Covering the people, places and t’ings of the “Family” Bahamas Out Islands.
A bit of “sip sip” for May…
Beautiful, just beautiful! Has everyone seen the brand-new, interactive website by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism? The site showcases the islands with a tourism infrastructure in place—even the tiniest cay— in animated, miniature form; with historical, and attraction location signs, lighthouses, sailboats, people fishing, dolphins swimming; puffy white clouds moving throughout the landscapes; all in intricate, minute detail. Find your island; click, zoom in or out, click, and the site will take you right to informative material on your isle; steering you to places to stay, and things to do. Kicky vibe.
THE ABACOS – Hopetown
Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre: Have you ever seen a “Paint by Mr. Amos Ferguson,” the Bahamas’ most prolific and best-known intuitive artist—often referred to as ‘the grandfather of Bahamian Art’? His work immediately makes you smile: his paintings are bold and bright, comprised of colorful shapes and patterns, making them charming, fun, and uplifting.
Eighteen paintings owned by The Amos Ferguson Gallery in Nassau — run by Amos’ niece, Lorraine Bastian-Jones— are now being showcased, and available for sale, at the Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre. This outstanding collection of work includes one piece from a private collection that is quite unique. According to Robbie Bethel, Manager of the Art Centre, “The Last Supper” is the largest piece that Amos Ferguson ever painted (6’x7′), and is also the only one he ever painted on canvas to the best of our knowledge. This the first major exhibit of Mr. Ferguson’s work ever in Abaco; one of the paintings, (valued at $10,000) was generously donated to the Hopetown School PTA with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of that painting going directly to the Hopetown School.”
The exhibition won’t be around for long , so if you’re interested in Mr. Ferguson’s famous intuitive work, hurry on over before the exhibit heads back to the Amos Ferguson gallery in West Ridge, Cable Beach, Nassau. Amos Ferguson-“Match Me If You Can” Vimeo Trailer, courtesy of Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre/ Artists of the Bahamas.
Marsh Harbour
In early June, (6/9-6/14) the BBC (Bahamas Billfish Championship) will have their 40th Anniversary and reunion at Abaco Beach Resort. All anglers and crew from past BBC tournaments have been invited to participate. Read Jan Fogt’s article, which explores the history and the people, who have made the Bahamas Billfish Championship the oldest billfish tournament series in the world. For a fun glimpse of famous tournaments and anglers from the early days 1973, up to 2012, take a look at the “Teaser” online. An outstanding compilation of more than 2,600 images from the past 40 years of Bahamas Billfish Championship tournaments awaits you there; Bimini Big Game Club, Crown Colony Club (Chub Cay), Treasure Cay, Walker’s Cay. Oh, the hair, the outfits, the lay-day parties!
BIMINI-North Island
Tropic Ocean Airways, in conjunction with Fun in the Sun Yacht Charter (bareboat or captained charters) is offering Fly and Sail packages to Bimini. Toll Free Tel: Fort Lauderdale headquarters, package and pricing info: 1.800.327.0228.
The Bimini Big Game Club bar menu now includes its own private label draft beer—Big Game Club Ale; described as an Amber Ale, lightly hopped with a slightly sweet, roasted taste–they are selling a keg a week. Methinks, the handsome label will soon become a collectors’ item. Big Game Club Ale will be also be sold in the new Bimini Bull Run Shark Bar—opening soon—for those interested in an educational look at these wonderful sharks from behind safety rails; in addition to actually watching and sharing the dive experience through underwater cameras—which is next to the new, enormously popular, “Bimini Bull Run,” Shark Cage Dive marina operation.
Bimini Bay Resort & Casino: And the beat goes on…Another BIG RED BOAT? Swell. The last one ‘visiting’ a seven mile island in the Abaco’s-Guana Cay-same length as Bimini-on a regular basis didn’t work out so well…leaving behind damaged reefs (still recovering, years later.) A new cruise ship (complete with casino, shopping, restaurants, disco, swimming pool) may soon be coming to Bimini. Genting (USA) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Malaysia has purchased the 32,728 gross tons SUPERFAST VI, to transport guests from Florida to their new casino at north Bimini. The ship is capable of carrying 1,600 passengers, with berths for 934 overnight passengers. It is 669 feet long/beam 82 feet; operating at a high speed of around 28 knots in calm seas; it will complete the 48 nautical-miles from the Florida coast in around 2 1/2 hours. Rather than using the Genting name, it is likely the cruise company will be known as Bimini SuperFast Limited (BSF), a company that was incorporated in the Isle of Man on March 25th, for the purpose of providing cruise and cruise related services to Bimini. The ship is now in Patras, Greece, and has been registered in Panama.
This news has not been received warmly by many Biminites, and long term (3rd generation) second home-owners—who fear an over-run of visitors will drain the tiny island of already meager sources such as power, plumbing, and fearsome traffic on only two, small lanes serving as ‘highways.’ If this boat arrived in Bimini, full of passengers it would essentially DOUBLE, the population on the island. New conservation groups have sprung up to protect Bimini, and before them, Fabian Cousteau, noted oceanographic explorer; grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the son of Jean-Michel Cousteau; who had a thing or two to say about much needed protection of Bimini’s natural resources several years ago. Take a look at a YouTubeVideo, Mr. Cousteau and the Ocean Futures Society produced; “Paradise in Peril,” a stunning documentary about unsustainable development on Bimini. Fabian should make a return trip pronto, to film, document, and using his world-wide voice; comment to international press, on the evidence of the continuing and on-coming destruction to Bimini’s mangrove nursery and popular dive sites due to plans for a cruise ship terminal.
For more information on how you can help keep Bimini beautiful, here are three groups with staying power:
South Island
For a nice break, let’s jump over to Bimini’s, mellow “nature island” for a non-controversial breath of fresh air.
Here’s a fabulous, nature encounter, and one every visitor should experience while on Bimini—the island’s foremost, land-based eco-attraction; the 25 acre Bimini Nature Trail. Conceived before eco-travel was fashionable, designed, then completed in 2008, by visionary, eco-aware, conservationist, Frank Cooney, Sr., CEO, of Bimini Sands Resort & Marina; this lovely, tucked away, green-green paradise was designed to showcase Bimini’s natural beauty. The nature trail has signs along the way, highlighting and identifying the flora and fauna indigenous to the Bimini’s—with notations as to the scientific (Latin) name, so anyone entering the trail can leave it with a better understanding of Bimini’s natural wonders. There’s even a fresh water pirate well, so named because in the olden days, pirates would dig wells for fresh water to take aboard their ships. The trail is open for both guided and self-guided tours. Self-guided tours give visitors a chance to take in the scenery at their own pace. Guided tours offer the opportunity to handle some of the animals of Bimini, including the harmless Bimini Boa. For guided tours and pricing, contact the Activities Center at Bimini Sands.
ELEUTHERA
Like, true island music? I love it. I’ll head to just about anywhere; be it a fish fry, lean-to beach bar, cave, funky night club, on any island to hear an authentic sound from local musicians, and hopefully buy a CD for my collection.
I first heard this wonderful, acoustic guitarist, “Dr. Seabreeze”, back in the early 80s at the Spanish Wells Resort, on the tiny —lobster capital of the Bahamas—island of Spanish Wells; population then was 400. “Breezy” would make the long journey from the main island to the Well’s ferry dock; entertain ‘til the wee hours, then head back to North Eleuthera in the dark of night, in all weather. He’s Eleuthera’s own legendary balladeer, now performing at the newly re-opened, The Cove Eleuthera, on Thursday evenings—based on occupancy. “Breezy,” has his own fan club page too, “We Love Dr. Seabreeze” on Facebook, with snippets of some of his ballads. He personifies pure, smooth, old island music … Here’s a short, jolly, interview with a bit of music from “Dr. Seabreeze” via this YouTubeVideo, courtesy of the Bahamas, “Tourism Today.”
THE EXUMAS
Possibly the best value for an Exuma rental, located on the highest point in central Exuma and just 60 yards from the shore, with access to your own kayak dock, is Harbour View, which is close to Hartswell, a 10 minute ride east of the capital, George Town, on the island of Great Exuma. Harbour View Vacation Rental, is the entire second floor (1200 sq. ft.) of a lovely private villa, 
owned by Don and Gail Amesbury. This master suite offers all the creature comforts: lounging area, kitchenette, walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and Wi-Fi. The master bedroom has a very large window just in front of the king-bed, and through it you can overlook Moriah Harbour Cay; a nature reserve with offshore islands, and the exquisite turquoise water the Exuma’s are so famous for.
Step through the French doors to an enormous wrap-around tiled balcony—the length of the home, which is ideal for outdoor living, with even more amazing views, and an external staircase for independent access.
Fishing rods and reels, and a kayak for two are included during your stay at the villa, perfect for exploring the sandbars, off shore islands, and, crystal clear water of Moriah Harbour Cay (a 10 minute kayak ride away), and, the pretty beaches of Little Exuma like the Tropic of Cancer Beach—you’re liable to never see another person there.
Anglers can kayak over to flats when the tides are right and hunt for bonefish. You may not see extensive numbers of bonefish but they are definitely there and the flats are good for DIY fishing.
Harbour View also has a nice Facebook presence with regular photographic updates, and a number of reviews from guests.
In the something unusual to see— the cut at Rudder Cay (a private island), has a superb snorkeling spot; an underwater mermaid, sitting at a piano. Rumor mill has it as a David Copperfield inspiration (he lives nearby on his private island, Musha Cay.) Photo is provided by Wind Traveler’s own, Brittany and Scott Stephen. If you have the ‘livin the dream’ of cruising through the Bahamas on a sailboat, (even planning vicariously), and want to know how to do it well; this is a nicely written, beautifully photographed, informative blog to follow.
Staniel Cay—Exumas chain
75 miles south of Nassau (population: 80), has a new, boutique hotel undergoing construction. Soft opening for EMBRACE Resort is in July, with the full property opening in early 2014. EMBRACE, is an acronym
for Eleuthera, Mayagauna, Bimini, Ragged Island, Andros, Cat Island, Exuma; featuring seven themed villas for each EMBRACE island, the only spa, and fitness center, and meeting space on the island, an upscale restaurant featuring new twists on classic island delicacies, pool, and a luxurious poolside cabana. Through food, décor, and service, EMBRACE hopes to enhance your knowledge as well as your appreciation for the Bahamas and its fascinating culture.
The Family Islands Regatta season has begun! The 60th National Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour started the season on Thursday, April 24, running through Saturday, April 27. Predications were that this regatta was to be the biggest with all classes of Bahamian racing sailboats represented. There were activities, food stalls, Junkanoo, and entertainment by various artists. Next up: Long Island.
More Exuma tourism news in next month’s “Sip-Sip”; an additional, top-of-the-line, boutique hotel, and new Italian restaurant.
HEADS UP-NAVIGATION NOTES
Our boating friends over at Explorer Charts, Monty and Sara Lewis, are reporting on missing navigational lights, and an underwater obstructions.
The lower Chub Point Light (Fl WR 10s 13m 7M) no longer exists on Chub Cay. See Chart BER 7 p. 61, BER 8 p. 62, BER 9, p. 63 of the Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas. Both the pole and the light are gone.
The same is true of Russell Beacon on the Great Bahama Bank. See Chart 6, p. 16. Also, as previously reported, the Northwest Channel Light, (See Chart 6, p. 16 and BER 9 p. 63) has been destroyed. Now its remains are a hazard to navigation as its ruins are awash at mid to low tide.
An underwater obstruction has been found near Lee Stocking Island. Two cylindrical tanks approximately 14 feet in length are lying side by side in approximately 2.7 to 3 meters (9 to 10 feet) of water near 23° 46.33′ N/76° 06.50′ W. This is several hundred feet southwest of the now closed Marine Research Station near the 2.7 meter sounding on chart EX 25. Marine growth has taken root and an anchor and rope are wrapped around the tanks. This obstruction should pose no problems to most vessels traversing the area, but care should be taken not to anchor here.
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM OFFICE
The Bahamas Ministry Tourism Office begins its annual summer Boating Flings in June. Boating flings, the equivalent of a road trip but on the water, lead a caravan of boaters across the Gulf Stream to The Bahamas. Destinations include Grand Bahama Island, Bimini, The Berry Islands, Nassau and The Exumas. Only 30 boats are allowed per trip and dockage at the ports of call is on a first-come first-served basis. Minimum boat length, for safety reasons, is 22 feet.
For more information, call 1-800-327-7678 or visit www.bahamas.com/boating-flings.
SOON COME
When stopping over in Fort Lauderdale, for pre and post Bahamas flights and crossing by boats, I have highly recommended, on-the-way-superb-stay, recommendations in my “First Choice Collections”. I’ll also be offering up info on nifty selections in the unique, boutique, plain-beautiful category, for other popular gateways, such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Stuart, as we head along.
‘Til next time and more islands…may all good things be yours. She reach…
~Sandra