfish, Laser and even Snipe. In his previous international competition, he sailed in the Laser North American Championships in Texas and finished second in the Silver fleet.

Lionfish tournaments gain momentum

With the goal of bringing awareness of the lionfish invasion of Bahamian waters and helping to promote a solution to the problem, many marinas are sponsoring Lionfishing Tournaments. Among them are Compass Cay Marina, Bimini Bay, Green Turtle Club, and Staniel Cay Yacht Club. In some cases, there are lessons on filleting and cooking the delicacy. A Nassau company is now purchasing lionfish fillets to sell to Bahamian restaurants.

Near Bahamas news

Powerboat Adventures offers an ideal day activity from Nassau to Allen’s and Ship Channel cays where you can watch an amazing live shark feeding and sting ray show. There’s also opportunity for snorkeling and nature walks plus a full open bar and a freshly prepared buffet lunch.
In the good news department, Nassau Yacht Haven (nassauyachthaven.com) reports it now has three-phase power at its marina at East Bay Street. On Grand Bahama Island Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina at Taino Beach has confirmed a new “Boaters Back to Grand Bahama” special dockage rates. On Bimini, to attract charter boats, Bimini Bay Resort is now offering discounted rates for long term marina stays.

Out Island updates

The Berry Islands Club has been brought up to first class out-island standards, with great food, dockage, secure moorings and fuel. There is an easy marked channel that will even accommodate the big fuel barge. Visit berryislandsclub.com.
Compass Cay’s array of colorful fish and pet sharks has grown and the island is fast becoming the gem of the southern Bahamas for both the yachting community and land-based tourists. A restaurant and bar are planned for upcoming seasons. Black Point Home Coming and Regatta will be held the end of July.
Out-Island Explorers in Georgetown offers guided kayaking and sailing trips in the Exuma Cays Visit outislandexplorers.com for details. The Marina at Emerald Bay has a summer special of $.50 per foot for a minimum of six months. The adjacent Sandals Resort, featured in our April swimsuit issue, has gained popularity overnight and is running at over 80 percent occupancy. The Sandals’ popularity, along with such boutique properties as exclusive February Point, has led Air Canada, Delta, American and Continental to increase flights to Georgetown.
Elizabeth Harbour continues to improve with the addition of 15 moorings in Gaviota Bay designed to reduce congestion and improve water quality. Additional proposed services for the upcoming cruising season are pumpout and recycling.
Cape Eleuthera Marina’s new Bahamas Mobile Marine Company has been licensed and will open in August with marine services for breakdowns or parts and repairs. “Cape E” is the only Blue Flag Marina in the Out Islands. It now has a new Wi-Fi system with 360-degree signal on all three docks and the leeward side of the island. Twenty slips have been upgraded to accommodate sport fishing vessels to 70 feet. This fall the marina will be offering a unique “Stay and Sail” package with a luxury catamaran. Also coming during fall will be a new radio tower system capable of reaching the Exumas and Little San Salvador.
Sumner Point Marina on Rum Cay is full with sailing and power vessels coming from all over. Fishing has been good. A full shipment of diesel and clean gas recently arrived. The 3rd Annual Rum Cay Invitational Fishing Tournament was held in early July.

The summer season has arrived full force in the Bahamas after a windy, chilly spring. The beautiful weather has been drawing more yachtsmen to the Bahamas and marinas are filling up as businesses are getting more of an economic boost.
The beautiful hand-crafted Bahamian sloops began the cycle of national regattas with the well-known Family Island Regatta in George Town in April, followed by the Long Island Regatta in early June. Yet to come are regattas in Andros (July 8-11), Cat Island (July 30-August 2), Black Point (July 30-August 2), Acklins/Crooked Island (July 30-August 1), and Abaco (August 20-23).

New Providence

Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island, three miles from Nassau, has earned re-accreditation by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild. Dolphin Encounters offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with friendly marine mammals in a natural marine habitat.

Abaco

Of course July means Regatta Time in Abaco for racing and cruising boats. This year—its 35th—the event is set for July 2-10 to encompass both U.S. and Bahamian Independence Day celebrations. Get more information at regattatimeinabaco.com.

Bimini

Although the Compleat Angler is long gone, Bimini Big Game Club has reopened as a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina and the new owners are working hard to channel the spirit of Ernest Hemingway. The docks began receiving boats Memorial Day weekend and by the time you read this, at least some of the hotel rooms may be reopened. Instead of just installing new softgoods, the rooms were gutted to bare walls and redone. The pool deck has been completely refurbished and the restaurant and bar are in full operation. The resort plans to hold a grand reopening July 24. For details, call 242-347-3391.

Fishing Tournaments

May 31-June 4 saw the Boat Harbour-HMY Billfish Blast return for its eleventh anniversary to Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Marina in Marsh Harbour. On the final day of fishing a total of eight hookups resulted in six blue releases and one white. The 61’ Viking, Cowpoke’s, strong showing of two blue releases and one white by female angler Christy Crews kept them in the top spot at lines out. Second and third place went to Perry Osman’s Sea N Double, also a 61’ Viking, and Michael Rogers’ 50’ Hatteras, Aquaholic, respectively.
Many marinas and communities are promoting Lionfishing tournaments, including Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Bimini Bay, and Treasure Cay in the Abacos. An enterprising company from South Carolina is marketing a kit to safely spear, retrieve, clean, and eat the delicacy. safespear.com. Here’s a link about catching and cleaning lionfish:  livestream.com/grandbahamatv/video?clipId=flv_725f3c7e-942c-4bad-87ba-c7610147982d. This isn’t just fishing, it’s a conservation effort!

The Exumas

Down in the Exumas, a new restaurant will be opening soon on Staniel Cay near the public beach at Chamberlain’s Art Gallery. At Black Point, there are some additional services for yachtsmen—Lorraine’s Café offers bike rentals and showers while Rockside Laundry now has a drop-off service as well as its traditional self-service. You can get your hair cut or braided while you do your laundry. You want conch fritters with that? You can get them, too.

Barraterre offers an easy way of getting guests to and from the airport through Charlton’s Car Rental (242-355-5099). You can enjoy Bernie’s Art Gallery and Bar as you prepare for your guests. The Elizabeth Harbour Management Committee has been taking steps to make Elizabeth Harbour more environmentally sound. A local operator has begun providing pumpout services to yachts. Three moorings were added for a total of 15 that will now be installed in the Gaviota Bay.

Rum Cay

Looking for a family adventure this summer? Try the Sumner Point Marina at Rum Cay where owner Bobby Little has created a summer camp for kids of visiting parents. The “camp” is an outgrowth of activities created to entertain a group of fathers and sons who arrive each year for a summer vacation. Bobby mixes fishing, surfing, and snorkeling adventures with archeology and games to keeps kids amused and learning in a fun and active atmosphere. In the evenings he often hosts campfire gatherings and bakes pizza in his special brick oven. Contact via rumcaymarina.com

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Family Island Regatta

The end of April saw the 57th Family Island Regatta take over the Exumas for great days of sailing. The races are sailed in purpose-built versions of traditional Bahamian sloops—over-canvassed boats that stay upright by means of human ballast on prybars. Jed Munroe, skipper of New Courageous won class A and Jeff Gale took the Class B trophy for Dove.
Bimini Bay Helps Kids Go Green
A new educational, eco-movement to teach Bimini’s youth the importance of protecting their island’s environment launched on Thursday, April 22, Earth Day.  Movement organizers Danielle Dunfee and Lucy Lopez, both employees of Bimini Bay Resort outlined the event to students during school hours the preceding day.  Each student was asked to  wear green, collect bottles and round up old auto batteries for the recycle drive.  “Every single student complied with our requests.  We collected 14 auto batteries, more than 6,000 bottles and 15 bags of trash,” said Lucy Lopez.
“Earth Day was an exciting day for Bimini this year, we hope to maintain efforts on conservation and clean-up throughout the year now,” said Danielle Dunfee.

Towing Services Slim in Bahamas

Port Canaveral TowBoatUS operator Jess Cooley announced he has severed his relationship with the company and will no longer provide towing services from the locations in Grand Bahama and Marsh Harbour. Knowles Marine, which provides towing in Freeport, may be able to pick up some slack in the northern Bahamas Contact them on VHF 16. Bradford Marine–Bahamas, based in Freeport, provides towing and repairs throughout the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos and even south Florida. Captain Mike Stafford manages their towing and salvage operation and maintains a fleet of response vessels to provide the appropriate response in case of an emergency or breakdown. Bradford’s Freeport facility has been through a major renovation. Contact Mike at 242-352-7711 or at mike@bradfordmarinebahamas.com.

Take your Boat for a Ride

Bahamas New Hope Holdings has struck a deal with the new cruise ship Bahamas Celebration to transport small boats on trailers to Freeport, Grand Bahama. The owners of the boats would receive discounted monthly dockage at either marina and be able to use their boats to spend a weekend on Grand Bahamas Island. Round trip transportation from Palm Beach for the boat is $750, and the crew can book overnight accommodations aboard the Celebration, including meals, for $75 each.

Grand Bahama Yacht

Club Litigation Ends

Preben Olesen, chairman/CEO of New Hope Holdings Ltd., announced that a settlement has been reached over the ownership of Grand Bahama Yacht Club. The Freeport property and assets had been in receivership until the process ended April 12, 2010. Olesen, who also owns Port Lucaya Marina, will retain control of GBYC’s marina and all the assets of the company.
“We have already booked several large groups for their summer cruises to Grand Bahama Yacht Club and our nearby Port Lucaya Marina,”said Olesen.“ The new club house and pool bar make ours a perfect setting for these large groups.”

Tuna netting stirs emotions

The February arrival of a commercial fishing boat in Freeport equipped to catch tuna with a mile-long net created a huge outcry from Bahamians, environmentalists and U.S. recreational fishermen alike. Two Bahamian brothers, David and Paul Mellor, own the tuna seiner, called Pelagic I. The Mellor brothers said the ship would be used to set up an aquaculture program and the nets would not be set on the reefs but in open ocean with the netted tuna transferred to a tow tank for harvesting, thereby creating jobs for Bahamians.
After a public petition against netting was circulated, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources wasted little time in denouncing purse seine fishing within Bahamian waters. The Mellors, however, produced a letter from Fisheries Director Michael Braynen dated April 2009 stating that commercial tuna fishing with nets was legal as long as the mesh opening was a minimum of two inches.

“Having regard to the importance of sportfishing to the Tourism Industry, the Government takes the position that purse seine or net fishing will not be permitted in The Bahamas,” the ministry said in a press release in mid-February. The statement also said that adjustments would be made to the Fisheries Conservation Act to prohibit such action. On March 8 the Mellor brothers said they would appeal to the government to reconsider their operation.

Cruising notes

On the route from Rock Sound to Current Cut there are hundreds of buoys marking stone crab traps. You may have to turn to avoid running over several or risk fouling your prop or rudder. News from cruisers to Rock Sound reveals that both the Haven Bakery and the Almond Tree gift shop have closed but that the old town dock has been partially rebuilt and has ladders for you to land your dinghy. Subscription wi-fi is available in Rock Sound’s harbour for $10/day or $8/day/3days.
There is a partially submerged wreck in Salt Pond Harbour on Long Island. It is close enough to the surface and in a location to have damaged a couple of outboard motors. Mark its position at 23° 19.830’N/ 75° 07.535’ W. Explorercharts.com posts free updates for Explorer Chartbooks and lists current fuel prices throughout the island chain. Also at the website is a newly drawn chart of the Bimini Channel entrance.

Nassau Yacht Club hosts

Star championship

The Nassau Yacht Club is readying itself to once again welcome the International Star Class with the Western Hemisphere Championship commencing Monday, April 12. Races will be sailed in the area known as the Douglas Roads off the eastern end of New Providence. April 13 will see the three-race, Harry Knowles series sailed as a warm-up. Much anticipated is the promise of a brief return to the course by legendary Bahamian sailor Sir Durward Knowles, now in his 94th year. Currently Commodore of the International Star Class Racing Association, Sir Durward has the distinction of being not only a past Star Class World Champion, but also an Olympian, winning Bronze in 1956 and Gold in 1964. Championship dates are April14-17.

Abacos Beach Resort

to host many tournaments

As the fishing season casts off, few other places will offer such an exhilarating and varied tournament roster as the Abacos. The season begins April 14-17 with the launch of the inaugural All-Release Boat Harbour Billfish Challenge. The Challenge is dedicated to billfish conservation, and will raise money for the Marsh Harbour Fire Department. From May 25-29, a surprise awaits with the Abaco Beach Resort Classic. Come Memorial Day Weekend, fireworks will launch the Abaco Beach Resort & HMY Billfish Blast, May 31-June 4, a top-ranked tournament of camaraderie and competition. HMY Yacht Sales works in cooperation with Abaco Beach Resort for this exceptional tournament. Check AbacoBeachResort.com for details.

Family Islands are

hopping with events

You may have seen the stars of the film “Precious” on TV collecting awards at the Golden Globes, but you may not have noticed that among the supporting cast was recording artist Lenny Kravitz who played the roll of Nurse John. This Bahamian native lives on Eleuthera and is recording his next album there at his Gregory Town Sound studio.

Abaco adventures

If you missed the Junkanoo celebration during the holidays, in late February the town of Marsh Harbour will be holding a full-on Junkanoo Rush. On Friday the 26th, school groups will parade in the early evening. Saturday brings the adult groups with floats and elaborate costumes. Food and beverages will be sold from stalls between the Post Office and the pharmacy.
The Boat House Restaurant at the Sea Spray Marina in White Sound is continuing its policy of delivering dinner to your boat if you are just too tired from a day of boating to cook. Anything from pizza to a full meal is available from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for boats docked not only in the adjacent marina but anchored from Tahiti Beach to the Post Office Dock.
February 13 brings the annual Flea Market to Man-O-War Cay. Albury’s Ferry is putting on extra boats to run service from Marsh Harbour out to Man-O-War for the event.
Green Turtle Club is hosting its seventh annual Wine Tasting Saturday February 6 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. with live entertainment by the Gully Roosters Tickets cost $40 and all proceeds benefit the 2010 Island Roots Heritage Festival April 30 to May 2.

Exuma gears for 30th Cruising Regatta

Each year since 1980, cruising yachties have gathered in George Town, Exuma, during the spring for fun and racing. These days, the event is one long series of parties, contests, and competitive games. One of the enduring traditions is the donation of books to the George Town public library by the cruisers attending the event.
The regatta is run by volunteers from the cruising community and the funds to run the regatta come primarily from the sail of T-shirts and hats, with a different design chosen each year. This year the colorful design was drawn by Susan Schady of the yacht Nice ‘n Easy.
The chairpeople for the 2010 regatta are Bill and Laverne Sandelin from Rocinante of Miami. The theme for this regatta, which is expected to attract 50 boats this year,  will be “Ocean Blue Las Vegas”. A pre-regatta event, the George Town to Long Island race, sails the first week of February with a cruising party at both ends of the race. This year the regatta itself is set for March 1 to 14 with the infamous Opening Night party to be held on March 3 at Volleyball Beach. Check out georgetowncruising.com for events and registration.

Pre-Clearance for commuters

The Pre-Clearance Act has been amended to include the pre-clearance of private aircraft in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Owners of private aircraft may find it a time savings to pre-clear in Grand Bahama before flying on to their ultimate destination within the United States. For each of the past three years, some 80,000 visitors arrived in the Bahamas aboard private aircraft.

Breezing into 2010 Bahamas Style

In the Bahamas we Junkanoo in the New Year with stilt walkers, whistles, goatskin drums, cowbells, and horns in the ultimate “rush out.” It’s crazy and exuberant and lasts until dawn; you can sleep anytime—New Year’s is special. The biggest event in the Bahamas will be in Nassau where thousands will gather in competitive groups similar to Mardi Gras crewes and snake down Bay Street to the cheers of those packed on balconies. The celebration has its roots in West Africa and developed during early colonial days as a celebration among the slaves. Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera also throw big parties and Marina Village at Paradise Island will be having fireworks at midnight. We love the approach of Abaco Beach Resort, which hosts a Recovery Champagne Brunch complete with a M.A.S.H. Unit tent hospital theme in the Angler’s Restaurant from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the following day

Fisheries notice

After all the excitement of the holidays winds down, you need to know that the waters surrounding High Cay, off the coast of Central Andros will be designated as a “Protected Area” from January 1 to February 28. During this period all forms of fishing will be prohibited in a seven-square-mile area around High Cay as bounded in the North by latitude 24°40’N, in the South by 24°37.8’N, in the East by longitude 77°40.8W, and in the West by longitude 77°44’W. The Department of Marine Resources also advises cruisers that it’s illegal to take Nassau Grouper anywhere in the Bahamas during this same two-month period.

Atlantis events

If you are into a little celebrity sighting, basketball legend Michael Jordan will be hosting his annual charity golf event on Paradise Island January 20-24, and Jerry Seinfeld blows into town to perform standup comedy at Atlantis Live on Saturday, January 23. Call 242-363-3000 for tickets.

Dock Express now delivers to Freeport

If you see more big foreign yachts in the Bahamas this winter it may be because Dockwise Yacht Transport is now utilizing Freeport, Grand Bahama as a yacht drop-off and collection point. Super Servant 4, a 556-foot semi-submersible ship, left Newport, Rhode Island in November with a record load of 50 recreational cruising and racing boats, worth upwards of $41 million. It unloaded eight vessels (six motoryachts, one sportfisherman and one sailboat) in Freeport before heading to St. Thomas to deposit the rest for the Caribbean cruising season.

Roll the dice at Treasure Bay

The casino at Our Lucaya Resort reopened December 4 under new management and a new name. Formerly Isle of Capri, the property is now called Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel. Headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi, Treasure Bay Gaming and Resorts Inc. owns and operates Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel in Biloxi and Divi Carina Bay Casino on St. Croix, U.S.V.I. The company also manages the Alhambra Casino in Aruba and the Flamingo Casino in Bonaire.

Sail-ho!

January 2-9 will see the world championships for the  International 49er and 29er sailing classes at Viva Wyndam Fortuna Resort on Grand Bahama. Sailors will race off the beach in front of the hotel property.  Fifty-nine teams representing 26 countries will sail in the 49er class while 32 teams are registered for the 29er class. These 14’ 5” double-handed boats were developed for young sailors as a feeder class to the 16-foot Olympic class skiff 49er.

The Bahamas Swings into the Season

The 150-slip marina at Emerald Bay in the Exumas reopened November 10 as part of the new Sandals Emerald Bay Resort. Sandals bought the property from the Four Seasons last April and has been repurposing the property with $15 million in upgrades. While the entire resort won’t open until January 22, Island Routes Luxury Adventure Tours, which will manage the marina and adjacent Greg Norman-designed golf course for Sandals, chose to ready the marina before the holidays. Berths include electricity (30/50/100 amp), fresh water, sewage pumpout, and fuel (gas, diesel). Slip rates begin at $2.25 per foot, discounted for long-term stays. For reservations and inquiries visit marinaatemeraldbay.com, or call at 242-336-6100.

National Tennis Centre draws Andy Roddick

Here’s a spectacular chance to catch world-class tennis when U.S. top-ranked tennis player Andy Roddick faces three-time doubles grand slam winner Mark Knowles on his own turf in Mark’s 9th Annual Celebrity Tennis Invitational December 3 to 5 at the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, just a short distance from the marina.
Mark, who was born in Nassau, is a five-time Olympian and he recently partnered with Andy at the Beijing Open where they reached the doubles final.
The two will play an exhibition match at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre in Nassau at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 5th.  Admission is $10 for adults and free for children. Tickets will be available at the National Tennis Centre, Atlantis Tennis Centre, Village Squash Club, or by telephone, 242-359-2542. Proceeds benefit Bahamian children’s charities.

George Town tree lighting

If you are in the Exumas, cruise on over to George Town for the Christmas Tree-Lighting ceremony in Regatta Park on December 8. This is a popular event when the locals and cruising community get together to sing carols and enjoy performances by school groups and entertainers. The big event occurs after sundown when Regatta Park is transformed with thousands of twinkling lights. Contact Exuma Tourist office for details, 242-336-2430.

Rum Cay Marina dispute resolved

The future of Rum Cay’s marina at Sumner Point appears secure as two parties who had been disputing the operation of the marina announced they would set aside their differences for the good of the island community.
New England Marine Services, which had been operating the marina for nearly two years, said a new agreement is in place where management will revert to Bobby Little whose family developed Sumner Point. Sumner Point Marina has dockage for 30 vessels up to 180-feet in length, fuel, 30/50/100 amp power, and reverse osmosis water.

Fuel prices

Thanks to our friends at Explorer Charts we have updated Bahamas fuel prices, which show that diesel prices are holding at just a bit higher than Florida, with a low of $3.40 per gallon at Port Lucaya and Grand Bahama Yacht Club to about a nickel higher in Nassau. The average price was $4 per gallon in the Abacos. Long Island, Spanish Wells, Sampson and Staniel Cays all reported prices at $3.89. More good news: Customs and Immigration will operate regular hours December 23-26.

Events abound

throughout the islands

Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) will be holding a gala fund-raiser on November 7 at the Old Fort Bay Club in Nassau. Called “An Evening of Elegance,” the event begins with a cocktail reception at 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing. Miss Bahamas International, Amanda Appleyard, will be present to draw and award raffle prizes, the top prize being a pair of round-trip business class tickets from Nassau to London on American Airlines. BASRA is a unique organization of volunteers committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen or airmen in the Bahamas. They monitor radio traffic 24/7 scanning for mariners or pilots in danger and operate two rescue boats. If you cruise the Bahamas, it’s definitely worth your time to know and support BASRA and understand how to contact them. basra.org.

Out Island Fun

Governors Harbour, Eleuthera, will celebrate its homecoming festival on November 4. At the end of the month the action’s at Hope Town, Abaco, with the 10th Anuual Arts and Crafts Festival on the 27th and the Big Hill Box Cart Derby on the 28th. You know that the Abacos were settled by Loyalists, so it’s no surprise these islanders celebrate all things British. November 7, the Abacos celebrates Guy Fawkes night with a Bonfire Celebration at Green Turtle Cay.

Bahamas Film

Fesitval in Nassau

The Sixth Annual Bahamas International Film Festival opens December 10 at the Galleria Cinemas in Nassau with the screening of “Children of God,” directed by Bahamian Kareem Mortimer. The Bahamas International Film Festival provides the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. For more news about the festival and tickets, visit
bintfilmfest.com.

Albany Progresses

Work is progressing smartly on the 15-acre 71-slip marina complex at Albany, a luxury resort community spanning 600 acres not far from the airport on New Providence Island. A partnership between Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, Albany will eventually include approximately 350 homes and a golf course.

BREEF Gala

The Bahamas Reef Environ-ment Educational Foundation (BREEF) will be hosting its annual ball on November 28. This year’s theme is “Return of the Drumbeat,” a nostalgic evening celebrating the Old Nassau’s native nightclub era of the 1950s. This gala includes plenty of food and entertainment. BREEF was founded in 1993 by the late Sir Nicholas Nuttall to address concerns on the state of The Bahamas’ marine environments. Visit breef.org for more information.

Cruisers will find

changes to resorts

and marinas

New Bridge, Shakespeare

and Development

Monty Lewis reports that some Bahamian marinas had lowered transient dockage rates in September, while fuel prices were a mixed bag. The lowest price for diesel Monty found was through Harbor Bay Starport in Nassau ($4.28) followed by the Grand Bahama Yacht Club ($3.40). Water seems to be readily available. Check Monty’s latest reports at explorercharts.com.

In September we noted that Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club closed at the end of August. Yes it has. Poor Karen Pinder, as co-Manager at Port Lucaya Marina, she has been besieged since with calls and e-mails ever since by folks who think that the two properties are the same. No they are not. Port Lucaya Marina is open. Call Karen yourself and see at 242-373-9090.

Also on the subject of resorts and marinas, Old Bahama Bay’s marina is remaining open while the resort closes for maintenance beginning September 8. Ginn Sur Mer company spokesman Ryan Julison, said the entire resort will reopen October 9. Visiting cruisers should only be impacted by the temporary closure of the restaurant, he said.

Sandals has purchased the Emerald Bay Resort in the Exumas and will reopen it in January 2010. Sandals will also operate the 17-acre stand-alone marina, a first for the company. This fully protected, deepwater marina offers 133 slips and is equipped to accommodate and yachts up to 300 feet. Open to the public, the marina also features a clubhouse with a full-service restaurant, pool, a world-class Lane Spa and facilities to accommodate families with children. Sandals operates the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa and Resort in Nassau and Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay.

Megayacht service facility

Bradford Grand Bahama, Ltd., one of the Bradford Marine family of companies, and Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited announced that they have signed a megayacht service agreement that will enable haul outs and below-the-water line services in Freeport for the world’s largest mega-yachts. With Bradford Marine Bahamas’ 2,000 feet of deepwater docks, these yachts will easily clear customs and immigration and be prepared for haulout at Grand Bahama Shipyard. Both companies will work together to provide service to these larger yachts.

Paul Engle, Bradford Marine Bahamas’ president, said, “We are very pleased about the ability to expand both of our companies’ capabilities and our businesses. It’s a much-needed service that previously was unavailable in South Florida and the Bahamas.”

White Sound gets a waterfront park

Those cruising the Abacos should check out White Sound, where a new community park is taking shape across from the Sea Spray Resort and Marina. Steve Dodge, author of the Cruising Guide to the Abacos, has been spearheading the push to get this piece of Queen’s land dedicated as a park. A little south of Hope Town, White Sound offers a different perspective on Elbow Cay. The Sea Spray is a popular spot with visiting cruisers as the adjacent Boat House Restaurant will deliver meals to your boat and has live music every Saturday night.