Tag: Nassau

Hurricane Hole Marina

Hurricane Hole Marina

Hurricane Hole Marina is a protective harbor, and it’s about to become part of a synergistic waterfront community.

Just over 50 years ago, the iconic Paradise Island was largely an undeveloped private island known as Hog Island. The name change was no accident, as it reflected a development vision for the five-mile-long barrier island that encloses the historic Nassau Harbour.

The setting was sublime. White-sand beaches run along the entire north shore of the island, the southern, harbor-facing side has a long-standing reputation as a boater’s haven and the island’s proximity to the mainland is so close that it was easy to envision bridges connecting the island to the capital, Nassau.

How We Got Here

Bit by bit, developer by developer, the vision of a vacation paradise manifested itself on Paradise Island. Today, the upscale resort and residential community account for a lion’s share of the tourism economy in The Bahamas, in large part due to the success of the oceanside resort Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Homeowners and guests on the island have some 30 restaurants to choose from, an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, one of the largest casinos in the region, along with luxury shopping, nightlife, entertainment, and outdoor adventure.

Like this? Here’s more on a Changing Nassau

With all that Paradise Island has going for it, what more could a $300 million investment do that has not been done already? A whole lot, according to the development plans for Hurricane Hole, the legendary marina property that has always been a starring character in the Nassau boating scene.

Hurricane Hole

For the majority of its more than 50-year history, the most prestigious yachts cruising through The Bahamas have clamored for a spot at Hurricane Hole Marina. Before the Atlantis Marina opened in 1996 or the more recent Bay Street Marina, Hurricane Hole was the only transient marina in Nassau Harbour that could accommodate large yachts.

In the next few months, the marina is expected to undergo $12 million in renovations that will increase its dock space from 3,500 to 5,500 linear feet, add concrete floating docks with slips up to 500 feet, create a minimum 12-foot depth throughout the marina, and significantly expand the service offerings with a new fitness center, lounge and laundry for boat owners and their crew. Renovations are planned for completion by fall 2020.

On their own, these long-desired changes are expected to receive a warm welcome from the boating community, but they pale in significance to the broader development plans for the 13-acre property, which is not just about renovating a marina. The developers, Sterling Global Financial, intend to create an entire waterfront living environment unique to Paradise Island and The Bahamas that represents “the ultimate place for boats to visit and for those who love to be around boats to live.” It is planned to flawlessly integrate the convenience and connectivity of city living with the best of yachting life and the supreme quality of island living.

Where it Goes

That means a mixed-use development with luxury condominiums, workspaces and waterfront restaurants gazing over a legendary marina. That means urban conveniences not currently available on Paradise Island, including a gourmet grocery store, medical clinic, pharmacy, dry cleaner, liquor, and wine store, and hair and nail salon located on the property and all within easy walking distance. To complete the convergence of the sea, the city and the island ethos, there’s the actual location.

“We have one of the best addresses in the world,” says Khaalis Rolle, senior
executive vice president of Sterling Global Financial. “It is the last great piece of real estate for a mixed-use development on Paradise Island. This will not only be a transformation of Paradise Island but a completion, as we are adding everything that doesn’t currently exist to make it a livable community.”

Bill Green, president of Sterling Global Developments, describes the vision for Hurricane Hole as “urban connected, downtown living on the Paradise Island waterfront.” In fact, the developers are hoping to popularize the notion that the new Hurricane Hole represents downtown Paradise Island.

The property is 13-acres large, which seems small in real terms for downtown, but given the fact that Paradise Island is only five miles long, the notion is certainly plausible. The property will “not have a wall around it,” says Green about the public gathering spaces and pedestrian areas. “It is intended to be synergistic” with the neighboring environs, particularly the Atlantis Marina Village, which is a marina-facing promenade of restaurants, cafes and retail shops with a distinctly Bahamian cultural aesthetic.

What’s Ahead

The new development broke ground in January, and the residential units for the first condominium complex were released for sale in March. Overall occupancy is expected by early 2021.

The first phase in the development features Sterling Commons, a three-story, mixed-use residential and commercial property with 12 exclusive, top-level residential lofts, and a standalone grocery store. The second phase will feature One Paradise Island, a residential complex with two, seven-story sister buildings and two standalone waterfront restaurants. Future phases will bring additional residential condominiums.

Sterling Global is not new to real estate development in The Bahamas. The international financial services company, with nearly $10 billion under its administration and management, financed the Courtyard Marriott resort redevelopment in downtown Nassau and Ocean Terraces on West Bay Street. They are also in the process of developing Beach House Villas, also on Paradise Island, and are considering major Family Island developments on Matt Lowe’s Cay, Abaco and at Sky Beach, Eleuthera.

True Paradise

When the development is complete, Hurricane Hole will be more than its name implies. It will complete the island’s role as a yachting destination and provide a place where yachts, owners, families, and guests can tuck in for a time and enjoy paradise.

By Noelle Nicolls, Southern Boating May 2019

A Changing Nassau

A Changing Nassau

The island’s waterfront is transforming, but what does a changing Nassau mean for boaters?

The contours across the coast and the skyline of the historic city of Nassau will completely reshape itself in three to five years. In 10 years, Nassau’s long-awaited renaissance will be self-evident. Three private sector developments are currently underway: The Nassau Cruise Port, the Downtown Nassau Boardwalk and The Pointe Residences and Resort Development. If all goes as planned, this changing Nassau will inject more than $500 million into the city.

It’s been a common lament that Nassau fails to live up to its potential as a city, notwithstanding the fact that downtown Nassau attracts over three million cruise passengers to its shores annually. At night, restaurants close and the city falls silent, with the exception of a few bars and clubs that struggle to attract a substantial number of Bahamians and visitors—cruise ships very rarely stay overnight.

Unlike most major cities around the world, Nassau has no waterfront residences or commercial conveniences necessary to make a livable space. In recent times, the Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) and Creative Nassau have been pushing the revival agenda forward. Creative Nassau led the effort to have UNESCO designate Nassau a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts. The DNP led the $1.5 million upgrade of Pompey Square in 2013, a recreational hotspot, and continues to be responsible for its maintenance and other downtown operations.

For over 15 years, the dream of a downtown renaissance has eluded Bahamians.  Interested parties have watched development plan after development plan linger and
languish only to end up in a black hole. Could it be that the wait is finally over? At least three major, privately funded developments are set to transform downtown Nassau.

Nassau Cruise Port

Global Ports Holding, one of the world’s largest international cruise port operators, won the bid to redevelop and run the Prince George Wharf and related areas at the Nassau Cruise Port. The $250 million development anticipates completion in 2022 when downtown Nassau is expected to transform into a modern, world-class port, waterfront and entertainment venue.

The winning consortium will have a 25-year concession at Prince George Wharf, taking over operations from a government agency. The new facility will include more berths,
a new iconic terminal building with LED digital signage, open-air restaurants and kiosks for vendors, and an open-air walkway with functional sculptures that provide shade by day and illuminated light art by night.

The island’s waterfront is transforming, but what does a changing Nassau mean for boaters?

Cultural activists have long sought a prominent location for a Junkanoo museum to showcase the history and culture of The Bahamas. The new port will house the museum with its own multimedia exhibits along with an open-air amphitheater equipped to host local and international concerts, shows and special events.

Changing Downtown

“We believe that the redeveloped cruise port will be the catalyst for the turnaround of the downtown area,” says Anthony Ferguson, president of Colina Financial Advisors Ltd. “It will be the impetus to move things forward in terms of finally getting a downtown that will attract nightlife, more businesses and, hopefully, condominium developments.”

Nassau Cruise Port Ltd. will form as a special purpose vehicle to manage the port with Global Ports Holding controlling 49 percent of its equity. The Bahamas Investment Fund, a vehicle that will pool investments from thousands of Bahamians, will hold 49 percent, and the YES Foundation, established to fund youth, educational and sporting activities will control the remaining two percent. “The most important part of the whole development is to bring in the citizens having the ability to participate in the development and the activities and business opportunities,” says Ferguson. “That is fundamental to our proposal. It is not just developing the cruise port, but it is also developing the other areas that would attract Bahamians and cruisers alike.”

Downtown Boardwalk

When the downtown boardwalk is complete, the experience of the Nassau Harbour will be equally as grand from the land as from the sea. The boating community has long favored the Nassau Harbour, and the boardwalk intends to make Nassau’s waterfront a vibrant social space with restaurants and access to retail. The 12-foot-wide boardwalk will run from the edge of the Cruise Port to Potter’s Cay Dock.

Earlier this year, the DNP received the needed go-ahead from the government for the project to proceed. Several parts of the boardwalk have already been developed behind privately owned properties, but linking the entire stretch required permission to traverse three government properties.

The Pointe

Of all the developments in progress, The Pointe is the furthest along. The $250 million project includes luxury residences, marina, mixed-use plaza, and resort. Located next to the British Colonial Hilton, the seven-story parking garage has opened up 900 new parking spots, helping to address a critical infrastructure problem downtown. Seven, an office and retail building is now open and includes a movie theater, bowling alley, and a virtual reality games room.

The Pointe’s 126 luxury oceanfront condos are on the market for sale. Construction continues on the luxury marina residences of One Particular Harbour. The 45-slip, deep-water marina and yacht club can accommodate yachts up to 150 feet and will connect to a mixed-use outdoor plaza that features a winding boardwalk, retail shopping, restaurants, and other amenities. The Margaritaville Beach Resort and Waterpark will offer 150 rooms, eight restaurants, including a rooftop restaurant. The Pointe is expected to open spring 2020. Its towering structures have already reshaped Bay Street.

There are a number of other projects happening in tandem with these developments. Those include the relocation and redesign of The Bahamas Central Bank and the development of a “Central Park.” Downtown Nassau is shaping up its skyline in a magnificent way.

By Noelle Nicolls, Southern Boating May 2019

Nassau Harbour

Nassau Harbour

The cornerstone of the Bahamas’ Most Dynamic Port City

Cruising into the Nassau Harbour, you are immediately met with bright, bold, tropical colors painted across the city of Nassau. Everything except the two vehicle bridges connecting New Providence Island to the north and Paradise Island to the south is dwarfed by the mega cruise ships that tower above practically every building in downtown Nassau. Because the islands are so low-lying, the contours of buildings and green vegetation barely separate the sea from the sky across the horizon.

This is the same harbor that gave refuge to pirates and rum runners in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the same harbor that would receive hundreds of sailboats in a massive sponge fleet bound for the Nassau Sponge Exchange. There, they would drop off boatloads of natural sea sponge from the remote Out Islands to service a booming sponge industry that thrived in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Nassau Harbour has been a major gateway to usher in many periods of Bahamian history.

Today, Nassau Harbour is still the hub of commercial activity for much of the country. It is a bustling thoroughfare for commerce, recreation, tourism, housing, transport, and public
administration. It features a cruise port, cargo port, restaurant, marinas and docks, residences, and bathing beaches.

Container Port

Just beyond the entrance to the harbor is the 56-acre Nassau Container Port, a general cargo container port for both domestic and international bulk cargo. On average, about two to three sea vessels dock at the container port daily, captained by a local marine pilot.

Cruise Port

The most stunning images of Nassau Harbour feature the world’s largest cruise ships towering over the multicolored city with a backdrop of endless sky. Unique to the Caribbean, the harbor can hold up to six cruise ships at one time, including Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, which holds 6,680 passengers and is now the largest cruise ship in the world, dethroning the Oasis of the Seas, which also calls on Nassau.
On any given day, there can be 12 or more ships in and out of the harbor.

The main thing for boaters to know about the presence of mega cruise ships in Nassau Harbour is to give way. Once a cruise ship is entering the port, it is confined to the
narrow cruise channel that’s dredged to 40 feet in order to accommodate its draft. Because maneuverability is so limited, boaters must give cruise ships clearance.

Small Boat Traffic

Nassau Harbour is abuzz with commercial traffic from small boats as well. Water taxis ferry thousands of passengers from the Prince George Wharf to the Paradise Island Ferry dock. Cruise ship passengers often use this route to visit Cabbage Beach on the northern side of Paradise Island, and guests at the various Paradise Island resorts use this route to visit downtown Nassau. In addition to ferries, there are dive boats, party boats and other tour operators that regularly cruise up and down the harbor plus the thousands of motor yachts that head to and from the many marinas.

Hazards

The depth in Nassau Harbour ranges dramatically, so the main hazard is running aground. The area dredged for cruise ships is 40 feet deep, but outside of the cruise channel, the
banks shrink to 10 to 12 feet. Boaters should also take heed of the shallow ridge on the eastern side of the harbor. It runs parallel to shore for about two-tenths of a mile, from the Nassau Yacht Haven to Bay Shore Marina. Depths around the ridge range from about three to six feet depending on the tide.

There is a buoy, known as the danger marker, that appears on charts, but the actual marker is not lit. If you follow the charts, you will avoid most of the navigational hazards, but charts won’t tell you about sailboats that often anchor on the eastern side of the harbor in the main channels. Although they have masthead lights, they often blend into the backdrop of city lights at night and become indistinguishable, so exercise caution when navigating at night and be on the lookout for sailboats.

Also, make sure you have on your own navigation lights and be alert for small boats. Although accidents in the harbor are rare, there have been a few resulting from boats cruising with no lights.

Marinas

Nassau Harbour has over 16 marinas, boatyards and fuel docks accommodating transient and long-term motor yachts. When you combine all the marinas, there are about 500 slips, including the newest megayacht slip to come on stream at Bay Street Marina. They now accommodate 500-foot yachts with a 20-foot draft, a step up from the 200-foot slips at the Atlantis Marina, formerly the largest. These are two of the three high-end, full-service marinas in the harbor, although only Atlantis and Hurricane Hole have their own man-made harbors that provide added protection.

There are five fuel docks, including those located at the Nassau Harbour Club Marina, Rubis Fuel Dock and Brown’s Boat Basin. Harbour Central Marina provides rack storage
but is largely filled with local boats. Mechanic shops are easy to find in the harbor as well.
Harbourside Marine is the Yahama distributor specializing in all Yahama maintenance and repairs. Marlin Marine offers maintenance and repairs as the distributors for Generac Generators, Sea-Doo Personal Watercrafts and Evinrude Outboard Engines. There are also several other smaller operators.

Beaches

There are four main bathing beaches in the harbor: British Colonial Hotel Beach, Junkanoo Beach, Long Wharf Beach, and Montague Beach. These are not boater’s beaches, and they are not even the best in Nassau or Paradise Island. If you want to take the boat, it’s worth being a harbor snob when it comes to beaches. Take the short run to offshore Rose Island and experience premium beaching.

By Noelle Nicolls, Southern Boating March 2019

Rose Island, Bahamas

Discover the secluded coves and uninhabited beaches of Rose Island, Bahamas.

If you have the luxury of a boat while traveling in Nassau, don’t bother beaching in the capital or Paradise Island. The best beaching locations nearest Nassau are to the east on Rose Island.

On this 11-mile-long island, you can pick and choose between secluded coves and sprawling stretches of uninhabited beach. There are also a few beach bars and private homes where you can hang out and enjoy relaxed party vibes. First Beach is only 4.4 miles outside of Nassau Harbour and from there, the city will become but a memory. Twenty years ago, you could barely see a house in sight on Rose Island. Today, the island is no longer the best kept of secrets. A few second homes are scattered around and some small-scale commercial developments have begun to pop up here and there. Most are unobtrusive, but one thing has remained constant: The summer still belongs to Rose Island as the most conveniently located boating hub for beaching near Nassau.

If your summer cruising plans include Nassau, prepare in advance and get a better taste of the summer vacation fun to be had. Turn the page to check out Rose Island’s four beaches.

First Beach

Rose Island’s northern coast has a treacherous reef system that runs parallel to the shore. Local boaters call it the “lower-unit graveyard” because many propellers incidents. If you stop at First Beach, there are fewer opportunities for mishaps and you will have more beach time to enjoy because it’s the easiest beach from which to navigate back to Nassau. Named for its location, First Beach is quite literally, the first beach on the western end of Rose Island. Its location is ideal for boaters unfamiliar with Rose Island’s reef systems. Several boat excursions carry guests here, including Party Cat and Flying Cloud, to enjoy the white sand and also the superb snorkeling on the active shoals just off shore. Repeat visits will feel new since the nature of this beach changes due to waves that reshape the beach and its undulating white sand.

MacTaggart’s Beach

This is the most eastern beach on Rose Island and very secluded by virtue of its distance. The large beach attracts groups of boaters for impromptu summer sailaways, but bring whatever you need as there are no amenities here. The safest option is to use a captain with local knowledge to safely navigate the reefs, but in any case, leave well before sunset. You’ll be riding into the sun on the way home, so polarized shades are a must.

Footprints Beach

Footprints Beach Bar and Grill is the newest hangout spot on Rose Island because, in addition to great sand and sunning spots, there are amenities to service guests. Located toward the eastern half of Rose Island, Footprints Beach is a calm, shallow spot that is ideal for lounging in the shallows and hanging at the bar. The atmosphere is casual and down-home, barefoot and open air. Footprints is open seven days a week from noon until sunset. The property will soon feature a few island cottages so you can forget about the ride back to Nassau and stay the night.

Sandy Toes Beach

This beach invites a party atmosphere on Sundays with a bar and grill that caters to local boaters who flock to the island. At other times, Sandy Toes can be a relaxing getaway without complete isolation. On the hilltop, a grove of hammocks is a great place to hang out. During the week, Sandy Toes provisions mainly for guests on excursions.  So, be sure call ahead if you plan to bring your own boat and eat at the grill.

Sandy Toes has a great mooring on the southern side of Rose Island near its dock. It’s why many sailboats and large yachts use this area to anchor. There is also a low tide beach known as Lower Harbour Beach just east of the mooring. Small tenders can pull up here too. When the winds are coming out of the north, this area is totally protected and available for beaching.

By Noelle Nicolls, Southern Boating July 2018
Photos courtesy of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Need more of The Bahamas?

Cruise to Your Favorite Movies

Cruise to the movies

What’s better than watching a movie? Cruising to the locale where the movie was filmed, of course! We rounded up five movies featuring cruise-able destinations. From the Keys to the Caribbean and beyond, you’d be surprised at how many locations featured in your favorite films are accessible by boat. Go ahead and cruise to the movies.

Key Largo 

The classic movie was filmed in, you guessed it, Key Largo. In this 1948 film, a man (Humphrey Bogart) visits his old friend’s hotel and finds that a Cuban gangster has taken over. As a hurricane approaches, confrontation and drama ensue.

The local community embraced the film and to this day, Key Largo hosts the annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival. The 2018 festival will be held at Playa Largo Resort, which has marina facilities.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

Who hasn’t watched this movie and dreamed of deserted island beaches and turquoise waters? You’re in luck—parts of the movie were filmed on Petite Tabac, one of five tiny inlets that make up the Tobago Cays in the Grenadines.

You can take your tender to the remote location if you stay on Young Island, which is the resort where Johnny Depp stayed during parts of filming.

 Jaws

Maybe the movie doesn’t inspire the urge to swim, but Steven Spielberg’s breakout film does accurately convey the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. The summer haven in Massachusetts is composed of six separate towns, most of which saw filming action, though credited as fictional Amity Island.

Edgartown and Oak Bluffs are very accessible and popular boating destinations in the summer. Avid movie fans can even follow the path of the famed Great White with a map of the filming locations.

Dr. No

The first in the James Bond film series, Dr. No was filmed in Jamaica. One of the most memorable locations, Laughing Waters Beach, is still as beautiful as the day Ursula Andress emerges from the sea.

While there are no marina facilities at the protected Laughing Waters Beach, you can dock at nearby Errol Flynn Marina.

Splash

The 1984 fantasy/comedy was filmed in part on the former Gorda Cay in The Bahamas. The island was bought by Disney as a private island back in 1997, so technically still cruise-able if on a Disney Cruise.

Other filming locations in the film that are still accessible to the public include dive sites in Nassau; you can get to these sites with companies like Stuart’s Cove.

 

What is your favorite movie? Can you get there by boat?

 

Like this? You’ll love our Top Ten Boat Movies.

Junkanoo Events

Junkanoo Comin’ Through!

The end of December means that it is Junkanoo time throughout The Bahamas. This
traditional festival is thought to have roots in Africa and found a home with early slaves in
these islands during the short holiday period they were granted after Christmas. This was
their only opportunity to freely celebrate art, culture, family, and community and to mix
in some sly social commentary. Junkanoo events are held in many locations throughout
the islands and generally on Boxing Day, December 26th, or on New Year’s Day. While
there are many opportunities throughout the year to get a small taste of this cultural
experience, there is nothing like the major event on Boxing Day in Nassau. Thousands
performing in large, organized groups will “rush out” in the downtown streets. This
late-night event goes all night and well into the next morning.

For information on how to attend, a good resource is trubahamianfoodtours.com/bahamas-specialevents.

By Rex Noel, Southern Boating December 2017

Fall Events in The Bahamas

Fall events in The Bahamas:

THE WEST END INTERNATIONAL BOAT RACE
October 6-8

Organizers expect to bring high-speed hydroplanes from around the world, as well as other boat classes, for a series of races. Vendors will be on hand selling a variety of food, drinks, and merchandise. Originally scheduled for April, the inaugural West End  International Boat Race is planned for October 6-8 in West End Village, Grand Bahama.

NCAA Women’s Junkanoo Jam
November 23-25

For fans of college basketball, the NCAA Women’s Junkanoo Jam will be held at the Hilton
at Resorts World Bimini, November 23-25. The Junkanoo Jam traditionally features some of the top women’s basketball Division-1 programs. Eight teams will compete in two divisions for separate championships. The quality of the competition is very high. Last year, four of the eight teams who participated were invited to the NCAA postseason tournament, with one additional team going to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). junkanoojam.com

Sand & Soul Festival
October 6-8

This Columbus Day weekend, Atlantis Resort at Paradise Island will host the Sand & Soul Festival. This event will include major comedy and musical acts, such as En Vogue, Salt-N-Pepa, DJ Mars, and others. There will also be various events, pool parties and late-night after-parties. For more information, visit sandandsoulfestival.com.

Visit our additional Bahamas Update about Spanish Wells.

Little Farmer’s Cay, Exumas

Winter may be here, but the Bahamas are still warm and buzzing. Don’t despair in the winter blues– there are Bahamian festivals to attend, Junkanoo music to hear, and tiny islands to explore.

Little Farmer’s Cay, Exumas
Little Farmer’s Cay is a quintessential Bahamian Out Island. First settled by a freed female slave and her children, it was permanently willed to her descendants. They can build here but not sell to outsiders. Today, it’s a small and friendly community that welcomes cruisers to an experience that feels like a step back in time. With a population of approximately 60 people, this tiny cay is quiet, relatively undeveloped, and dotted with attractive homes and lush vegetation. Little Farmer’s is located on the banks side of the southern Exuma Cays just 20 nm south of the better-known Staniel Cay. It’s easily reached from either the south or north on the banks side. Pay close attention to your charts, as the preferred deeper water tracks are surrounded by isolated coral heads and sand bores. Farmer’s Cay Cut offers access from Exuma Sound, but use caution in this cut. It’s wide, deep and easy to read, but a large swell from sustained easterly winds against an ebb tide can make it a rough ride. The currents are also quite strong. Dockage is available at Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club, and moorings can be rented from the Yacht Club and Ocean Cabin (oceancbn.com). The best anchorage in settled easterly winds is on the west side of the island off the beach.

The 5 Fs Festival
The first weekend in February is homecoming weekend for Little Farmer’s Cay. Scores of family and friends from off island converge for a celebration that includes the biggest C class sloop regatta in the Exumas. Dozens arrive Friday on the Captain C, the inter-island mail boat, which also carries many of the sloops on deck, while other visitors come by private boat or small plane.

The festival has become known as The First Friday in February Farmer’s Cay Festival, hence the 5 Fs. It’s so popular with cruisers that you may find 100 or more cruising boats anchored or moored around the island for the weekend. The center of the celebration and regatta headquarters are at Ty’s Sunset Bar & Grill on the southwest side of the cay. Just outside their front door is the airport runway, which also serves as “Main Street” on this part of the island. Out the back door is one of the prettiest beaches you’ll find. Good food, music and dancing, along with the regatta announcers and trophy presentations continue all weekend on Ty’s deck.

Class C sloop racing is the spectacle that brings many of the visitors to this festival. These are traditional Bahamian boats built entirely of wood and carry a single sail that looks far too big for the boat. Watching them race in a big breeze is an exciting show. By rule, they must be owned, built and sailed by Bahamians. With that huge sail, keeping these boats upright is a challenge. The solution is to use “pry boards” or long planks that are extended out over the side. Up to four crewmen sit out on the boards to counter the force of the sail and keep the boat upright and flat for maximum speed.

The unique race start is very much a part of the attraction. Each boat actually anchors approximately 50 feet to leeward of the start line. When the starting gun goes off, the crew raises the anchor and sail simultaneously, then sails as quickly as possible to the start line and upwind to the first mark. This makes for close and exciting racing at the line. The crew slides in and out on the pry boards, and when tacking they move the boards across the boat to the other side. Timing is critical because if not done perfectly, the boat can capsize.

The finish line is usually set just off the beach at Ty’s for maximum spectator benefit, which means that the boats wind through the anchored cruising boats as they approach and sometimes pass just a few feet away. This makes your cockpit one of the best vantage points for the race. With boats from all over The Bahamas, there are rivalries going on here that, as visitors, we can only guess the origin. Captains, crews and visitors gather on the beach after the racing, and the party goes on into the evening.

Junkanoo Parade
A massive Junkanoo Parade transforms the streets of downtown Nassau on Boxing Day, December 26th, and again on January 1st, with goombay drums, horns and fantastic costumes moving to the beat. One of the oldest surviving street festivals in the Caribbean, Junkanoo has roots in traditional African music and dates back to the 17th century. But get some sleep, because the parade won’t begin until after midnight and lasts up to eight hours. Buy tickets in advance at junkanootix.com. 

By Rex Noel, Southern Boating Magazine December 2016

The gist on George Town, Great Exuma

There are two full-service outboard shops in George Town: Minns Water Sports and Brown’s Marine. Minns is a Yamaha dealer and Brown’s sells Suzukis. Brown’s can handle almost any size outboard boat with engines up to 350 horsepower. These outboard shops are especially important because they provide excellent services so far south of Nassau.
February Point just opened a new restaurant, the Rusty Anchor, which I highly recommend. The new building has a lovely view across the flats to Crab Cay, the food is upscale and the staff is as cheerful and efficient as anywhere in The Bahamas. Moor your dinghy at their new marina and walk a few yards to the restaurant. februarypoint.com
One of the jewels of George Town is Diane Minns’ Sandpiper Arts & Crafts, a store with quality items for the whole family. When you are done shopping, step next door to the Driftwood Café or across the street to Peace and Plenty for lunch. You old timers may like to know that Lerman Rolle, “The Doctor of Libation,” still mans the bar at Peace and Plenty.
Late April is when George Town becomes really enjoyable. This year the National Family Island Regatta is April 26-30. The regatta is great fun and one of the most photogenic events anywhere. After the regatta most of the cruisers start to leave—some to head to the Caribbean for hurricane season and others head back to the U.S. For those who want peace and quiet, this is the beginning of the best cruising in Exuma and a great time to run out and back to the southeast islands. Great Exuma remains one of the very best locations for flats fishing, and there are excellent locations to fish in almost any weather.

Turtle sex

April is the beginning of the mating and nesting season for sea turtles in The Bahamas. Please keep a sharp look out as you travel along the ocean shores of all the islands. Loggerheads are especially vulnerable to boat strikes as they congregate to mate off their nesting beaches. Sea turtle populations have grown slowly since the 2009 ban on sea turtle harvest in The Bahamas, so adult breeders are especially important if this trend is to continue.

Abacos
A reminder for all birders and wildlife enthusiasts in The Bahamas, especially the Abacos, the website, rollingharbour.com, continues to publish amazing photos and general information about birds and other wildlife around the Delphi Club on Abaco.

Farmer’s Cay

According to Roosevelt Nixon—owner/operator of the Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club & Marina—all mooring chains and lines have been replaced with new stainless steel chains and 3/4-inch lines, and the dock and seaport has been re-planked including new braces. That is very good news for those who enjoy Farmer’s Cay and want to moor safely at the dock or in the main channel with easy access to the Club—the restaurant is open from 9AM to 12AM. Roosevelt is always helpful and very proud of his cay. Call (242) 355-4017.

Underwater art

One of the not-so-perfectly-kept secrets of the Exumas is the underwater piano and mermaid sculpture off Rudder Cut Cay. Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor’s The Musician (commissioned by renowned illusionist David Copperfield) sits in about 12 feet of water and is easily reached by snorkelers. The location of the sculpture is now published in the latest edition of the Explorer Chartbook. Taylor has created stunning underwater sculptures in a range of locations, including his work in the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden in southwest New Providence. underwatersculpture.com

Mariah Harbour Land and Sea Park

The boundaries of Mariah Harbour Cay Land and Sea Park have finally been set. The park includes the southern part of Elizabeth Harbour from the south end of Stocking Island to Pigeon Cay (north of Little Exuma) and includes several important land areas. The park is known to include several endangered species such as piping plovers, iguanas, sea turtles, and a rich variety of other wildlife. Scientific surveys have also shown that this area is an unusually healthy nursery for crawfish. Mariah Harbour Park is a major addition to the national park system and ensures that Elizabeth Harbour and the surrounding waters are protected.
Outreach efforts to engage stakeholders are underway and will be part of the process to determine an official management plan for the park. The Bahamas is among the world leaders in marine conservation, and hopes are that all visitors and boating friends obey Bahamian fisheries regulations and respect the extraordinary environment.
Keep abreast of the latest fishing regulations for your location in the U.S. and Bahamian waters with the very useful app for smart phones fishrulesapp.com. This app is updated regularly and also has excellent fish identification guides.

 

by Stephen Connett, Southern Boating Magazine April 2016

Tips for Anchoring in The Bahamas

An experienced couple shares their favored routes and their tips for anchoring in the Bahamas.

No matter how many times we cruise The Bahamas we cannot wait to return to its pristine beauty. Like many cruisers, we have our favorite routes and islands. Anchoring in the islands offers some unique challenges since bottom conditions vary widely—there is excellent sand but also scoured-out rocky channels, heavy grass, and thin sand over rock. Here our some of our best tips for anchoring in The Bahamas. 

Heavy grass fouls the anchor, and thin sand over rock doesn’t give the anchor a chance to dig in, but we generally find good holding. Entering some anchorages requires complete vigilance and attention to depths, but the payoff is well worth the effort of time and attention. Here our some of our best tips for anchoring in The Bahamas. 

1.  Our preferred route from Florida to The Bahamas is via Bimini to clear Customs.

The most preferred spot to anchor is off the docks of the Big Game Club in Alice Town, where the marina offers dinghy access to town. The second is at the northern end of the harbor near the new resort and casino, Resorts World. As with any anchorage in The Bahamas, check to be sure the anchor is well set and be aware of strong currents in Bimini Harbor.

2. Upon departing the Bimini area, you’ll either head north to North Rock or south to North Cat Cay to cross onto the Great Bahama Bank.

Deeper-draft vessels will find better depths on the northerly route across. From Bimini, we head north to North Rock and then almost due east to Great Harbour on the northern end of the Berry Islands. Leaving at daybreak and heading across the banks puts you close enough to anchor and finish the trip the next morning (for slower vessels) or a long day to anchor at dusk for trawlers. The anchorage at Bullocks Harbor gives easy access to the settlement and the town dock for landing the dinghy. There is thick grass on the bottom, so look for a sandy patch to drop the anchor. Inside Hawksnest on the east side of Great Harbor Cay is a spectacular anchorage with miles of white sandy beaches. Soldier Cay, Hoffman’s Cay, White and Fowl Cay offer more solitude and exploration possibilities. Cruisers can easily spend a month or more just exploring the many anchorages throughout the Berry Islands.

3. Nassau on New Providence is the next port of call.

Anchoring in the harbor can be difficult since the current has scoured it clean, but there are a couple of sandy patches with fair holding just west of the bridge to Paradise Island or off the eastern channel near the Nassau Harbour Club. Be aware, however, that currents are strong and boat wakes are a problem. If you don’t need provisions or have already cleared in, we recommend anchoring at Rose Island located northeast of New Providence. It’s far away from everything but a good place to stage to head south into the Exumas.

4. Your next destination will be the Exumas.

Anchorages are plentiful and each should be considered based on the how much wind protection you need and from what direction. The trip from Nassau or Rose Island to Allen’s Cay is about 28nm and takes you across the “dreaded” Yellow Banks. The banks, however, are not as formidable as some would suggest. Ensure you have the sun high overhead and someone positioned on the bow, flybridge or the mast for a good view of your path ahead. The coral heads are easily negotiated.

5. As you travel south in the Exumas your daily runs will be short.

Don’t miss any of the wonderful anchorages in the 100 or so miles to George Town. Some of the highlights are Allen’s Cay with its greedy iguanas, Norman’s Cay with its cozy inner anchorages, Warderick Wells—possibly the most beautiful place on earth—, Staniel Cay with its Thunderball Grotto of James Bond fame, and the swimming pigs of Big Majors Cay. Farther to the south is the settlement of Black Point, another friendly outpost, and Farmer’s Cay with its yacht club festivities. Between there and George Town are any number of remote locales to drop the hook. Deep-draft boats will likely exit at Galliot Cut to make for George Town, while shoal-draft vessels can travel along the inside to Rat Cay, Square Rock or Glass Cay Cuts before heading out into Exuma Sound for George Town at Conch Cay.

Many boats just make for George Town and plant themselves there for the duration. Once you get there, it’s easy to see why. There are activities every day on the beaches on Stocking Island, places to provision ashore and new friends to make. Anchor off Stocking Island in the various locations—Church Bay, Volleyball or Sand Dollar Beaches—or just off the town in Kidd Cove for provisioning or laundry. Or, try Red Shanks behind Crab Cay on the south side of the harbor. Settling in Georgetown is one of our favorite tips for anchoring in the Bahamas

6. Departing George Town, head back north in the Exuma chain to Warderick Wells again as it deserves two stops.

From there exit Warderick Cut and make the run northeast to Powell Point on Eleuthera. Head around and into Rock Sound and anchor just off of the settlement.

7. From Rock Sound north there are any number of great anchorage stops.

This includes South Palmetto Point, Governors Harbour, Hatchet Bay, and Spanish Wells. None of the anchorages are very far apart making for easy trips. The area around Spanish Wells is deserving of at least a few days at exploration due to its interesting history. Take the ferry to Harbour Island to explore Dunmore Town.

8. From Spanish Wells make your way north to the Abacos.

The crossing to Little Harbor from either Spanish Wells or Egg Island ranges from 45 to 50nm. Enter through the reef between Little Harbour and Lynyard Cay; head north for the anchorage behind Lynyard or south to the wonderful Little Harbour. The harbor is for shoal-draft vessels only and will be your key to rich Abaco history and of the Johnston family who settled this area. Lynyard Cay is close enough to anchor and dinghy to Little Harbour, and provides good holding and protection from prevailing easterlies.

9. As you work your way north, on the north end of Elbow Cay is Hope Town, a must-see.

Anchor outside of the harbor and dinghy in—anchoring inside is now prohibited. The hub of the Abacos, Marsh Harbour, is only about 10nm to the west and Man O’ War is just to the north. These are all wonderful places where you could spend months.

10. Moving on to the Sea of Abaco, two of our favorites are Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay.

We also love the anchorage at Manjack Cay. Powell Cay is a short hop north of Manjack with Spanish Cay just beyond.

11. Once you reach Crab Cay head west toward Hawksbill Cay and Fox Town.

Your exit from The Bahamas will take you past Great Sale Cay. Anchor in the cove on the west side or on the east side for those occasional westerlies. Then, head beyond Mangrove Cay to anchor near West End.

12. Cross to Florida’s Lake Worth Inlet, a distance of about 56nm, or to St. Lucie Inlet, about 67nm.

Wherever your destination in The Bahamas might be this time around, there will always be more anchorages to explore on your next trip.

Helpful Tips for Anchoring in the Bahamas:

Anchors & Equipment
During our last journey through The Bahamas, the “next generation” anchor proved itself to be the best all-around anchor we’ve used—there are brands with very similar designs and characteristics that perform well. The prudent skipper will carry a second anchor for those severe weather conditions and the few times a second anchor is needed to deploy a Bahamian Moor.

The Bahamian Moor is two anchors set off the bow at a 180° angle from each other, used to keep the boat’s swinging circle limited to a small area. It’s good for strong reversing currents like those found in cuts, or where there is limited space. In many of our anchorages, good holding in deep sand is the norm. Even in a sandy bottom, small patches of rock and coral are often present.

You should also have a sufficient amount of the correct size chain as a primary part of the anchor rode. Most anchoring will be done in 10 feet or less, so a minimum of 100 feet is recommended, but the more, the better. Nylon anchor rode can and will chafe through very quickly when rubbing back and forth on a piece of rock or coral.

Finding the Right Spot
Anchoring in The Bahamas offers some unique challenges. Often heavy grass will blanket large sections of some of the better anchorages, which prevents the anchor from setting properly. Look for sandy patches seen as white patches within the grass. Pull forward to the edge of the sandy patch, drop the anchor and back down slowly until the anchor has set about in the center of the patch. Once the anchor rode is stretched out, back down slowly until you are comfortable the anchor has set. It’s a wise idea to snorkel over the anchor to be sure it is indeed set.

Beware of what might look like a sandy bottom but is actually a thin layer of sand over rock or coral. If the anchor appears to be set, it may only be in a narrow crevice and will release as soon as the boat shifts on the rode. Many times the anchor will simply skip across the bottom. In this situation, it’s often best to try and relocate to another spot.
Weather conditions and wind strength and direction will play a very important role in where to safely anchor. Make monitoring the weather and knowing what conditions to expect part of your regular anchoring routine.

By Chuck Baier, Southern Boating May 2015

About the Author: Chuck Baier and Susan Landry have cruised for almost 25 years, first on their Mariner 40 Ketch Sea Trek, and currently on their Marine Trader trawler Beach House. Chuck and Susan are owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of The Great Book Of Anchorages series of anchorage guides, which cover the Chesapeake Bay; Atlantic ICW from Hampton Roads/Norfolk to Key West and include the St. Johns River; The Bahamas-The Route Most Traveled; and the Gulf Coast from Cape Sable to Mobile, including the Okeechobee Waterway.

Additional tips for anchoring.

Hurricane Joaquin

Hurricane Joaquin was the dominant event this fall in The Bahamas. The brutal, slow-moving hurricane suddenly went from a category one near Mayaguana to a category four and sat over Crooked and Acklins islands for two days with destructive winds and torrential rains. Joaquin then caused major damage in Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador as it moved west, north and northeast out of the region. But as they say in The Bahamas, “Thank God for life,” as the storm did not claim a soul. There are hundreds of stories of heroic action and bravery and later of incredible generosity. One family in Crooked Island had to leave their house through a window as it became flooded to the ceiling. Michael Carroll was able to free one of his boats from its trailer, then he and his family spent 19 hours in the boat tied in the lee of his house.

The long rebuilding of the southern islands has begun, and their citizens are showing amazing resilience and determination.

Recovery

Some areas are recovering from Joaquin a lot faster than others. In Long Island, Stella Maris Resort Club & Marina opened soon after Joaquin’s passage. Flying Fish Marina reported some slight damage to its docks yet was expected to be fully operative within weeks of the hurricane’s landfall. Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on the north tip of the island had a bit of beach erosion but is completely open. Long Island Petroleum is pumping fuel in Salt Pond. Services in Salt Pond will be fairly normal by Christmas though many of their fishing boats were destroyed.

In San Salvador, Club Med and Riding Rock Resort & Marina are working on repairs. Club Med hopes to be open by December 20th. Rum Cay’s recovery efforts are a bit slower as the loss of government docks hampered equipment delivery.

Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay are in various stages of reconstruction, but they sustained the most damage and full recovery will take time. Be sure to be full of fuel, water and supplies if you sail to Rum Cay and the southeast islands. Phone lines are expected to be back in service so call ahead to your destination.

A house near Mangrove Bush, Long Island, is in dire need of repairs post Joaquin.

Giving a hand

December is known as a season for giving, so what can the cruising community do to help the southern islands? The best answer is to carry on and bring business to the islands. Cruise down to the southeast and purchase groceries and fuel where available. Eat ashore if there is a restaurant open. Hire a bonefish guide. If you want to get involved, look around to see where help is needed and ask the local people. Offer whatever skills you have, or simply start working alongside someone. Remember also that cash is good.

El Faro

There was loss of life at sea—a reminder of nature’s wrath and the importance to be prepared for the worst. The 790-foot cargo ship El Faro (“the lighthouse”) went down with all 33 crew members on board in an area near the southeastern Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin’s passage. The nearly 40-year-old El Faro was on its regular run from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it lost power and began taking on water in heavy seas. It is the worst cargo shipping disaster involving a U.S. flagged vessel in more than 30 years.

Navtours

A good charter company is operating crewed and bareboat charters out of Nassau, Staniel Cay and Great Exuma. Navtours is a French Canadian company with years of experience in the business, and they are the first to offer extensive services in the Exumas. Skipper your own boat, or charter one with a captain, mate and cook.

Charter companies have been operating in the Sea of Abaco for years because it is a safe, enclosed area where visitors can cruise for weeks and anchor in a different location every night. The Exumas are more difficult because there are fewer good harbors in westerly winds, but this island chain is definitely worth it with the support of a good charter company. With the variety of departure and return locations and with its backup and safety services, Navtours provides a wonderful way to enjoy the finest cruising in the Bahamian region. navtours.com

Crewed or bareboat charters are now available in the Exumas with Navtours.

Navigation notes:

There were few aids to navigation that could have been affected by Hurricane Joaquin in the southeast islands none of which are essential. Proceed with caution and call ahead to marinas before making way to storm affected areas.

 

 

by Stephen Connett, Southern Boating Magazine, December 2015

Conception Island National Park adds convenient new yacht moorings.

To ensure that large yachts can safely moor in Conception Island National Park without damaging coral, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) installed three moorings in West Bay. The outermost mooring is a 3,000-pound Navy Danforth-type anchor with 90′ of 11/8″ chain and a 2″ nylon pennant for vessels up to 200 feet LOA. The other two moorings are 1,000-pound Navy stockless anchors with 90′ of 11/8″ chain and 11⁄4″ nylon pennants for vessels up to 150 feet LOA. All moorings have large red buoys and small red pickup buoys. Vessels will need to run their own lines through the large thimbles on the ends of the pennants.

These moorings and their installation and maintenance are the generous gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bagwell, longtime annual visitors and advocates of Conception Island. Jim Holman, Captain of the Bagwells’ 152-foot yacht CHANTAL MA VIE, and his crew made a special trip to Conception Island to set the moorings with a representative of BNT. Yachts are encouraged to use the moorings but to vacate mooring #1 if CHANTAL MA VIE arrives in Conception Island. GPS coordinates of the moorings:

#1 (3,000 lbs.): 23-51.091N/75-07.644W
#2 (1,000 lbs.): 23-51.109N/75-07.382W
#3 (1,000 lbs.): 23-51.099N/75-07.307W

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Bahamas Fisheries Regulations
Over the years there have been changes to Bahamian fisheries regulations but not as many changes as in unfounded rumors. Upon entering The Bahamas all foreign vessels should get a free fishing permit from Bahamian Customs. Customs should provide a copy of current regulations, but they usually do not have copies on hand. We recommend that you get the free fishrules app or go to breef.org for the latest fisheries regulations.

Fishrulesapp.com
This exciting free app is now available for Androids and iPhones. It provides fisheries regulations for the SoutheastU.S., the Gulf of Mexico and The Bahamas. This app also includes fishing guides and by using the GPS in your phone will tell you if you are in a marine protected area.

U.S., the Gulf of Mexico and The Bahamas. This app also includes fishing guides and by using the GPS in your phone will tell you if you are in a marine protected area.

The bag limits for foreign vessels are generous, so the penalty for exceeding the limits can be severe. Remember that the fisheries resources belong to the citizens of The Bahamas who work hard to ensure they maintain sustainable fisheries. Do not exceed the bag limits!

The current limits for foreign vessels with fisheries permits:
• Migratory species such as kingfish, dolphin (mahi mahi), tuna, and wahoo: 18 fish total per vessel at any time
• Conch: 6 per vessel at any time
• Crawfish (spiny lobster): 10 per vessel at any time
• Demersal species (grouper, snapper, etc.) 60 pounds or 20 fish per vessel at any time. The minimum size for grouper is 3 pounds.
• There is a total ban on sea turtles and sharks. All bonefish must be released in good condition.
• The closed season for Nassau Grouper is December, January and February and may be extended if necessary.

Bay Street Marina, Nassau
The Bay Street Marina is a major upgrade to yacht facilities and Nassau’s waterfront. Located just west of the western Paradise Island Bridge, the Bay Street Marina is a protected, full-service marina that is well managed and reasonably priced. There is 24-hour security with cameras, locked gates at the entry of each dock, and a guard dog at night. 

The marina has 82 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 200′ with a 12′ draft. Marina Manager Peter Maury and Assistant Dockmaster Jacqueline Callender have many years of experience. The marina is located in front of the Green Parrot, the Harbourfront Lounge, and Luciano’s of Chicago— three restaurants that offer a wonderful variety. Luciano’s is one of the best restaurants in Nassau, but if you aren’t careful eating out may cost more than your dockage.

Also enjoy the free shuttle to Solomon’s Fresh Market to stock up on fresh food and supplies. Expect to pay $2.50 per foot or less depending on your length of stay. baystreetmarina.com

Mann Island, North Eleuthera
Brilanders have long used Mann Island—a beautiful, uninhabited cay just north of Harbour Island—for picnics and camping on holidays, especially in the summer. The southern beach is well protected and perfect for couples or families with children.

Recently the southern third of the island was donated to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and has become a national park. The BNT has cut footpaths through the bush for better access to the interior and ocean side. Few yachts anchor near Mann Island, but if you are careful there are several sheltered places to anchor in eight feet over a sandy bottom. Mann can be a wonderful day trip or an anchorage that offers a quiet respite from the hustle, constant wake and expense of Harbour Island.

By Stephen Connett, Southern Boating February 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

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