Covering the people, places and t’ings of the “Family” Bahamas Out Islands.
August “Sip-Sip ™”
“Day break and crow fly away… looks to me like the start of a brand new day…We’re in my boat way out on the sea, doing nothing just passing the time away. Towards the east I could see a reach where the sea was turning a lighter shade of blue … so, I put on my goggles, an’ I pull out my spear… jump in the sea to try and catch a few. Excerpt from “Day Break”– ©Cay Gottlieb
This excerpt from the late Cay Gottlieb’s (Abaco/Grand Bahamas-lawyer/entertainer), fabulous song “Daybreak,” epitomizes summertime in the Bahamas Out-Out Islands. Folks move, swim, and fish at a somnambulant pace; serenity is in place like no other time of the year, skies are a glorious, lucid blue, and the sunsets are beyond spectacular…
Despite the calm out here just now, crawfish (a/k/a-lobster or bugs) season is on the way this month (August 1st – March 31st) so, visitor numbers will be up. Respect the environment, have a valid fishing permit, practice safety while diving, mind the Bahamas regulations and you’ll be enjoying outstanding meals. Some say, Bahamian lobster is sweeter than those crusty crustaceans residing in the US North Eastern waters such as Maine and Mass…oh my!
THE ABACOS
Hopetown/Marsh Harbour
Abaco’s Bespoke Services. Motto: “Life is better at the beach when you leave the work to us.” End result: A hassle free vacay stay—and that’s what these folks are all about. Everything you could possibly need or desire (babysitting, housekeeping, provisioning, event planning/catering, personal shopping, excursions, boat rentals, admin assistance)—the list of offerings is lengthy and comprehensive… can be handled by owners and lifestyle managers, Sean Tully and Kelly Fair. Contact: 242- 424 0357 or 242- 376 7166 or, info@abacobespokeservices.com. ♦
Hopetown/Elbow Cay/White Sound
PapaNastys BBQ—What a name! Owned by Lorin and Caralee Senn; a local knowledge, word-of-mouth spot, this little place is so new there are no signs indicating where they are located just yet (Ocean road just around the corner from TN cart rental, north two lots, on the left.) The original base is a brand new food trailer with a spotless, gleaming, stainless steel kitchen and, a smoker—the first ever to land in the outlying Abaco Cays, fronted by a deck with table and chairs for casual eating. From fresh every day homemade donuts and Dunky D coffee in the morning, the menu changes daily, with several constants—delicious, smoked meats & BBQ. This tiny spot is receiving rave reviews from locals, second home owners, and mariners alike. You can call ahead and order whatever suits your fancy, they will hold it for you–smoked BBQ and true-Bahamian Souse are the biggies here. 242-366-0652 or 242-359-6991. ♦
Treasure Cay
Treasure Cay Beach, Marina, and Golf Resort has announced the appointment of Steven Kappeler, former President of both the Marina Operators of the Bahamas, and Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board, to the position of General manager. ♦
An airline by the name of Trend Aviation—is now offering service from both Orlando International Airport and West Palm Beach to Treasure Cay (TCB). They may be reached at (407) 374-FLY1 (3591) Email: schedule@flytrendaviation.com, info@flytrendaviation.com, Website: http://www.flytrendaviation.com. Trend Aviation has already been servicing Treasure Cay as an FAR 135 on demand Charter, since 2006 for private aircraft owners. Using new Cessna Caravan turbo props seating 9 passengers with ample cargo, Trend will be adding a brand new Caravan to the fleet at the end of this month, with another new aircraft, a Pilatus PC12 entering service this fall. ♦
ANDROS
South Andros
The lovely Tiamo Resort recently announced their new affiliation with the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels Group. Tiamo was also named to Caribbean Journals’ Best Caribbean All-inclusive Resorts List for 2013—ranking in at the number two spot. ♦
BIMINI
North
Is officially S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D. After some initial bumps and starts, the USCG gave final approval to the Bimini SuperFast Cruise Ship for its inaugural sailing on July 20 to Bimini. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and a number of dignitaries were on board. The ship is now sailing daily from Port of Miami-Terminal F.
Speaking at Resorts World Bimini after the inaugural voyage of the Bimini Superfast, the prime minister stated… “the Government has agreed to the request of Resorts World to proceed immediately with plans for the next phase of its development for the island of Bimini that will amount to $150 million. This further capital investment of $150 million in the Bahamian economy will be completed within three years and will include the following components amongst others: two luxury low-density hotels with a total of 600 rooms and numerous added amenities, expanded casino, creation of some 1,000 jobs, improvements to historical sites and creation of museums.” He added… “There will be further expansion of the airport and public infrastructure, the sponsoring of fishing and other events, major housing initiatives to accommodate employees and residents, and the internship of Biminites at other overseas resorts of Resorts World. The entire Bimini community will be integrated into their plans within the parameters of a carefully prepared and government approved master plan for the orderly growth and development of north and south Bimini.” Full speech posted here.
Actually, there is a very reasonable and sound alternate plan proposal for a cruise ship jetty suggested here, through Bimini Blue Coalition. Do read it! ♦
Resorts World Bimini Casino—I (Sandra) had a chance to visit this under-construction-casino during a recent visit to the north island. The casino is decorated in uber-chic all-white leather/stainless steel furniture, with wave pattern carpeting throughout, low-light chandeliers of a different sort, a then in-the-set up-stage-restaurant—with both inside (teak tables with clear, ®Lucite chairs), and outdoor seating (modish weather-proof rattan patterned couches, and cocktail tables)—called Hemingway’s’, and unusual for a casino— usually dark interiors with no distractions — full wall of glass overlooking the marina and a portion of the resort—still, it’s hard to imagine how 1,500 people at a clip (twice a day Bimini Superfast sailings) will fit into the boutique sized, (10,000 sq ft.) casino. Slide Show via You Tube: © Sandra Davis—all rights reserved. ♦
Balèaria Bahamas Express has definitely suspended its service between Bimini and South Florida, although Pablo Aviles, Balèaria‘s commercial executive, has confirmed service would resume in the fall, (September or October) with a faster, more modern vessel. “We decided to send Maverick back to Spain and we ordered a much larger and faster ship, which should arrive at some point in the fall. When that arrives we should be able to provide a much better service because not only is the ship larger, but it has stabilizers, meaning it won’t rock as much in the water and it will be one of the most modern ships in the American continent. It’s a jet powered ship and sails at 50 knots, which doubles the speed of the Maverick. It will actually travel from South Florida to Bimini in an hour and 10 minutes. It’s a completely different service.” ♦
South Bimini
Bimini Sands Resort and Marina is to be congratulated on the huge success of their 3rd annual Bimini Lionfish Bash, held in July (12-14) benefitting the Woody Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed to aid in the recovery of people with spinal injuries. This year’s Lionfish Bash raised approximately $28,000 for The Woody Foundation. The foundation will donate a portion of the proceeds from the 2013 Lionfish Bash to Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital in Miami, which is known for its innovative therapeutic programs for spinal injury patients.
This fun family spear fishing event was created in 2011 to raise awareness about and to help eradicate lionfish, an invasive species in the Bahamas-Florida ocean ecosystem. Over the past three years, the Lionfish Bash has removed more than 1,000 lionfish from the waters around Bimini, and has raised more than $70,000 for The Woody Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Fears that Tropical Storm Chantal would disrupt the Lionfish Bash proved unfounded and the weather improved just in time for the spear fishing competition. Team G&R caught a record 207 lionfish to defend its title in The Woody Foundation’s third annual Lionfish Bash. Last year the team had 143 fish. CJ Crooks, Media Manager of the Bimini Biological Field Station set a weight record with a 2.42-pound lionfish and his Team Sharklab was second with 79 lionfish. Divers caught a total of 338 lionfish; after receiving instructions from the Bimini Sands staff in how to safely handle lionfish, the participants filleted their catch, and Chef Edison Lightbourne of the resort’s Bimini Twist restaurant prepared it as a delicious dish for the Lionfish Bash Awards Banquet on Saturday.
In addition to an exhilarating day of spear fishing and a festive Awards Banquet, the 3rd Annual Lionfish Bash received an inspirational visit from Woody Beckham. The Woody Foundation was organized in 2011 after Woody, sustained a spinal cord injury at age 22 in a college rugby match that rendered him paralyzed from the chest down.
“The Third Annual Lionfish Bash was yet again an incredible adventure at the paradise that is Bimini Sands Resort,” said Woody. “The combination of helping the environment and supporting an impactful cause during a weekend filled with family and fun creates an amazing event. The overwhelming support from sponsors, family and friends makes the event so much more than just another fishing tournament. It has created a small community coming together year after year for a greater cause.”
“Congratulations to The Woody Foundation on another highly successful Lionfish Bash,” said Bimini Sands President and CEO Frank Cooney. “Despite challenging weather conditions, everyone had a lot of fun. It feels good to be able to host a fun family event for such a great cause every year.” ♦
IN OTHER NEWS
Aviation News
Oh dear…and, Dear Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilcombe…listen up!
The Seaplane Pilots Association recently posted this message on their FaceBook Page, (4,000+ likes):
“The Bahamian government recently raised the fees that are experienced by flight crews and passengers arriving by private, and chartered aircraft. We have heard stories of crews having to pay upwards of $375 to depart the islands with a plane load of money spending tourists. This is disturbing since the Bahamian tourism council has been attending aviation events around the country seeking our business, and telling us how much they welcomed us. Furthermore, SPA has invested a lot of time promoting the Bahamas as a seaplane destination and has helped foster a growing seaplane tourism industry to deliver people to these wonderful islands.”
In addition, Captain Randy Butler, President and CEO of SkyBahamas was quoted in a lengthy interview with Tribune 242, saying these new aviation taxes, could be “closing the door” to Family-Out Island economic development.
Hopefully, someone in government is listening to these strong, social media outcries of protest. ♦
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Update on Boat Entry Fees: The Marine Operators of The Bahamas and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Office has confirmed that the scheduled increase in boat entry fees, which were to go into effect July 1, has been postponed. A new date has not been determined. ♦
FIRST CHOICE COLLECTION
Superb Stays on the Way–the Boating Kind
Seven LXR luxury destination marinas throughout Florida are offering varying specials for boaters: free nights, discounted dockage rates, plus boundless activities. Be sure to request the “Summer Splash” on the booking site to receive these special offers.
The LXR marinas are located in Sarasota, Captiva, Key Largo, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale (three marinas on offer). If you are heading over, or will be returning from the Bahamas soon, you may want to check these great deals out. Oh, and while you are docked, check out the top notch restaurants, take a dip in the glam waterfall and infinity pools, have a massage, room service delivered to your boat; or, you might just want to rest your head in a non-moving super luxurious bed. ♦
‘Til next time, more islands, and new discoveries…may all good things be yours.
She reach…
~Sandra