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.