Abaco Bahamas
Nestled in the northern Bahamas, just east of southern Florida, The Abacos are a dream destination for boating and sailing enthusiasts. Great Abaco serves as the "mainland," with its coastline beautifully scalloped by bays, coves, and protected harbors, all featuring full-service marinas and luxurious resorts. With its shallow protected waters and steady trade winds, the Sea of Abaco has long been considered one of the finest cruising grounds in the world.
Off Great Abaco’s eastern coast lies a string of picturesque barrier islands, creating a natural shield for the Sea of Abaco. This stunning, brilliant-blue body of water is shallow and protected, yet expansive enough to offer endless miles of sailing, exploration, and adventure. The Abacos truly live up to their reputation as a yachter’s paradise!
June in the Abacos brings ideal conditions for sailors, with steady trade winds, calm seas, and sunny skies. The warm, tropical climate is perfect for both competitive sailing and leisurely cruising, offering consistent breezes that make for exhilarating days on the water. Whether you're navigating between islands or enjoying the vibrant shoreside festivities, the Abacos in June promise a sailor’s dream come true.
Regatta History
The roots of Regattas in The Abacos stretch back to the late 1960s, when sailors on Green Turtle Cay began gathering around the Fourth of July for friendly races around the island. What started as a small and informal competition among local sailors and visiting cruisers quickly became a favorite summer tradition on the Sea of Abaco.
As interest grew, communities across Abaco began embracing the spirit of the event. In 1974, local residents formed the Abaco Regatta Syndicate with the goal of promoting sailing and organizing larger regattas in the area. The first regatta organized by the Syndicate was held in Marsh Harbour in 1976, featuring a mix of traditional Bahamian workboats and cruising yachts.
By the late 1970s, several individual races held in different settlements—including Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbour, and Treasure Cay—were brought together into a single sailing series. The fleet traveled from cay to cay, racing in the waters of the Sea of Abaco and celebrating with parties and community events along the way. This format became known as Regatta Time in Abaco, and it quickly developed into one of the most anticipated summer traditions in The Bahamas.
Unlike many regattas that take place in a single harbor, the Abaco regatta evolved into a multi-island sailing series, allowing participants to experience the unique character of several island communities during the event. Sailors, residents, and visitors gathered each year to celebrate sailing, Bahamian culture, and the strong sense of community that defines the Abacos.
Over the years the regatta continued to grow, attracting sailors from across The Bahamas, the United States, and beyond. In 1984, participation reached a record 121 boats, and new divisions such as the popular Mother Tub class were introduced to welcome cruising boats and recreational sailors.
Following Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the event paused for several years while the Abaco community rebuilt and recovered. In 2023, the tradition returned under the name Regattas in The Abacos, honoring the legacy of Regatta Time while continuing the spirit of cay-to-cay racing that has defined the event for more than five decades.
Today, Regattas in The Abacos remains a celebration of sailing, community, and island culture, bringing together sailors, families, and visitors for a week of racing, friendship, and unforgettable experiences across the Sea of Abaco.
The Organizers
Regattas in The Abacos is made possible by a passionate committee of volunteers who pour their time, energy, and love for the islands into keeping this tradition alive. Our organizers include sailors, residents, past participants, and long-time supporters who believe deeply in the regatta’s place in Abaco culture.
Each host settlement plays an important role in welcoming the fleet, with awards gatherings, beach parties, and community celebrations throughout the week. We gratefully acknowledge the essential role of our sponsors, whose financial and in-kind support allow us to deliver a high-quality experience for participants and spectators alike. Their support helps us host events across the Abacos, provide quality race experiences, and create the welcoming atmosphere that sailors return for year after year. The regatta is truly a community effort—and we couldn’t do it without them.
To see the businesses that help make this event possible, please visit our Sponsors page.
The Wynsome Award
In loving memory of Wynsome Ferguson, we proudly introduce the Wynsome Award to be presented during the 2026 Regattas in The Abacos. Wynsome was known for her kindness, calm strength, and the way she brought people together with grace, humor, and a warm welcome for all.
This award will honor the boat and crew who best embody the values Wynsome shared so naturally: kindness, camaraderie, fun, and community—the true spirit of RITA and the Abacos.
While introduced for 2026, the heart behind this award reflects a legacy that will continue to inspire our regatta family for years to come.
TEAM RITA
Dwayne Wallace, Commodore
Michelle Bennett, Digital Comms & Marketing Coordinator
Josefina Adderley-Curry, Lead Coordinator
Josefina Adderley-Curry, Lead Coordinator
Michelle Bennett, Digital Comms & Marketing Coordinator
Josefina Adderley-Curry, Lead Coordinator
Michelle Bennett, Digital Comms & Marketing Coordinator
Michelle Bennett, Digital Comms & Marketing Coordinator
Michelle Bennett, Digital Comms & Marketing Coordinator
Dave Helmick, Principal Race Officer
Dave Helmick, Principal Race Officer
Michelle Bennett, Digital Comms & Marketing Coordinator