Tag: Abaco

Abaco Club on Winding Bay

Abaco Club on Winding Bay

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is designed to take members and guests away from the rigors of everyday life.

What vision comes to mind when you think of getting away from it all? A secluded beach?  A beach bar? Standing on a golf course’s ocean cliffside green? A soothing spa treatment? Sipping a cup of coffee on a deck at sunrise as waves lap on the shore?  Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in The Bahamas has all that and more.

The small, offshore barrier islands and cays that surround Great Abaco Island offer some of the finest boating and fishing in the world. Plus it hosts the fourth-largest reef system in the world that stretches for more than 100 miles. It’s home to innumerable species of spectacular sea life. Then there’s the warmth of the Bahamian sun, the crystal clear, turquoise waters, a horizon that reaches far beyond, and all the activities that go with it—fishing, snorkeling and diving, golf, tennis, and especially lazing by the pool or the beach. Letting the tensions ease is essential.

At the Beach

Winding Bay has more than two miles of soft sand beach protected by a coral reef and the small island of Sugar Cay. The main beach club area is tucked in behind the Ocean Point peninsula that keeps ocean swell at bay and offers a clean sand bottom that’s perfect for swimming.

The beach is the starting point for snorkeling, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, paddleboarding, and other water sports, including FunCat electric catamarans and water hammocks.

The Course and the Court

A big advantage to Abaco Club’s location is the property’s lengthy layout along the shoreline that allows for a Scottish-style links golf course. Designed by renowned golf course architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, it features pot bunkers and dunes, undulating fairways and greens and magnificent settings. A new, world-class practice facility with a double-ended range and a short-game practice area get you ready for your round. The Web.com Tour visits the Abaco Club in January to hold its Bahamas Great Abaco Classic.

For tennis buffs, there are two all-weather, hard surface tennis courts (the same ones used at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships) located in their own private enclave among the palms. Regular club competitions and instructional sessions are available as well as tennis camps, workouts and more.

Bahamian Fare

Part of enjoying The Bahamas is the island fare. Flippers Beach Bar serves made-to-order breakfast and lunch with an island smile. It’s part tiki hut, part sidewalk cafe, part casual bistro. It’s a low-key spot to relax with family and friends. Wednesday evening is barbecue night with the sounds of a local “rake ‘n’ scrape” band, beach bonfire and s’mores. Evening cocktails on the poolside patio and dinner are served at The Cliff House, an octagonal clubhouse that overlooks Winding Bay.  Taste the catch of the day or try the fresh lobster, blackened grouper and conch chowder.

If you prefer a gourmet meal at home, the Abaco Club’s private catering chef will personally cook for your family and guests. Whether it’s for 2 or 20, from island-inspired menus with local produce to the fish you hooked earlier in the day—cleaned, filleted and prepared perfectly.

Body and Mind

The Abaco Clue rejuvenates and revitalizes your body and soul and a visit to the Club’s luxurious, full-service spa takes it to a new level. Therapeutic treatments like the Royal Hibiscus Signature Facial will leave you looking your best and feeling refreshed. To keep you in shape, both in body and mind, the fitness center features state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment and
offers a range of wellness and exercise programs, including sunrise workout sessions on the beach.

On the Water

If you didn’t arrive by boat, you can schedule an excursion aboard the Club’s 54-foot motor yacht, The Duchess of Longwood, for a day cruise, a snorkel trip or island picnicking. Many Club members do own boats, and the Abaco Yacht Club at Little Harbour has marina services and docks for boats to 50 feet. Boat rentals and charters are also available.

The Club is partners with Blackfly Lodge to offer the best in blue water and flats fishing with guides to make your day a success.

The Abaco Club is a special place, a home away from home where members, their families, and guests can enjoy extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re searching for the Bahamian home of your dreams or wish to belong to a club offering the very finest in tropical beach activities, the Abaco Club cordially invites you to visit them on Winding Bay and discover its many charms.

theabacoclub.com

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating May 2019

More from The Bahamas

Great Inagua’s Salty History

Great Inagua is worth its salt

THE SOUTHERNMOST ISLAND OF THE BAHAMAS, Great Inagua, and its smaller neighbor Little Inagua lie just 50 miles from the eastern tip of Cuba and even closer to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Great Inagua is the third-largest island in The Bahamas, with a hot climate that’s drier than the more northerly islands. This is a forbidding place for small boats since it is mostly surrounded by reef and drops off shockingly fast to the deep-blue ocean depths. There are no marinas here, just an open roadstead at Matthew Town, the only settlement on the Inaguas, and a few spots enclosed by reef but with difficult entrances. Not surprisingly, it is rarely visited by cruising boats. But because it falls close along the pathway to and from the Caribbean, it often serves as a stopover for fuel, rest and limited provisions.

Little Inagua is uninhabited, while Great Inagua has a population of about 1,000 and is largely focused on salt production, as it has been for hundreds of years. Bermudians settled here in 1803, coming via the Turks and Caicos, and began the first commercial salt production, selling to passing ships. Nearly all of the residents live in Matthew Town, and the Morton Salt Company has a huge operation here exporting more than a million tons per year. High mounds of pure, white salt greet the visitor. Morton Salt is the successor to Henagua Salt Pond Company, formed in 1848 and said to be the first formal corporation in The Bahamas. Although this is not a tourist destination in any way, the commercial operation means there are more amenities than at many of the other Out Islands, making it useful as a stop-off in settled weather. Customs and immigration are located at the airport but will provide check-in at the Matthew Town basin.

Upcoming Bahamian Events: 

MARS BAY CONCH FEST
At another off-the-beaten-path location, South Andros hosts the annual Mars Bay Conch Fest October 13-15. The weekend will include conch cracking, skinning and eating contests and competitions for the best conch salad and fastest conch salad maker. A Junkanoo Rush-out and live music events are also popular. For more information, call
(242) 357-2150 or (242) 369-5019 or visit bahamas.com/event/mars-bay-conch-fest.

BACK TO CAT ISLAND FESTIVAL
The same weekend, Cat Island will hold its Back to Cat Island Festival at New Bight Park. This annual homecoming celebration for former and current residents of Cat Island features a weekend of activities, including gospel concerts, live performances by Bahamian recording artists, a Junkanoo Rush-out, family fun and games, and local food and drinks on sale. Contact Ezra Russell at (242) 342-3014 or visit bahamas.com/event/back-cat-island-festival.

ABACO OPEN WATER SWIM RACE
The Abaco Open Water Swim Race will be held in Marsh Harbour on Sunday, October 8th, starting at 8AM. This 5K race for professional and amateur swimmers is a charity event hosted each year by the Abaco Swim Club. The racecourse is located in the waterway near Albury’s Ferry Dock. Participants can also compete in paddleboard and kayak challenges. The post-race party will include music, food, drinks, and the awards ceremony. bahamas.com/event/abaco-open-water-swim-race

NAVIGATION NEWS During his Parliamentary budget speech, the Hon. Frankie Campbell, MP, minister of transport and local government, mentioned that his ministry will improve the country’s aids-to-navigation (ATONS) for safer boating in The Bahamas.

By Rex Noel, Southern Boating September 2017

PHOTOS: BAHAMAS TOURISM, ADOBE STOCK/HARLEQUIN9, YITING SHEN, WIKIPEDIA/MARK A. WILSON

White Sound and Lubbers Quarters Cay

White Sound and Lubbers Quarters Cay

Hope Town Harbour is one of the most popular destinations in the Abacos for cruisers and tourists. But the harbor and town are only the tip of the iceberg for a visit to Elbow Cay. White Sound is the small body of water near the mid-section of Elbow Cay, just two miles south of Hope Town, which nearly bisects the island. The well-marked entrance channel carries about six feet of water at low tide. Inside the channel there is limited dockage for meals at The Abaco Inn (abacoinn.com). The marked channel continues due south from the inn to Sea Spray Resort and Marina (seasprayresort.com). Both facilities have excellent food at their respective restaurants, along with many other amenities. There is little room to anchor inside White Sound, but in settled weather cruisers can anchor just outside and south of the White Sound channel and take the tender inside.

Continuing south from White Sound between Elbow Cay and Lubbers Quarters Cay to the west, the deepest water is narrow but passable for most cruising boats if you read the water and proceed carefully. As you approach the southern end of Elbow Cay, an excellent anchorage will open up to port of the channel, extending south to Tahiti Beach. Look for a sandy patch between the sea grasses to drop your hook. Tahiti Beach at the southern tip of Elbow Cay borders on Tilloo Cut and provides a reasonably good pass to the ocean. Plan your visit to Tahiti Beach for mid to low tide when the long white sandbar is exposed. Fish the edge of the cut from the beach where you’re likely to spot fish, turtles, rays, and even a large shark patrolling Tilloo Cut. The beach is a popular picnic spot, and the eastern side offers good beachcombing and shelling.

The short dinghy ride from the Tahiti Beach anchorage to Lubbers Quarters Cay is well worth the trip to visit Cracker P’s, one of the best beach bars and restaurants in The Bahamas. There is plenty of room here to tie up a large center console tender; drop a stern anchor and nose the bow up to the dock. Local legend has it that the place is named for Paul John “Cracker Pinder” Simmons, a fugitive from Georgia who settled here around 1915 and eked out a living from fishing and gardening. Today, you will find an elevated bar and deck with great views of Tahiti Beach and Tilloo Cut, volleyball and bocce courts, excellent food, monthly full moon parties and, perhaps, the longest rum list in the area. crackerps.com

Bahamas Yacht and Travel Show

The second annual Bahamas Yacht and Travel Show will be held June 22-25, 2017, at Bay Street Marina in Nassau, Bahamas. Sponsored by The Bahamas Tourist Office (bahamas.com) and Boat4ADay (boat4aday.com), the weekend event will showcase Bahamas-based luxury charter yachts, boutique hotels, private island villas, and travel experiences, plus handmade crafts, art and designer resort clothing. Boat4ADay specializes in day charters with online booking and can arrange yachts in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. The organizers are planning a fun getaway for families with live music, activities and entertainment throughout the weekend.
bahamas-yacht-and-travel-show.com

Nautical gear you need

Stem to Stern February has all the nautical gear you need aboard.

From Stem to Stern, Southern Boating has found the best products, gear, and gifts you’ll need for a successful cruising experience. Use the arrows to see the February products you need.

Juice Pack Air

 With the juice pack air by Mophie you’ll never be without a charge. Each case delivers 100 percent extra battery life with a single flip of the switch. No matter where the day takes you, you’ll have power to spare. MSRP $99.95; mophie.com

Caframo Sirocco II 

Simplify comfort with the new Caframo Sirocco II cabin fan. It easily fits into compact spaces and has the same mounting footprint as the original Sirocco, making it easy to upgrade. Available in white and black. MSRP $129.99; caframolifestylesolutions.com

Abaco Sunglasses

Abaco Sunglasses are perfect for a day out on the water or on the town. These high-end, designer sunglasses feature quality construction and polarized lenses. Style and function make these sunglasses a must-have for any adventure. MSRP $35 and up; shopabaco.com

Aquatic AV

Enjoy superior amplification with Aquatic AV’s active subwoofer. Each model is designed, engineered and built to withstand the most demanding conditions on the water. This rugged, compact unit can be mounted discretely within storage compartments, consoles or under seating. MSRP $269; aquaticav.com

Allison Cole Jewelry

Enjoy elegant style at any time with Allison Cole Jewelry. Every piece is handmade and inspired by maritime summers in New England. Launched in May 2015, each piece is created using maritime rope and sophisticated nautical clasps. MSRP varies;
allisoncolejewelry.com

GPSMAP 78s

For cruisers and watersports enthusiasts who want to run with the best, Garmin’s rugged GPSMAP 78s features a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, crisp color mapping, high-sensitivity receiver, new molded rubber side grips, plus a microSD card slot for loading additional maps. MSRP $299.99; garmin.com

Awlgrip Awlcraft SE

Awlgrip Awlcraft SE is a revolutionary topcoat encompassing metallic, pearls and effect pigments. It imparts the color and effect and is then top coated with a clear, high-gloss finish topcoat for brilliant shine and protection. MSRP inquire;
awlgrip.com

Tri-Sail Messenger

Tote your tech to the boat stylishly with the Tri-Sail Messenger from SailorBags. Each bag boasts red, white and blue sailcloth combined with zig-zag stitching to easily keep your laptop, paperwork and other necessities organized. MSRP $99; sailorbags.com

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Swimsuit 2016

Here are a few outtakes from the Swimsuit 2016 issue.

We had so much fun cruising through the Bahamian Islands for our four-day photo shoot. We hope you have as much fun with these pictures as we had shooting them. Special thanks to all our sponsors who worked with us on the Swimsuit 2016 issue!

 

The magic of Eleuthera

Long-time resident of Governor’s Harbour Katie Black Frost is the author of Eleuthera, a beautiful work about the island with photographs from Marc Coeffic and Harry Paungger.

Eleuthera has a long, fascinating history starting with the arrival of the Eleutheran Adventurers—a group of English Puritans and religious Independents—in the mid-17th century. The island is known for its livestock and agriculture—eat an Eleutheran pineapple in season, and you will not want to leave. With more than 200 miles of coast and miles of pink sand beaches, Eleuthera is a gift to fishermen and tourists. On her website, Frost invites readers to “Come immerse yourself in Eleuthera… lose yourself in her magic.” The book is available online at eleutherabook.com, at the Haynes Library or at Tippy’s/Pineapple Fields’ gift shop in Governor’s Harbour. Read the book and feel the magic of this island for yourself.

Birds of a feather
What better way for a birder to get around than by boat? Birding can be a family activity or a full-on academic profession, and The Bahamas is one of the world’s great places to see birds.

The repopulation of the flamingos in Great Inagua is hailed as a conservation success story. Other birds like the Bahamas parrot have also been saved, and the effort continues. Birding is constantly growing in popularity throughout The Bahamas, and the National Audubon Society has recently trained 80 Bahamian bird guides.

The Bahamian government has designated The Jolters north of Andros as a protected area. Hundreds of migratory piping plovers are now seen there every winter. The Jolters has an anchorage that can be reached with a 4′ draft on the high tide. You can also anchor outside Morgan’s Bluff and run out in your tender.

Birding tours are available throughout the islands and most have websites. Carolyn Wardle (bahamasoutdoors.com, 242-362-1574 or 457-0329) leads the Bahamas National Trust Bird Club, and her organization Bahamas Outdoors has run birding and nature tours for many years. Contact Wardle, who has worked throughout the islands and has innumerable contacts, for more information.

Yet you don’t have to wait for a guide to get started. Just grab your binoculars, camera, bird book, and go for a walk or get in your dinghy to cruise the mangroves. A recent newcomer, Linda Cooper, in West End, Grand Bahama, identified more than 130 species in her first year alone.

Rum Cay, Crooked Island, Acklins
Electricity and communications have been reestablished in these islands that were devastated by Hurricane Joaquin, though rebuilding will continue for many months. The citizens of Rum Cay have scheduled their annual homecoming for February 26th—try and make it down there for the event to provide moral support and help the hurting local economy. To find out more information and how to help call Bobby Little at (242) 525-0184. Homecomings are great occasions for relatives and friends to reunite and an opportunity to welcome new friends.

Reach down to the anchorage north of Landrail Point from Rum Cay and if you need help with anything, go ashore and ask for Willie Gibson or Michael Carroll. Cruise east from Landrail to Lovely Bay, which has an anchorage inside the reef or go on to Atwood Harbour. This is a natural cruise track for boats headed for the Turks and Caicos, but it is easy enough to cruise to Crooked-Acklins and return downwind to Clarence Town, Long Island. The citizens of all these islands love visitors, and anything you can do to return the hospitality they have extended throughout the years will be much appreciated.

Little Harbour, Abaco
Little Harbour is a harbor with exceptional charm. The Johnston family, winter residents and yachtsmen provide alluring art, good fellowship and the must-go-to Pete’s Pub Beach Bar. Those entertaining a visit would do well to read Randolph Johnson’s autobiographical Artist on his Island: a Study in Self Reliance and check out petespub.com for general information.

There is now controversy over a proposed new marina in the harbor that could use up some of the limited mooring space, put added pressure on the environment and change the ambience. It’s the age-old tension between developers, environmentalists and those who want to protect a way of life. Friends of the Environment is monitoring the process and will surely act if there is a serious threat of long term environmental impact, but change may well come to Little Harbour, so the time to visit is now.

Old Bahamas photos

“Tee Time” courtesy of Bahamas Country Club Golf Tournament. Photo: oldbahamas.com

If Bahamian history piques your interest go to oldbahamas.com, where there’s a large archive of historical Bahamian photographs. The images range from the sponge fishery to colonial architecture and the development of Grand Bahama in the 1950s. The website is instructive and a lot of fun.

Navigation notes:
Northwest Light has finally been replaced. This is an important aid to navigation for those cruising from Cat Cay and Bimini to Chub Cay and Nassau. The light, however, has been reported out, so don’t depend on the marker at night—find it with your radar.

 

by Stephen Connett  – Southern Boating Magazine, February 2016

Albury Brothers 33

The Albury Brothers 33  is designed with an 11-foot beam forward of the console that tapers down to 9.5 feet at the stern.

At 33′ LOA, 11′ beam, the design not only helps balance the boat with the weight of the engines but also reduces the underwater running surface to reduce drag.

The 33 has substantial freeboard but doesn’t take away from her beautiful sheer line. The wide beam allows plenty of room for up to 14 people to easily move around the boat, and a walkaround livewell is convenient for those out to fish. Carrying on the tradition of round-bilge boats, the Albury Brothers 33 provides a seaworthy ride on the water and with twin 350-hp outboards, she runs 51 mph at top speed and cruises at 35 mph for up 434 miles.

The Albury Brothers 33 was born out of demand for a big sister to the builder’s 27-footer. Willard Albury and crew tweaked the hull plug until it was perfect at the company shop on Man O’ War Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. The 11′ beam tapers down 18 inches at the stern, a design that keeps her end light and reduces drag. The 33 has substantial freeboard, while still maintaining an attractive shear line. Cavernous storage abounds in the forward seating area, fish boxes, console head compartment, and the aft lazarette.

(561) 862-7006; alburybrothers.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine, July 2018

Return to the Center Console Roundup

 

The Marina at Schooner Bay, Great Abaco Island, Bahamas

Built in 2011 on Great Abaco in The Bahamas, Schooner Bay was fashioned as an authentic harbour village.

This idyllic island offers unique restaurants, tranquil beaches, pristine forests, eco-adventures, world-class fishing, and water sports once you dock at the Marina at Schooner Bay. Residential opportunities include covered, secure boat storage or transient dockage at a daily, weekly or monthly rate, with varying rates starting at $2 per foot depending on the length of stay.

Raymond Dames, Schooner Bay’s director of sales explains how the property has grown in just the past six months—as well as where it is headed. “First, beautiful gazebos have been added all around the property to allow guests and homeowners to comfortably enjoy the panoramic ocean views. We also added numerous amenities to the property including a new sports complex that includes a half basketball court, a pickle ball court, tennis court, beach volleyball court, and a children’s play area. The brand new Cabana Beach Bar and Grill is now open for daily service for convenient, casual dining.”

“Extensive design plans are underway for a Harbour Club, which will include the Owner’s Lounge, Restaurant and Café, General Store, Liquor Store, Gym, Spa, and Harbour Master and sales offices, in addition to the shower and laundry facilities for transient boaters. We are also in the middle of ten different construction projects including a bed and breakfast, and multiple food and beverage outlets for guests.”

Dames is proud of the staff’s engaging and authentic “island-style service” for each individual visitor and says the marina and village offer superior quality. “My favorite part of working at Schooner Bay is connecting the diverse web of owners and boaters. Seeing groups of strangers become friends as they share community events like our bonfires and BBQ’s is very rewarding.”

The Marina at Schooner Bay is the southern-most safe harbor in the Abacos with additional docks being built for an estimated completion date this fall. The nearest marina is 25 miles north, with the Marina at Schooner Bay offering easy access to Eleuthera and the Berry Islands. “Our close proximity to Hole in the Wall—which offers some of the best undiscovered fishing grounds in the world—is also a huge plus. In addition, we have extensive bonefish flats and pristine beaches,” adds Dames.

On-property events include a spa and wellness weekend retreat, smooth jazz festival and ocean breezes weekend, to name a few. “Come help us build a new Out Island Harbour Village that blends the best of the past with the sustainable technologies of today to create memories for generations,” Dames says. For cruisers who plan to cruise the Out Islands this summer, the Marina at Schooner Bay should be a sure stopover. You might even want to stay a while.

Marina Features:

• 40 total slips with 14 transient spots
• Dry slips for owners for boats up to 70′ LOA
• Shower facilities
• General Store, Liquor Store
• Diesel and Gas Fuel Station
• 30 and 50-amp electrical service
• Wi-Fi

Additional Amenities:

• High water quality
• Laundry Facilities and Delivery Service
• Beachfront location
• Pet-friendly
• Local transportation services

Contact:

Raymond Dames
Director of Sales
(242) 577-1000
rdames@pordesresidential.com

Albert Russel
Harbour Master
(242) 366-2044
harbourmaster@schoonerbaybahamas.com
schoonerbaybahamas.com/community/the-marina
Hours of operation: 7:30AM-4:30PM

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure

Coral Reef Sculpture Garden in New Providence

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) has recently established a spectacular Coral Reef Sculpture Garden just off Clifton Bluff in southwest New Providence (25–00.5N/77–33.0W). If you stay at Albany or Lyford Cay or anchor in West Bay, it is an easy dinghy ride to the Garden in settled weather.

BREEF calls the garden “a perfect fusion of art, education and marine conservation.” It will promote the growth of new coral, provide fish habitats and relieve some of the pressure on the natural reefs in the area. The garden is already a regular dive site for Stuart Cove.

The impressive sculptures by local and international artists are all built of concrete, which provide a substrate for new coral. Scattered around the artwork are reef balls which are excellent artificial habitats for fish. The garden is in about 20 feet of water so is easily seen from the surface while snorkeling. breef.org

Sandy Point, Abaco
Some additions to the cruising life are just plain fun. Brad and Ceril, residents of Abaco, have built a floating bar in Sandy Point. In the summer months their barge is anchored just off the beach and has a small raft on a line that gets people back and forth from shore. The bar supplies a basic choice of beverages out of a cooler, and music is provided from a boom box plugged into a car battery. There is room around the barge to tie up your dinghy. From personal experience, drinking a cold beer in the midsummer heat while semi-submerged on the edge of the barge is delightful.

Aids to Navigation
The list of aids to navigation that are malfunctioning, abandoned, or missing continues to grow, so it is best not to rely on any of them. Gone are the days when you could depend on Great Isaac and Great Stirrup lights to guide you down the Northwest Providence Channel. The government simply hasn’t the money for maintenance. Thankfully, modern charts and electronics compensate for the loss of reliable buoys and lights. Be sure your paper and electronic charts are up-to-date and your GPS and radar are functioning properly—it is advisable to have a backup GPS. If you are not an experienced navigator you might consider traveling only in daylight, and it is never a bad idea to call ahead to a marina and ask for local knowledge and advice.

Cape Eleuthera Marina
The facility now sports a new swimming pool, the beach has been enlarged, docks are still in excellent condition, Pascal’s restaurant is open at the T-dock, and the staff are as helpful as ever. The showers and laundry are air-conditioned and clean, and the store has a good supply of snacks, liquor and bait. An added plus, the fuel dock never seems to run out of diesel and gas.

Westerly winds cause a miserable surge in the marina, but the staff will try to place you in one of the slips with minimal movement. Regardless, you will be safe even if you are in a slip with a lot of surge, and you will be happy when the wind clocks around to the east and sad to leave.

For fresh Bahamian food call ahead to Sheryl’s Inn (242-334-8111) in Deep Creek for supper. Sheryl’s does not serve alcohol but you can bring your own or go across the road to Friendly Bob’s bar and liquor store and carry beverages back to Sheryl’s.

Stone Crab Fishery, Eleuthera
A stone crab company is now operating in the Bight of Eleuthera. Bahama Biters (bahamabiters.com) has invested in hundreds of stone crab pots so Styrofoam buoys are everywhere. Keep a good lookout wherever you go in the Bight, and if you run at night know that you might snag a buoy.

Staniel Cay, Exumas
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club building has just finished a major upgrade. The kitchen, dining room, gift shop, and restrooms are completely rebuilt. The new dining room is lovely, overlooks the channel and is open to the fresh air or air-conditioned when that is more comfortable. There is a new chef with a good menu and prices are fair. The restaurant is open for lunch and there are two seatings for supper—reservations are strongly recommended. Breakfast is still served in the old dining room, which has been redone. For those who relished the sailors’ charm and controlled chaos of the old club, the bar has only replaced overhead lights and is still as cheerful as ever. Local residents and cruisers still engage in lively conversation and consumption of beverages and bar food.

By Stephen Connett, Southern Boating April 2015

Fall Brings Seasonal Closings

Seasonal closings begin in September and last until mid-November, causing a noticeable dearth of festivals and events at many venues throughout The Bahamas. This is a traditional time for maintenance, refurbishing, stocking supplies for the winter season’s influx of mariners and visitors, and planning for attendance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. If you’re gearing up to cruise and island-hop this fall and winter and plan for family and friends to visit, keep a check on updates from Travel Bahamas, the official site of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA)—especially for the deals and packages on hand. Announcements are frequent with several new air options usually available. bahamas.com/deals-packages

Hope Town
Brigitte Bowyer Carey—one of this quaint settlement’s esteemed, award-winning artists—is giving a watercolor workshop November 10-12 (Monday-Wednesday) from 10AM to 4PM at the Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre in Hope Town. Reserve your space now as Carey’s classes are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Her unusual seascapes, landscapes and travel sketches are collected by the likes of novelist Pat Conroy, Mr. & Mrs. Sean Connery and Mr. Michael Gore, former High Commissioner to The Bahamas. bowyerart@gmail.com.

Grand Bahama
The Bahamas government plans to create two new national parks in east Grand Bahama that will include the approximate 280,000 acres of the North Shore (The GAP) Marine Protection Area, and the 12,500-plus acres of the East End Marine Protection Area (currently East Grand Bahama National Park south of Sweetings’ Cay). Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett recently said the proposed areas would receive special protection to allow fishing, diving, boating, and other recreational and commercial activities. Dorsett also said the Lucayan National Park and the Peterson Cay National Park are under consideration for expansion.

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Nassau

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB)—the premiere arts institution—is currently showcasing the extraordinary art of Eddie Minnis and family. Over 100 paintings from the 1960s to the present in the collection titled “A Retrospective” will be on display in the main gallery. Cruisers to North Eleuthera (Current) and Abaco (Marsh Harbour) will recognize this talented family because of their well-known galleries located on both islands. The exhibit will close Sunday, November 30th. Gallery hours are by appointment only. NAGB contact: (242) 328-5800/1; nagb.org.bs. Minnis family contact: (242) 322-2605; eddieminnis.com 

Exuma
Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC) has announced major dining renovations that will result in limited facility use. In order to improve service and take advantage of the beautiful view of the water over Jameson Bay, the kitchen is relocating to the back dining room’s current location. Breakfast, dinner and bungalows at the resort will be closed from September 16th through November 1st to complete this project. The marina, fuel dock, lunch (daily grill-out at the marina), ice, garbage, bar (drinks only), gift shop, liquor store, and Wi-Fi internet will remain open. Call (954) 467-6658 or (242) 355-2024. stanielcay.com 

A descendant of the original Abaco Loyalists is reviving the spirit of Hope Town by embracing the history of the Abacos in a throwback to the old days with a new rum company. Photo: Robert Bethel

Abaco
Jacob Adams Rum, an outstanding 10-year-old West Indies barrel-aged, blended rum has arrived in Abaco. This liquor is hand-bottled by the very first Abaco rum company—the Hope Town Rum Company out of Elbow Cay and is now available throughout The Bahamas in fine rum shops and restaurants. Mark your cruising calendar for May 2015 and the Grand Opening of the boutique merchandise store Gillam Street Goods that will offer Jacob Adams rum cakes and custom-labeled bottles. The boutique shop will be housed in a restored, former-Loyalist home circa 1880s, which is surrounded by a white picket fence within the heart of this beautiful settlement village. Contact the proprietor, Robbie Bethel, at (242) 577-8533.  jacobadamsrum.com

Air Updates
For cruisers who expect guests or supply shipments to arrive via air, pay attention to these updates:
• Silver Airways (formerly Continental Connection) is currently promoting outstanding value packages to the Abacos. Call (888) 229-9990. silverairways.com
• Watermakers Air now flies to Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Executive airport. They also fly to Chub Cay; Congo Town, Fresh Creek, and San Andros in the Andros; and Staniel Cay in the Exumas. Call (954) 771-0330. watermakersair.com
• SkyBahamas has increased flight services between Bimini and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) three days a week—Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. They currently offer flights between Bimini and Nassau, and between Bimini and Freeport every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays, with continued service on to Fort Lauderdale and return flights back on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. skybahamas.net

Cruiser Notes
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reports the following changes to Marsh Harbour Marina Day Beacons:
• Day Beach 1 is destroyed
• Day Beacon 2 marker has improper characteristics
• Day Beacon 4 marker is missing
Visit this link to view improved NOAA Obstructions and Wrecks charts, including Straits of Florida and Approaches: nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_andobstructions.html.

Sandra Davis, Southern Boating September 2014

Summertime Bustle is Alive Throughout the Islands

The temperature is rising, and days have gotten longer. With the U.S. 4th of July and the 41st Anniversary of The Bahamas Independence July 10th on the calendar this month, you’ll find over 30 events throughout the islands: boating flings, Junkanoo Jump Ups, flag raising ceremonies, Bahamas Royal Police Force Band concerts, small regattas, fish fries, and homecoming parties with local vocalists and bands. Your best bet is to pick a favorite island and just go. Here are a few festivals close to the U.S. mainland.

Abaco
Not sure what to plan for the 4th of July? The Abaco Beach Resort hosts a spectacular weekend celebration that includes a BBQ, beach bonfire, music, crab races, and over-the-top fireworks display. Call (242) 367-2158 to reserve a slip in the marina and to receive special event ticket pricing. abacobeachresort.com

Put the 3rd Annual Goombay Summer Festival at the Seaspray Resort in White Sound, Elbow Cay, Abaco, on your festival cruising list July 3-17 and the 31st. Featured attractions include music, food, a Junkanoo rush-out, and local crafts. Sea Spray Marina is one of the more protected marinas in Abaco providing easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Abaco. The marina can accommodate a variety of vessels up to 120 feet long drawing up to 7 feet. Call (242) 366-0065 or (717) 718-8267 while in the U.S. email info@seasprayresort.com, or go to seasprayresort.com/marina.html. If you’re docked in Marsh Harbour, Albury’s Ferry provides a water taxi service from mainland Abaco to Elbow Cay. Call (242) 367-0290. alburysferry.com

While you’re in Elbow Cay there’s a must-see in the tiny village of Hope Town located in the center of town behind the post office—the noted Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre. It opened last year after exhaustive work was done to its historically significant building and is now one of the most charming Loyalist cottages in the Hope Town settlement. The Hummingbird is home to works by celebrated artists and award-winning international spotlight artists such as Amos Ferguson—“Paint by Amos”—The Bahamas’ most famous native painter. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30AM to 5PM, and they close the end of August for a month or so. Private appointments are available. Call (242) 366-0272. hopetownart.com

Hope Town is also great for specialty galley provisioning at foodie spots such as Vernon’s Grocery & Upper Crust Bakery located on the corner of Lover’s Lane and Back Street. Cruisers in the know call in advance to reserve Vernon’s special delights. Otherwise, expect a long line at the front door. Vernon’s is famous for fresh-daily baked breads and delicious homemade pies—Key lime pie is still the best seller. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8AM to 6PM. Call (242) 366-0037 or channel 16 on the VHF.

Berry Islands
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, this Goombay Summer Festival is held at the Great Harbour Cay Marina on the 4th, 11th, and 18th showcasing the Bahamian cultural heritage with Rake n’ Scrape bands, dance groups, limbo, food, drink, local souvenir vending, a Junkanoo parade, and Goombay dancers each evening. Contact the Administrators Office at (242) 367-8291.

Great Harbour Cay Marina is under new management, nestled inside a serene harbor with 65 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 130-feet LOA drawing 8 feet. This “Hurricane Hole” is one of the most protected marinas in The Bahamas. Each slip has 30/50/100-amp shore power and water. Marina amenities include ice, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi internet access, pool bar and restaurant, 24-hour security cameras, liquor store, golf cart, and car rentals. Customs and Immigration is available at the marina. Call (242) 367-8005. greatharbourcay.com/webpages/marina.asp

You’ll find the Great Harbour Marina’s famous “burgers in paradise” beach bar—overlooking a gorgeous four-mile stretch of beach—handsomely remodeled and offering beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, dune buggies, and kayaks for rent. Hours are weekdays from 7:30AM to 6PM for breakfast and lunch, and weekends from 7:30AM to 9:30PM for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cruisers visiting Great Harbour Cay have several dining options. The Rocky Hill Bar and Restaurant adjacent to the marina serves lunch and dinner every day of the week— international cuisine with a Bahamian twist, excellent cracked conch and pan-fried fish. Call (242) 367-8051. For a more local experience, head to Coolie Maes at Bullock’s Harbour offering authentic Bahamian dinners; sit outside to catch beautiful sunset views. Call Coolie Mae to place your order ahead of your arrival at (242) 367-8730. Carriearl Hotel located on the old golf course away from the beach also has a small restaurant with international fare—reservations are recommended. Open Thursday through Saturday and for Sunday brunch. Call (242) 367-8785.

Bimini
Just 50 nm from the U.S. mainland, the Biminis host several events in July beginning with the U.S. Independence Visitors Reception on July 4th. In appreciation of visitors to the island, a cultural exchange features Bahamian food, art, crafts, music on North Bimini, and a beautiful fireworks display on both North and South Islands. Contact the Bimini Tourist office at (242) 347-3529.

By Sandra Davis, Southern Boating July 2014

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