ANDROS
The 16th All Andros Crab Fest, (Da’ Crab Fest), an annual event, will be held the second weekend in June: Fri, June 14, 2013 – Sat, June 15, 2013. Da’ Crab Fest celebrates the Crab-catching ways of Andros Island, (which is referred to as “The Land of Crabs.”) and, its people who are renowned for their crab-catching expertise. Highlights include the Crab Cultural show; which features top Bahamian bands and solo artists, plus Rake-N-Scrape music, Crab Culinary Contest, with an opportunity to learn a hundred and fifteen ways to catch, pen, cook and eat an Andros Crab; Crabs of Andros life cycle display, and the releasing of the crabs. The venue is Queen’s Park in Fresh Creek, Central Andros, which is 2.5 miles from the Andros Town Airport. For more information, contact the Andros Tourist Office at (242) 368-2286 or (242) 368-2891. ♦
BIMINI – North Island
You’ve must have some… the famed, sweet, Bimini Bread. Bimini bread—considered a delicacy—is sold at local markets and served at all of Bimini’s restaurants (guests request it.) However, no visit to The Bimini’s would be complete without a stop at one of the tiny home bakeries located in Bailey Town, North Bimini, where most of the resident bakers live.
Nestled in among the colorful homes of Bailey Town—a short, 10-minute stroll north from downtown Bimini—is a modest abode with a tiny sign indicating the famous “Charlie’s Bakery.” Charlie Wilkerson is a former chef with terrific credentials: the private, Cat Cay Club, Sandals Royal Bahamian-Nassau, and Bimini Big Game Club.
His home is dedicated to baking the legendary Bimini Bread; along with rum raisin loaf, holiday hot-cross buns, and cinnamon rolls. Charlie’s fresh, daily creations are spread out on the family dining room table, and on top of freezers to cool and be packaged for pick up. He’s a modest, quiet spoken man, for one who receives orders from the international mega-yachting set, and the rich and famous the world over. Calling ahead for large orders is a must, or ask your hotel to call Charlie and inquire how many loaves he has ready that day. The vibe here is gentle and friendly. Tel: (242) 347-2416.
Tip: I always buy a dozen, to bring home for friends (excellent gifts) and myself; storing a few in the freezer for special occasions. ♦
Bimini Bull Run at Bimini Big Game Club, and Tropic Ocean Airways, has teamed up to offer an exciting adventure package. Book your stay at the Bimini Big Game Club (BBGC) and you’ll receive discounted scheduled service aboard Tropic Ocean Sea Plane flights. Call (800) 767-0897 for rates. ♦
South Island
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina certainly has a busy month ahead… George Poveromo, the host of “ World of Saltwater Fishing” on NBC Sports, and the organizer of the Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series, is hosting the 16th annual Bimini Fishing Extravaganza, June 12-16 at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina. Last year, 42 boats from as far away as Texas took part, catching big yellowtail, dolphins, and kingfish. This is a no entry fee Extravaganza, open to boats 23 feet and up. For more details and rates, visit georgepoveromo.com and scroll down to “Bimini Fishing Extravaganza”‘. ♦
June 18-22—Join up with Boston Whaler staff and fellow Whaler owners at the annual, 2013 Bimini Rendezvous. The Rendezvous, will kick off with a pool party Tuesday afternoon at Mackey’s Sand Bar: five days of activities, fun and relaxation, which features cocktail parties, a fishing tournament, group boating tour of Bimini, island hopping excursions (complete with snorkeling, swimming and reef exploring,) the fantastic Honeymoon Harbor Island Bash, which includes lunch on a deserted island and a masquerade party. Bimini 2013 promises to be the most spirited event of the year. Boston Whaler has reserved a limited number of rooms for owners at Bimini Sands Resort, so make your reservations today—they’ll fill up fast! Contact Viveca Lubin at (242) 347-3500 for condo reservations. Each person is responsible for his or her own condo, and boat slip accommodations; reference Boston Whaler when reserving your room. ♦
Pre-Event Meeting: On Monday, June 17, there will be a Captain’s Meeting to discuss the departure procedures the next morning. The meeting will be held at the 15th Street Fisheries, Fort Lauderdale, at 7 p.m. All out-of-town guests should use the public boat ramp adjacent to the Lauderdale Marina at the east end of 15th Street. There are a limited number of complimentary vehicle and trailer storage spaces. To book a slip at the Lauderdale Marina, contact Jason Rodriguez at (954) 523-8507. Online Registration. ♦
What are you doing for the Fourth of July? I am so looking forward to a short, return trip early next month to South Bimini for the fabulous 4th of July firework display Bimini Sands Resort & Marina puts on every year at this time. Fireworks in the water? Yes, amazingly so. Keep in mind; if you miss this event, there are two more dazzling Bimini Sands firework displays during the year, Bahamas Independence Day, July 10, and New Year’s Eve. It’s an extraordinary experience. ♦