Crackdown on crime, services improved, marinas reopen with cruiser incentives. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

To inaugurate the New Year, Staniel Cay sponsored a unique event. Normally, the local A-Class Lady Muriel challenges cruising boats in the New Years Regatta and a regular crew is supplemented by island tourists and cruising yachtsmen. Instead, on New Years Eve, a large group of spectator boats got to see not one, but three of the beautiful A-Class boats race each other in a Bahamian-style anchored start three-race regatta, and those who wanted to experience racing on an A-Class boat could enjoy hiking out on the pry. The keen competition between two Staniel Cay national champion boats, Tida Wave and Lady Muriel, was augmented by the Ragged Island competitor Courageous, which arrived on the mailboat. Tida Wave outperformed the other two in all events, but the “fun for all” was more important than the winner.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The annual Ragged Island Valentine’s Day Party will once again be held on Hog Cay, Ragged Islands. Maxine, from the grocery in Duncan Town, provides food for the event where cruisers join the locals and bring a dish to share.

The second annual Abaco Marine Flea Market will take place February 25^th at the Treasure Cay Primary School. The school’s athletic field will be transformed into a huge nautical ‘swap shop’ with all sorts of new and used nautical gear and equipment being sold at unbelievably low prices. This year’s vendors include Marsh Harbour Marina, Abaco Outboards, Island Boy Tackle, Marsh Harbour Boat Yards, Sea Horse Boat Rentals and Abaco Suzuki. Unlike a boat show, the Abaco Marine Flea Market offers an informal, almost party-like atmosphere where shoppers enjoy a wide variety of Bahamian food and drinks while they wander in search of a wind scoop or spare propeller. The Treasure Cay Marina will again offer special reduced dockage rates for those visiting the Abaco Marine Flea Market.

Visit abacomarinefleamarket.com for complete information about the event. Vendor Space Request Forms are available on the website, or contact Donnie Albury at 242-427-0412 or email your request to albehrendt@oii.net.

COMMUNICATIONS

A caution when purchasing prepaid phone cards for either data or voice: check the expiration date. These cards do have a shelf life and if you inadvertently get an expired one, you may not be able to get a refund.

NEW TRANSPORTATION

Sun Air International, a Fort Lauderdale-based regional airline, announced its new service to Cat Island; New Bight Airport, Eleuthera; Rock Sound Airport; and Andros Town Airport. Sun Air International has also been serving Chub Cay and Great Harbour Cay, along with on-demand charter flights throughout Florida and the Bahamas. Its new schedule also provides nonstop service to both Great Harbour and Chub Cay. All Sun Air flights will depart from the Commuter Terminal at Fort Lauderdale, located on the lower level of terminal four. For more information, go to gosunair.com or call for reservations at 877-226-2040.

Travelers from south Florida to the Bahamas now have a new choice of transportation. A high-speed ferry, the Pinar del Rio, will be making the 76-mile trip from Port Everglades to Freeport in two and a half hours. The Bahamas Express is a shipping company from Spain that operates the service. Designed for tourists and the resort industry, this service also has implications for the cruising community. It would certainly make it easy to get guests over to the Bahamas with less hassle and expense.

The ferry departs every day, except Wednesdays, at 10AM and arrives at Grand Bahama at 12:30PM. It departs the Bahamas at 7:30PM and arrives back at Port Everglades at 10PM. Besides the economy and first class accommodations, there is duty-free shopping and a bar/cafeteria onboard.

NEW RESTAURANT TO 

OPEN AT HIGHBOURNE

For those around the Highbourne Cay area in February, you will be in the perfect position to try out the beautiful new outdoor restaurant at Highbourne Cay Marina. The restaurant expects to be open around February 1^st and will be a welcome addition to the island and the surroundings for those who would like to go out for some good food and pleasant atmosphere.

CHANGES IN THESE LATITUDES:  BIMINI

A dredge is currently working in the entrance of the channel to Bimini Harbour. Depths should be over 3 meters (9-10 feet) in the area of previous shoaling shown on Chart BIM 3, page 54, Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas, Sixth Edition. Vessels entering the harbour may try to contact the dredge on channel 13 or 16 until the project is completed. Upon occasion, the dredge pipe may block the channel. Proceed with caution in this area.

BERRYS

The Berry Islands Club is currently closed until further notice. There is a caretaker, Howard, who manages the moorings and collects the $20/night fee. No other services are available. A word of caution here is that a mooring recently failed in a blow and a sailboat was washed ashore. If you take a mooring at the Berry Islands Club, make sure to dive on it and check its security. The Club has apparently changed ownership, but it is not known when it will reopen.

EDITOR’S NOTE-

Reader Nick Wardle, of the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), Cruising Station Nassau, emailed the following clarification to last month’s Bahamas Update:

Your piece about clearing into the Bahamas under Bahamas Update for January needs correction and clarification.

When clearing in there are two formalities—Customs for the yacht, and Immigration for the occupants.

While you [were] correct in stating there are variations at different ports of entry, the yacht itself is granted a 12-month Temporary Cruising Permit (in spite of the form still saying “6-months”!). This Permit may be extended for a further two years on application and payment of a fee of $500 per extension year. Three years is the maximum before a yacht must leave the Bahamas. There is no requirement to clear outbound, as you said.

Immigration, however, can give a varying amount of time for the personnel aboard. The maximum time allowed altogether is and always has been eight months. If granted a shorter period initially, you can wait until the last week of the period to visit another port of entry, which can be tricky with weather considerations, or, if passing through Nassau, you can visit Immigration’s head office and apply there at any time for a suitable extension.

Comms & Customs

Communications update

The introduction of modems, smart phones and iPads adds a new dimension to communicating from your yacht in the Bahamas via cellular or wireless voice and/or data. BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Company) services all of the Bahamas with cellular and wireless access with a GSM SIM card chip, which they call Cybercell. You can sign up for voice or data or both, but you must bring your own unlocked device with you. BTC plans to upgrade from 3G to the faster 4G service soon.

The easiest choice for voice and data is to get a Bahamas cell phone number. You will need to bring with you an unlocked GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phone. Most of the BTC offices can set you up with a $15 SIM card and a month-to-month prepaid service for $40. These cards can be topped up online, via your phone or at a BTC office. Calling rates within the Bahamas are quite reasonable. Texting is quite inexpensive—free for the receiving Bahamas cell phone, and 5¢ for the sender. Calling back to the U.S. is a bit more expensive with this method, but not unreasonable.

If you have an unlocked compatible device such as a Zoom, Aircard, MyFi, smart phone or iPad (AT&T version, not Verizon), you can have the setup done for you at BTC’s CyberWorld on Bay Street in Nassau. (Typically, the out-island BTC offices are equipped only to activate your cell phone with a prepaid or postpaid plan, not to set up other devices.) You will need a mini-SIM card for a modem such as MyFi or for your iPad. Nassau is the only place where this can be set up for you, unless you are techno-savvy and have your own mini-SIM card and can activate through your cell phone.

The prepaid plan is recommended as you can purchase just one month at a time with no contract. Conversely, the postpaid plan requires a $200 deposit, which is extremely difficult to get back.

Bahamas customs update

We have had varying reports from Bahamas cruisers clearing in with Bahamas Customs. Some yachts have gotten as few as 30-45 days on their cruising permit in Nassau, as many as 180 days in Lucaya, and 220 days in Marsh Harbour. It appears that non-U.S. citizens are the ones getting the lower number days’ stay in the country. As in the past, if you want to stay longer, you will need to appear at a Customs office on or near the expiration date and apply for an extension.

Rumors have recently circulated that the Bahamas would soon require vessels to clear OUT of the country as well as IN. We checked with Bahamas Customs and learned that there is no such proposal before Parliament.

U.S. customs & border protection update

The Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS), a voluntary program offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), helps cruisers report their arrival to the U.S. at no charge. The program is designed to expedite entry of legitimate cruisers, enabling CBP officers to focus their attention on higher-risk travelers and craft. SVRS is available to: U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents; Canadian citizens; and permanent residents of Canada who are nationals of a Visa Waiver Program country.

Enrolling is free online:

1. Complete an application at: cbp.gov/SVRS
2. Schedule an interview online with a CBP officer
3. Receive a boating registration number and password by email

SVRS participants should report their entry to the U.S. quickly too, by calling a dedicated telephone line and responding to the questions. (The CBP reserves the right to hold an in-person inspection if needed.) The system is currently available around the Southeast in Florida, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. It is also deployed at the U.S./Canada border.

Author’s note: One of the problems with the procedure above is that you have to schedule a face-to-face interview at an authorized reporting location. The list of possible locations includes none in our home state or any other state within 500 miles of our home. The interview would have to be conducted in Florida at one of the CBP offices, none of which can be reached directly by boat. Even though CBP has plenty of boats and the USCG has a number of waterfront locations, there is nowhere to clear in or contact CBP at a waterfront location. Their closest office to a marina is at Fernandina Beach where their office is only about a half mile away from the Fernandina Harbor Marina. That might work if you can arrive on a weekday. There is also a facility at the Port of Palm Beach, where it is impossible to land a dinghy. Most of their locations are convenient only for persons arriving in the country by airplane or cruise ship. Most cruisers have to tie up at a marina and hire a taxi for a ride to the nearest airport.

Bahamas 2012 fly-in schedule and activities

• January 13-15: Pelican Bay Resort, Lucaya, Grand Bahama (Bahama Mama tropical drinks).
• February 10-12: Bimini Big Game Club (conch-out dining).
• March 2-4: Taino Beach Resort and Club, Grand Bahama (exploring Grand Bahama’s towns).
• April 13-15: Club Peace and Plenty, Georgetown, Exuma (tropical coconut drinks).
• May 4-6: Fernandez Bay Resort, Cat Island (story-telling).
• June 1-2: Pineapple Fields Resort, Governors Harbour, Eleuthera (pineapple festival).

For more details: bahamas.com/webform/9028/fly-ins

Better borders, better communications, better fueling. It’s all better in the Bahamas! 

Maritime borders defined

Bahamian and Cuban officials have at last finalized the maritime borders between them after nearly 40 years of negotiations. Since the Bahamas declared independence from the British Crown in 1973, the southern boundary with Cuba has not been clearly defined, although it was tentatively agreed upon at the United Nations Convention of the Laws of the Seas held in Jamaica in December of 1982.
On October 3rd, Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette signed off on the newly drawn border using ‘Clarisoft’ software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology with Cuban Ambassador to the Bahamas, José Luis Ponce Caraballo.
“This seemingly simply drawn line is the result of many years of dialogue, compromise and perseverance,” Symonette said. “Boundary delimitations, by their very nature, are complex and multifaceted.” The newly defined territories will allow each country to develop better security and marine management, officials said.
Bahamas Petroleum Company Plc. COO, Dr. Paul Gucwa, said the agreement removes a major obstacle in the way of their oil exploration efforts in the southern Bahamas. He said that if reasonable oil stores are found, drilling could start as early as December of next year.
“The Bahamas and Cuba will cooperate on navigational safety, marine scientific research, preservation and the protection of the marine environment and other areas of common interest,” said Cuban Ambassador Caraballo.

Free fueling

Island hopping cruisers will be inspired to journey on from one paradise to the next with the aid of up to $300 in fuel credit from 36 participating marinas. A four-night hotel stay combined with dockage fees at resorts stretching from Bimini in the north to Crooked Island and Acklins in the south, will earn vessel captains fuel credit from now until the end of June 2012. Bookings must be made by June 26th for travel before June 30, 2012 and does not include visits from December 22-31 or April 2-6, 2012.
Further incentives for traveling to the Bahamas by sea include winter storage specials offered by individual marinas throughout the winter months. For the full list of participating resorts and contact numbers, log on to: myoutislands.com/fuel-credit-offer.cfm.

Cruising calls

Cruisers will find it easier to keep in touch with friends and family online and by cell phone with improved services from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) boxes have been installed in Georgetown, Exuma, so wireless Internet connections will reach further and benefit cruisers as far north as Staniel Cay, said Naaman Ellis, BTC Senior  Manager for Exuma and the Cays.
Because technicians restored downed cables in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, Naaman said the new technology will prevent communication blackouts caused by storms in the future.
“WiMAX will provide an important back-up service, keeping the lines of telecommunication open during disasters,” he said.
Cruisers can also take advantage of a new online EZ TopUp service for BTC pre-pay cell phones. By logging on to bahamaseztopup.com, boating enthusiasts can enter their phone numbers and register their accounts online to “top up” phone credit without having to leave the dock.
A text message will be sent out to notify users of their updated balance, or callers can dial *44 to receive a text message with their updated account details. Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) acquired a 51 percent majority in the government-owned BTC earlier this year.

Revving up the glitz and glamour

Fast cars and Hollywood glamour will bring a whirlwind of glitz and allure to Nassau this month with the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) and 2011 Bahamas Speed Week Revival revving up the start of the holiday season.
Now in its eighth year, BIFF has earned a reputation among filmmakers as a classy boutique festival featuring 60 films from all over the world and movie stars that have included the likes of Nicholas Cage, Sean Connery and Johnny Depp. Film lovers can purchase tickets for the non-profit organization’s black-tie events, meet the stars or just see the films shown between December 1-4. For more information, see BIFF’s Facebook page, or visit bintlfilmfest.com.
As for those who prefer to see action on the road, they can relive the glory of the original Nassau Speed Weeks of the ‘50s and ‘60s in the modern-day luxury of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Racing enthusiasts from all over the world will ship in their sport and GT cars of the era to recreate the atmosphere of Speed Weeks held between 1954 and 1966, as well as classic road cars from 1954 to the present (and modern-day supercars) to race on the road.
Drivers will also be able to race their cars on public roads without fear of prosecution, as the local government is arranging for them to be temporarily registered while on the island. They are also having local prison inmates make the number plates—just as they did back in the ‘50s and ‘60s. bahamasspeedweekrevival.com

Crackdown on crime, services improved, marinas reopen with cruiser incentives. 

New airport under construction in Marsh Harbour, Abaco

The long-awaited redevelopment of Marsh Harbour International Airport is well underway after nearly 30 years of pushing for a better facility in the busy Abaco transit hub. As Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham signed the $27 million contract with FES Construction Company in September, he said the development would be complete in a little over a year. At 51,000 square feet, this terminal building will open with 22 counters, a modern luggage scanning system, 2 restaurants, 2 lounges, 8 shops, as well as long- and short-term parking areas. There will be a new air traffic control tower and fire/crash rescue facility.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that Central Abaco has the infrastructure befitting its stature,” the Prime Minister said as he noted the importance of Abaco as a significant economic center for the island nation.

Further development plans for the area include the building of a new hospital in Marsh Harbour and a road to connect the Central Abaco S.C. Bootle Highway and Forest Drive.

Abaco is in a good position for further growth as the economy picks up, said Minister of Works, Neko Grant, as he noted the island’s 21 percent population increase since 2000 as well as the growth of various industries.

“The airport terminal project will further enhance Marsh Harbour Airport’s capacity to provide quality service to the growing number of residents, as well as visitors to this island who will use this facility,” Neko said.

Marinas reopen with new incentives for cruisers

Resorts and marinas recovering from a beating by Hurricane Irene are reopening this month with new incentives to draw in winter cruisers. Wind and water damage at the Green Turtle Cay Club in North Abaco allowed for infrastructural upgrades during a two-month closure, and it has now reopened with enticing winter rates for its trademark free dockage special. Cruisers can tie up at a rate of $1.25 per foot per day until February 28, and levy the daily dockage fees against food and beverage purchases at the Green Turtle Club. The Bluff House nearby is offering cruisers a new long-term dockage rate starting at $349 per month. And in Elbow Cay, the Hope Town Inn and Marina has opened 4 two-bedroom/two-bathroom villas and 64 boat slips after purchasing Hope Town Hideaways Villas and Marina.

Winter cruisers to Bimini can dock at either of the Bimini Bay Resort’s two marinas for 30, 60, or 90 days and pay only when on board, with rates starting at $1 per foot per night with a 10-night minimum. Short-term cruisers pulling in for the weekend can take advantage of Bimini Bay’s two-for-one Dockage Happy Hour special which charges for just one of two nights, starting at $2 per foot per night.

Humanitarian relief mitigates hurricane impact

Donations have been pouring in to help in the wake of Hurricane Irene as individuals, corporations and the Bahamian government have stepped up to support humanitarian efforts. Kerzner International—owners of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island—put $500,000 towards the National Emergency Management Agency’s relief efforts, and earned the praises of Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette.

“Kerzner is truly a friend of the Bahamas when the need arises, such as the damage we had as a result of Hurricane Irene or whether it is for the development of the Bahamas in general,” he stated.

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) donated $250,000 to support restoration efforts, and made $1.9 million in mobile phone credits available to BTC customers who were impacted by the storm.

Local fundraisers, such as operators of the Greenwood Beach Resort in Cat Island, raised more than $20,000 for materials to support isolated communities left without power, water or telephones after Irene. Prime Minister Ingraham also signed off on a $200,000 emergency relief grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help provide food, clothing, potable water, medicines, shelters and other relief items to the most affected people in Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, Rum Cay, Acklins, Crooked Island and Mayaguna.

Sailboats Slammed by Storm Surge in Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 3 storm as she powered through the Bahamas’ 700 islands, ripping boats from their moorings, soaking docks and properties with a 6-foot surge, and tearing down trees and electricity poles in her wake. Captain Dwayne Wallas of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, was one of several vessel owners whose boat broke free from its anchorage. Some of the boats were swept off into the Sea of Abaco while others slammed into rocks or crashed ashore. He found his 35.5-foot Hunter, the Balamena II, aground on the Marsh Harbour shoreline and said she broke loose just after the eye of the storm passed on August 25th.
“After the eye passed, the more serious winds hit,” Wallas said. “It seemed to strengthen right over Abaco. When there is a west wind, Marsh Harbour is not very protected and there were waves pounding into the harbor about five or six feet high.”
A Haitian boat anchored in the harbor rammed the docks at the Marsh Harbour Marina and Jib Room on Pelican Shores, snapping several pilings as well as damaging the bows of two boats tied there.
In Exuma, several luxury yachts were severely damaged as they broke away from moorings in the hurricane hole near the popular Chat’N’Chill hangout on Stocking Island, across from Georgetown. Exuma fishermen were said to be some of the hardest hit by the storm as many boats in Georgetown were completely destroyed, and the impact on the local fishing industry was thought to be significant. The dock at the Peace and Plenty was destroyed and there was further damage to schools, as well as power lines, cable and telecommunications. Initial estimates of the overall cost of the damage on Great Exuma Island was around $400,000.

Bimini Spared From the Wrath of Hurricane Irene

The tiny island of Bimini, the most western of the 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas archipelago and only 50 miles from the southeast coast of Florida, was spared from the devastating Category 3 force winds of Hurricane Irene, which skirted much farther east of the island. Michael Weber, who was just named as the new General Manager of the historic Bimini Big Game Club in Alice Town, reported no damage at the 51-room resort. Weber said all resort services including food and beverage, dive operations and the marina would be operating as normal by August 26th.
“We were very, very lucky to be on the outer fringes of this storm,” he said. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the greater Bahamas community that took the brunt of Irene today.” Weber described the effects on Bimini as minimal, with all utilities and other island services unaffected by the passing storm.
“We, as well as other hoteliers and businesses on Bimini, intend to be open for business this weekend,” he added. And they were. biggameclubbimini.com

Marinas Bounce Back from Hurricane Beating

Those boats properly secured in marinas slammed by the storm escaped with little damage and even the worst-hit resorts said that damage would be repaired or improved before the busy winter season.
The Green Turtle Cay Club Resort and Marina in Abaco was flooded when the sea surged and slammed over the docks, soaking the electrical pedestals and flooding the resort restaurant, shop, offices, laundry facilities and gasoline pumps. But all was not lost for the GTC Club. Molly McIntosh, Sales Manager at the GTCCRM, said she expects all repairs and renovations will be completed by October 21st.
“We’re going to be back and better than ever,” McIntosh said. “Everything will be as good, if not better than before.” She said the Club will re-open with the free dockage special, allowing cruisers to put their daily dockage fees towards food and beverage purchases at the club.
There was some flooding in Windward Beach, Treasure Cay, just across the water from Green Turtle Cay, but the Treasure Cay Hotel Resort and Marina is protected from surge by the sea wall, according to General Manager Patrick Fetch.
“During the eye of the storm it was very spooky,” Mr. Fetch related. “No sooner than an hour and a half it went from 120mph winds to calm and then back to 120. But it blew all night and switched gears.” Around 30 boats in the resort marina escaped with minor bangs and scrapes. The resort was shuttered up well before the storm hit and 28 guests were evacuated, Mr. Fetch said. Damage to the resort buildings was limited to water incursion and broken windows in 4 of the 96 hotel rooms.
The Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour reported no serious damage at the property, except to landscaping.

Chinese Pledge to Accelerate Development in Freeport Harbour

Chinese officials pledged to assist development in Grand Bahama on an official visit to the Freeport Harbour with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). The People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to the Bahamas, Hu Shan, said he was impressed by the development of one of the deepest harbors in the region and one of the largest man-made harbors in the world, excavated from limestone rock below pine forests on the island. As he was guided through operations at the container port, Grand Bahama Shipyard and Bahama Rock, Ambassador Hu heard of plans for future expansion and extension of docking berths, and said he would try to accelerate development with some Chinese investment.
“I wish that the Port Authority and Hutchison Whampoa Corporation would grow stronger,” he stated. “I wish for a more harmonious life and well-being for the local 60,000 residents and that Grand Bahama Island will develop faster and better.”
GBPA President Ian Rolle said they look forward to strengthening the island’s long-standing relationship with China and creating synergies for future development.

Government Cash Injection for Eleuthera’s Public Docks

The Bahamas government has invested $400,000 to renovate the public docks in Eleuthera. A $170,000 contract went to Austin Knowles Construction Company for the demolition and rebuilding of the dock in Hatchett Bay, which now features an access ramp and gazebo. The wood and concrete docks in Current Island have been rebuilt by Complete Marine Services with a $214,959 government contract. Public Works and Transport Minister Neko Grant visited the docks last month. When on Current Island, Neko said he hopes the reconstruction and repair of the docks will facilitate the development of its industry on the island. This is where communities largely depend on traditional means of making a living, by doing such things as fishing and straw weaving.

Nassau Harbour clean-up

Dilapidated boats that are cluttering up the restricted area around Potter’s Cay dock in Nassau Harbour have been removed by authorities following warnings issued by Port Controller Commander Patrick McNeil. Boats not claimed by their owners and deemed salvageable were taken to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force harbour base where they can be picked up by their owners, while nine derelict boats considered to be in particularly bad condition were moved to an anchorage on the south side of Athol Island, northeast of New Providence. Tour cruise and dive tour operators who lead cruises past Athol Island and dive on the reef near the sheltered anchorage rejected the move as simply the relocation of an eye-sore from one tourist area to another.

Bahama Divers Dive Manager, Tony Lowe, said he frequently runs tours to the area when strong winds blow out of the northeast. “I agree with cleaning up the harbour,” Mr. Lowe said. “But we don’t want to move it from one place to somewhere else that is populated and being used.”

Commander McNeil said the relocation is only temporary and that the work to improve the appearance and marine environment in Nassau Harbour has been welcomed.

Development goes ahead in
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

The barge landing is being renovated on the western side of Big Bell Island

A private marina is being excavated on Big Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as the owner presses on with controversial development plans. Islands of Discovery Ltd., Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, is dredging an 80-foot-wide access channel leading into a planned 4.5-acre yacht basin being excavated from an existing salt pond which will accommodate boats up to 164 feet on the southeast side of the 349-acre island. The development plans outraged conservationists who protested development in the pristine marine park. Established in 1958, it was subsequently made a strictly no-take zone back in 1986.

However, owners of private islands (which comprise around one third of all land in the176 square mile park) are entitled to develop their property for private use, with planning permission from government. Park stewards from the Bahamas National Trust were consulted on plans and the development was scaled back with the elimination of a second channel leading into the existing barge landing area on the western side of the island. An Environmental Management Plan approved by the government and the Bahamas National Trust is being enforced by an environmental compliance officer who has been monitoring the development since work began in June.

Dengue in New Providence

The Bahamas Ministry of the Environment has issued a new alert after discovering new cases of Dengue Fever in New Providence, and possibly on several other islands. Dengue is a febrile (fever) disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Ministry urges all residents to check any unwanted water-holding containers and properly discard of potentially infected standing water. The mosquito can hatch in containers such as buckets, tires, tubs, flower pot plates, air condition trays, drainage systems, etc. Thus far there are no reports of cases impacting visitors.

Stolen boat recovery boost

A rash of boat thefts have sparked calls for greater penalties for thieves from Marina Operators of the Bahamas (MOB).

“When you look at the value of the vessels versus the fines, we need more [severe penalties],” said MOB consultant Jeffrey Beckles, who is working on developing a master plan for the Bahamas’ marine tourism industry.

“When you weigh the reputational damage against the punitive action it’s a huge disparity. Tourism is impacted, the insurance sector is impacted, every sector is impacted.”

Just under 50 boats were reported stolen to the Marine Support Services Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the first six months of 2011, of which 30 have been recovered.

Assistant Superintendent Clarence Finlayson, the officer in charge of the marine branch and a MOB member, puts the improved recovery rate down to good communication between boat owners and the police. But he agreed the penalties are still not enough to deter thieves. The men found guilty of stealing a $350,000 30-foot Grady-White with twin 250-hp engines were fined just $1,000 in court.

Recommendations to amend the law have been inspired by legislation enforced in New South Wales, Australia and are being circulated among MOB members.

New manager for
Big Game resort

The Bimini Big Game Club has welcomed a new General Manager to take charge of operations at the Guy Harvey Outpost Resort. Michael Weber, an award-winning hotel manager credited with implementing the first European Marketing Plan for the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, moves to the historic 51-room property in Alice Town, Bimini from Freeport, Grand Bahama where he managed the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort. Weber replaces Bahamian manager Christopher Pollock, who will remain on at Big Game as an advisor.

Eric Jarvis, President of SBC Operations, Ltd., said Weber is a perfect match for the resort. “Mike’s long history of successful hotel and resort management in South Florida and the Bahamas is also a perfect match for the mission of Guy Harvey Outposts and ourselves in providing sport fishermen, cruisers and divers—as well as families—with a top-of-class experience in both traditional hospitality services and a variety of outfitter pursuits.”

Shark fishing banned in the Bahamas

On July 6th, Bahamas Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Lawrence Cartwright announced it would prohibit commercial shark fishing in its more than 240,000 square miles of waters. The shark fishing ban reportedly was precipitated by the news that a Bahamian seafood company was considering exporting sharks to the Far East for sharkfin soup. This sparked protests from noted marine environmentalists, including artist Guy Harvey, and a petition in favor of the ban was signed by more 5,000 Bahamas residents.

Seaplanes return to Bimini

Last month, Biminites and tourists watched a seaplane make a water landing in Bimini’s main channel to deliver passengers to the island’s resorts for the first time in many years. South Florida-based Tropic Ocean Airways, which incorporated in 2009, began offering charter seaplane flights between Miami and the Florida Keys in March, then added Bimini as a charter destination in June.
“Seaplanes have been an integral part of the history of South Florida,” said Tropic Ocean Airways President Rob Ceravolo. “We’re really excited to be bringing them back.”
The splashdown landing at the end of the flight to Bimini was reminiscent of a trip on Chalk’s Ocean Airways, which ran scheduled flights to Bimini until 2007—and in fact, Tropic Ocean Airways is offering flights originating at Chalk’s old seaplane base in Miami. But that is where the resemblance ends. The new company operates on a charter basis rather than offering scheduled flights. Ceravolo, a former Navy F-14 pilot and his fellow pilot, Nick Veltre, fly an FAA-approved, late-model four-passenger seaplane, and have plans to add a 9-seat seaplane later in the year.
Both pilots are friendly and passengers find the experience of flying to Bimini by seaplane to be part of the vacation experience rather than a means to an end. Tropic Ocean Airways also offers charter flights between Miami, Key West, and resorts in between. flytropic.com.

Making marine tourism a priority

A master plan for marine tourism is being developed by Marina Operators of the Bahamas (MOB) with $40,000 in funding from the European Union’s Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE).
Marine tourism generates an estimated $46.3 million for the Bahamian economy every year, creating an economic impact second only to spending by hotel guests. Now, a nine-month project to identify the development needs and potential for growth in the marine sector is being led by consultant Jeffrey Beckles, vice-president of the Bahamas Hotel Association. He spoke out about the plans at MOB’s annual meeting and strategic development and positioning workshop held in the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort on June 29.
“When you look at the total economic impact, there are tremendous opportunities in the Bahamas from growing this sector,” he said. “It’s an underdeveloped sector. Economically, it has the potential to sustain us even longer than land-based tourism.”  Mariners make up 2.5 percent of all stopovers to the Bahamas, which is twice as many as those who visit the islands to gamble. People who visited the Bahamas by boat are estimated to have spent an average of $150 per person per night in 2009, according to statistics gathered by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
Bahamas Minister of Environment,  Earl Deveaux, suggested establishing a partnership between the government and MOB to create a network of marinas throughout the islands. David Johnson, Director General of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, said marine tourism expansion has his full support. “It is time we really treat this sector as having the sort of business potential it has, and begin to develop a very clear cut plan to drive it,” Johnson said.

Safe boating campaign in Abaco

Abaco schoolchildren were treated to free life jackets and a lesson in safe boating on a visit from U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas, Nicole Avant, promoting the U.S. Coast Guard’s Youth Safe Boating Campaign.
Ambassador Avant joined Lieutenant Commander Brian Betz (above, right), from the U.S. Coast Guard to talk to a group of about 50 primary school students at the Agape Christian School in Marsh Harbour and Hope Town Primary School in Elbow Cay. Boat safety demonstrations were presented by the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and student trainers from the RBDF Rangers Program. Afterwards, Ambassador Avant encouraged the children to make sound decisions when they are on the water and not to be afraid to speak up if they think practices on a boat may not be safe.
“You are all so blessed to live in Abaco, where you have access to a rich marine environment that most people in the world only dream about,” she said. “But with this gift comes one important responsibility – always think of safety first when you are on the water.”
The presenters emphasized the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times while on the water, regardless of swimming ability, and each student received their own life jacket, courtesy of the US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).

Derelict boats booted out of Nassau Harbour

Nassau Harbour is being cleared out and cleaned up in a public/private initiative led by the National Coastal Awareness Committee and a team of volunteers.
Port Controller Commander Patrick McNeil warned owners of the sunken, anchored and seemingly abandoned boats in the restricted area of Nassau Harbour around Potter’s Cay Dock to remove their vessels without delay. Only boats with permission from the port controller are allowed to anchor in the area below the Paradise Island bridges, from Malcolm Park and the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) on the west side, to Nassau Yacht Haven in the East.
Commander McNeil said owners who do not obey the new restrictions will have their boats removed and be charged for the cost. “We want to return the Port of Nassau to its natural beauty. It’s going to take a bit of time, but we are going to be very persistent and focused towards that end.” He worked with the National Coastal Awareness Committee (NCAC) and a team of volunteers to remove 18 sunken vessels from the harbor in June, and also dredged up some of the refrigerators, toilets, batteries and other garbage dumped there.
The harbor cleanup falls in line with the development of the waterfront area, as the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) is sponsoring the development of a waterfront football pitch in Malcolm Park.

the islands, and PLBs prove their worth off Bimini and West End.

Bahamian Independence Day

The call to the islands is ringing loud and clear for cruisers this month with the Family Island regattas in full swing and the Bahamian Independence Day celebrations underway. The Bahamas officially marks its 38th Anniversary of Independence on July 11, and festivities will be held across all the islands on the weekend of July 9-10. There are also Goombay, Junkanoo and “Homecoming” festivals planned for the various settlements as Bahamians take time out to visit their hometowns. A full calendar of events can be found at bahamas.com.

Regatta Time in Abaco

The 36th Annual Five Towns Regatta Time in Abaco, scheduled for July 1-9, will attract dozens of primarily American-owned sloops to compete in exciting races from island to island. Pre- and post-race events include the opening Fiddle Cay Party sponsored by “Stranded Naked” sportswear, July 4th celebrations in Treasure Cay, and Bahamian Independence Day Celebrations in Hope Town on the final race day. regattatimeinabaco.com

Boating Flings

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is leading its annual Bahamas Boating Flings from Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale and Sailfish Marina in Stuart, Florida, to destinations in the Bahamas this summer. An extended “Fling” through Grand Bahama and the Abacos is scheduled for July 6-17 in order to correspond with the Five Towns Regatta Time events. Shorter trips to the Bimini Big Game Club are planned for July 20-24 and July 27-31.
The Boating Flings will continue to run until September. Boats must be 22 feet or larger, and there is a limit of 30 boats per Fling. A $75 registration fee covers the cost of the latest Yachtsman’s Guide to the Bahamas and T-shirts. Register online at bahamas.com or call 1-800-32-SPORT.

Racing off the beach

The 6th Annual North Abaco Summer Festival and Power Boat Race takes place at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina on July 22-24. As the fastest boats in the country compete on the water, a golf tournament will tee off at the Treasure Cay Beach Resort Golf Course, and Bahamian food and entertainment will be on tap at Regatta Village in Treasure Cay. treasurecay.com

Hope Town Inn expands

The Hope Town Inn and Marina on the western side of Elbow Cay (shown at left), near the island’s historic candy-striped lighthouse, has expanded under new ownership. The 50-slip marina with its brand new dock pedestals has 50 deepwater slips and space for yachts up to 125 feet. There are also 10 moorings in Hope Town Harbour. A new reception and lodge building are now open, while construction continues on the restaurant, pool and swim-up bar, set to open in November. Dockage at the marina is $1 per foot per night. You can see pictures on the Hope Town Inn and Marina page at facebook.com.

PLBs to the rescue

Two U.S. Coast Guard rescues in different parts of the Bahamas in May vividly illustrated the benefits of PLBs (personal locator beacons) to mariners in the region.
On May 22, three men who had set out from Boynton Beach, Florida, in a 35-foot boat activated their Cobham ACR PLB when the boat sank off West End. Coast Guard Air Station Miami responded to the emergency signal by launching an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to search for its source. The HC-144 located Bruce and Dave Mandigo and Jhade Woodall in the water about 22 miles northwest of West End and directed Coast Guard Cutter Bluefin to pick them up.
“These boaters survived a potentially fatal accident because they were prepared,” said Captain Chris Scraba, Coast Guard Station Miami’s commanding officer. “They immediately donned jife jackets, which allowed them to stay afloat until they were rescued and they activated their PLB, which provided the Coast Guard with precise location information.”
In a separate incident on May 24, a marine industry professional also was rescued after activating his ACR PLB. Kim Landeweer (above), a partner in custom sportfishing boat manufacturer Garlington Landeweer Marine in Stuart, Florida, was boating with a friend off Bimini when his helm console caught fire. He fought the flames with a fire extinguisher, but they spread quickly and damaged the electronics, including the VHF.
“The radio was dead, so we decided to activate our ACR personal locator beacon,” Kim said. Within two-and-a-half hours Landeweer and his friend were spotted by a Coast Guard Rescue Plane flying a search pattern and ultimately towed to shore.

cruisers’ support, and Bimini may get a fast ferry.

Abaco ABC’s

The Cruising Guide to Abaco, Bahamas: 2011 by Steve Dodge, assisted by Jon and Jeff Dodge—the guidebook’s 22nd Edition—is available on bookstore shelves and online. Billed as the only cruising guide to the area that is updated annually, this guide is required reading for Abacos-bound mariners each year. The 2011 edition includes updates for 26 of the 64 easy-to-read color navigational charts and marina maps in the book, including tricky Don’t Rock Passage. The charts are based on original hydrographic research and local knowledge. The guide’s other useful features include color aerial photos of principal harbors, approaches to the islands, GPS waypoints, 2011 tide tables, detailed snorkeling and diving charts, a guide to local whales and dolphins, and a brief history of Abaco. White Sound Press; $24.95. wspress.com

Rescuers’ lifeline

American cruisers used to the safety net provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on our shores cannot always depend on it if an emergency occurs in the Out Islands or the farthest reaches of the Caribbean. There are, however, volunteer organizations scattered throughout the region that will come to a cruiser’s aid. They include the Bahamas Air Sea-Rescue Association (BASRA)-Nassau and BASRA-Grand Bahama, Turks & Caicos Rescue Association (TACRA), Virgin Islands Search and Rescue Association (VISAR) in the BVI, St. Maarten Sea Rescue Foundation (SMSRF), Antigua & Barbuda Search & Rescue (ABSAR), Citizens Rescue Organization (CITRO) in Curaçao, and Search & Rescue Foundation Aruba (SARFA).
Since 1977, the Search and Rescue Charitable Foundation, known as SEARCH, has been helping to raise donations for these non-U.S. groups—which rely almost entirely on public funding to cover their operating costs—from U.S. citizens. A U.S. tax-exempt, Sec 501(c)(3) organization, SEARCH contributes essential financial assistance toward the purchase of lifeboats and equipment, funding for base stations and radio communications, and for training volunteers.
“Worldwide, this tradition is well established—the RNLI [Royal National Lifeboat Institution] in the UK and Ireland and the KNRM [Royal Netherlands Lifeboat Institution] in The Netherlands have each been very successful for over 175 years in this manner,” said Nick Wardle, president of SEARCH. “The basic philosophy of such fundraising is that the people who may need help should be the primary source of funds for providing it.”
To make a contribution, call SEARCH in Nassau at 242-362-1574 or visit caribbeansearchandrescue.freeservers.com. As the saying goes, the life you save may be your own.

High-speed ferry to the islands

In late April, a press release from major Spanish ferry operator Baléaria had the media on both sides of the Gulf Stream buzzing. Baléaria announced it would launch a new fast ferry service between Miami, Bimini, and Grand Bahama this summer. The service would use the vessel Patricia Olivia, capable of transporting 450 passengers and 80 vehicles at 32 knots—with amenities such as a first class cabin, café bar, duty-free store and slot-machine casino—to make scheduled round-trip crossings every day but Wednesday. The release quoted an excursion fare to Bimini of $99 per person.
On May 12th, we asked Baléaria to confirm the report and received this reply from Judit Bifa Garrofé in Communications: “Thanks for your interest in Baléaria and the new service. Currently there is no definite start date of the project. When the service starts running we will let you know.” Stay tuned.

Sorry, wrong boat

In our May 2011 issue, we misidentified the larger yacht in the photo on page 69 as Destiny. It was Horizon 95 RP Arrigoderci.

Its time to make your summer cruising plans…

here’s a look at everything new under the sun.

Looking ahead to the summer season in the Bahamas, cruisers are planning their itineraries, charting anchorages and booking berths. The marinas we surveyed reported good slip availability so far, but the traditional Bahamas work boat regattas held at various islands, the many billfish tournament series, and lobster season, which opens on August 1, are sure to make for packed yacht basins. It’s best to stake your claim on a slip well before these events. In fact, why wait for summer to head for the Bahamas? There’s beautiful weather in paradise right now—see you there!

New Edition of the Yachtman’s Guide
The 2011 Yachtsman’s Guide to the Bahamas recently hit the shelves in time for Bahamas cruisers to use it in planning their summer itineraries. Published since 1950—this is the 61st annual edition—it is endorsed by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
The Yachtsman’s Guide (cover shown at right) contains 480 useful pages of essential information on approaches to the Bahamas, where to clear in, how to read the depth of water by its color, the history, culture, and attactions of each of the island groups, local marinas and anchorages, and much, much more. In addition to thorough coverage of the Bahamas, there are sections on the Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic. This trusted guide will help you get there, help while you’re there, and serve as a memory book on your return.
This edition of the Yachtsman’s Guide is loaded with signature sketched charts and photos (B&W and color). A great tool in its own right, its publishers intend it to be used in conjunction with government charts, current updates and a good lookout. MSRP $44.95, Tropical Island Publishers. yachtsmansguide.com

What’s New in
the Islands, A to Z
Abacos Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco, announced it is launching a new catch-and-release billfishing tournament series this season, called the “Boat Harbour Round Up.” Leg I is scheduled for May 18-21, and Leg II will be held on June 15-18. Proceeds will benefit local Abaco nonprofit organizations. “Preparations are in full swing and we anticipate a very spirited and exhilarating three days of fishing for both Legs,” said Christopher Higgs, Boat Harbour Marina’s harbormaster. The Boat Harbour Round Up is the latest addition to an already busy 2011 tournament calendar for Abaco Beach Resort. Visit abacobeachresort.com to register.
• Boat Harbour Marina also reports that Captain Mike Guthrie and his crew on sportfisher Peggy caught a 678-pound bluefin tuna off Man-O-War Cay in March. It took three hours to reel in the big fish.
• The historic Bluff House on Green Turtle Cay is under new ownership and will be offering luxury rooms and a new Beach Club Bar & Restaurant overlooking the island’s only private beach. Fuel will be available soon in two locations, at the full-service, 46-slip marina and the newly designed Sea of Abaco dock. Contact the marina at 1-800-745-4911 for special rates including concierge services. bluffhouse.com.
Construction is in full swing for the facilities at Hope Town Marina (formerly Club Soleil). The marina will not be open until renovations are complete. Clubsoleil.com.
• Competitors in the 28th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament (TCBT) on June 12-17, 2011, can save up to $300 with the first-ever offer of a Bahamas Cruising Permit rebate. The rebate can be redeemed through the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina in Abaco, Bahamas, is hosting the tournament. treasurecay.com
Acklins  Road construction work is finishing up on Acklins, and the road out to Attwood Harbor is much improved. There is a small, well-protected dinghy basin just south of the BTC tower at Spring Point owned by Mr. Nai, who welcomes cruisers to use it. Visiting yachtsmen also will appreciate the Taxi Run About service, which is available for island tours. Its friendly proprietor, Bernice Deleveaux, can be reached by phone at 242-344-3151 or on cell at 242-476-0116.
Andros  In Fresh Creek, Sammie’s Canvas/Upholstery Repair is a small sail repair service, reasonably priced with great results. Contact 242-464-3155.
Eleuthera   Harbour Island Club & Marina reports a new, beautifully landscaped pergola ready for enjoyment. The marina now has free WiFi throughout. Harbourislandmarina.com
• Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club has added pilings to accommodate larger yachts. Capeeleuthera.com
Exumas  Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC) has just completed the final phase of a total dock renovation, including new pilings and decking. The electrical system has been upgraded, quadrupling capacity and replacing all electric boxes with new ones with individual water and electric meters. There is now a dedicated fuel dock, separate from the existing dock, and a new fuel farm is scheduled to open in June. Along with the addition of high-speed pumps and longer hoses, this will make fueling faster and easier. Finally, SCYC has just broken ground on the first phase of its plan to add six new cottages along the hillside north of the clubhouse. stanielcay.com
Highbourne Cay is getting “greener”. The private island’s marina and new rental cottages are now complemented by lovely, environmentally friendly landscaping by Island Planning Corporation. The concept was to use only plantings indigenous to the Bahamas and to Highbourne itself, in order to stabilize the marina dune and to maintain the local natural ambiance. Most of the plant species also provide food for birds and welcome shade for visitors. Highbourne now has an incinerator and a glass crusher that will help reduce demands on the landfill. This island’s managers are going the extra yard to ensure it stays pristine for future generations.
• Fowl Cay Resort, in the middle of the Exumas chain, recently launched a new website: fowlcay.com. About a year ago, the private island resort welcomed a new general manager couple, Yves and Martha Verhoustraete, who formerly served as private yacht and charter crew. Fowl Cay has six villas and is home to secluded coves and beaches that guests are free to explore with their own boat.
• Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, marked its one-year anniversary with the completion of a million-dollar renovation to its Greg Norman-designed golf course, upgrades to the resort’s gourmet dining options, including the addition of a Café de Paris, and the addition of 66 luxurious new rooms, bringing the total to 249 by the end of may. “Sandals Emerald Bay is the pinnacle of the Sandals Resorts experience—unparalleled service, luxurious amenities and a gorgeous beach,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. Sandals.com
Across the street, the resort’s Marina at Emerald Bay is offering a special summer/autumn rate of $.50 a foot (40-foot minimum) for boats staying a minimum of 90 contiguous nights between June 1 and December 31, 2011. “Guests will have full access to water, electricity, CATV, showers and laundry,” said Marina General Manager Doug Black.  marinaemeralbay.com
• There’s a new restaurant on Great Exuma called Catch a Fire Bar and Grill at Sunset Bluff near Moss Town—a taxi ride, but worth the trip.
Long Island  Long Island Breeze reported the opening of its Beach Bungalow Building, adding four lower-priced rooms to the resort’s accommodations. “The bungalow rooms…are very suitable for visiting cruisers who want to take a break or have visitors,” said resort spokesman John Lovern, adding, “We are still broadcasting our ‘Cruisers Net’ every morning and getting great reviews on its content.” Visiting yachtsmen can tie up at the dinghy dock, dine in the waterfront restaurant, swim in the pool, and hook into WiFi. Long Island Breeze has front-row seats for the Long Island Bahamian Sloop Regatta on June 2-4, 2011. longislandbreezeresort.com
Grand Bahama  Navigation notes: The red-and-white sea buoy marking the entrance to Bell Channel at Lucaya is slightly northwest of the charted position on Charts GB 3 & 6 in the Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas. The entrance has been dredged recently; currently, the low water approach depth is 7 feet minimum depth. Also, the sea buoy at the entrance to the Grand Lucayan Waterway has been replaced by two lighted poles and the channel markers shown as poles at Dover Sound have been upgraded with lighted red and green marker boards.
• Jeff Butler, whose family has been in the food and beverage in the Bahamas for more than two centuries, opened Butler’s Food World in Freeport in December to the delight of visiting cruisers. Located in the Home Center Buildering, the upscale, 20,000-square foot supermarket features fresh produce and meats, a deli, flower shop, liquor store, cigar counter, and  “Café Butler” serving gourmet coffee drinks and pastries.
•  Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour is offering a Boater’s Special through July 3, 2011: Marina slip rates are $1.99 per foot and Junior Suites at the resort are $199 per night for guests who book both at once. Oldbahamabay.com
Nassau Nassau Yacht Haven reports it has completely revamped the electrical system on the docks. Nassauyachthaven.com
In February, Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) opened a new U.S. Departures Terminal. During the opening ceremony for the modern terminal, which features  state-of-the-art baggage systems, Prime Minister H.A. Ingraham said, “This is befitting our status as the premier destination in our region.”
The redevelopment of LIPA has been billed as the largest public sector project ever undertaken in the Bahamas. The next phase includes construction of a new International Terminal.
• In the wake of the Valentine’s Day Fire which ravaged the block on Bay Street in Nassau containing the Old John Bull store, and destroyed the Betty K Shipping Company offices. Local business owners have been calling for a revitalization of this waterfront area, according to The Tribune. Estimates of the cost of such a redevelopment were in the neighborhood of $100 million.
Ragged Islands In Duncantown, the Gun Point project is not yet complete, but the mail boat is finally able to get to shore by lying bow-in along the dirt wall. Roads all over Duncantown have been freshly paved. The original concrete road through town has been widened and looks like a boulevard. The Ragged Island Bonefish Club is open for lunch with a bit of advance notice. Great burger and fries for $8!