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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