Regatta Time In Abaco, Bahamas - Sailing Regatta, Competition, Parties

History

REGATTA TIME IN ABACO

Regatta Time in Abaco began with three days of races held in September, 1976, off Marsh Harbour. The entries consisted of one Abaco work boat, four native work boats from Nassau and approximately ten cruising boats. The second Regatta saw three days of races held in September, 1977, off Marsh Harbour. Approximately fifteen entries consisted of the two Abaco work boats and a variety of cruising boats. Transportation logistics and a lack of cash incentives kept the Nassau work boats at home. The fleet increased to an estimated 30 entries for the third year which saw three separate venues. The Marsh Harbour race was the end of June. The fleet then moved to Green Turtle Cay where the second regatta of the series incorporated the eleventh annual Fourth of July Soveral race. The series third regatta was held at Treasure Cay, July 6th - 8th. A Hope Town race was included in 1980 and a Man-O-War race is added in 1982 giving the series five races. Treasure Cay dropped out in 1989 and a race to Guana Cay was added, continuing the five race format. The Hobie 33 Worlds Championship was incorporated into the 1994 schedule with 5 races. A hurricane threat in 1996 caused the Hope Town race on July 7 to be canceled. The storm stayed off shore but many boaters left. The final race and awards were on schedule.

The present three-fleet racing format began in 1984, RTIA, with time allowances computed locally; PHRF, using the well-accepted system; and finally a Mother Tub class using a locally developed rating system. This last fleet was the most popular and was comprised of ordinary cruising boats loaded with bicycles, scuba gear, and enough groceries to last the trip. Ratings were adjusted for this fleet as the series progressed and the capabilities of the boat and crew became apparent. Essentially, by the end of the series, losers were racing losers and winners were competing together. More compliments were received from this fleet than complaints so we presumed we were doing it right.

In 1984 the total number of entries participating was 121 boats in the five events. The most entries for a single race was July 4, 1985, at Green Turtle Cay with 106 entries.

In 1981 the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism began their patronage and we began the present custom of giving bronze art trophies from the studio of Peter Johnston of Little Harbour, Abaco.

The race sequence was changed in 1991 with the event starting in Green Turtle Cay on July 4 and ending in Marsh Harbour on or close to July 10, Bahamian Independence Day. It continues with this format today.