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. Known for its shallow protected waters and steady trade winds, the Sea of Abaco has long been celebrated as one of the finest cruising grounds in the world, making it a popular site for Bahamas sailing events.
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, with a rich Abaco regatta history that showcases the area’s vibrant sailing culture.
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, providing consistent breezes that make for exhilarating days on the water. Whether you're navigating between islands or enjoying the vibrant shoreside festivities, sailing in the Abacos in June promises a sailor’s dream come true.
Regatta History
The history of the Abaco regatta dates back to 1968, when sailors on Green Turtle Cay began gathering each summer for a friendly Fourth of July race on the picturesque waters of the Sea of Abaco. What started with just a few sailors and a handful of boats quickly blossomed into a beloved tradition, uniting local competitors and visiting yachtsmen who shared a passion for sailing in the Abacos, spirited competition, and warm island hospitality.
As the enthusiasm for sailing grew, community leaders across Abaco established the Abaco Regatta Syndicate in 1974. By 1976, the first Regatta Time in Abaco was held in Marsh Harbour, marking a significant moment in Bahamas sailing events. Two years later, the long-standing Green Turtle Cay Fourth of July race combined with races in Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, laying the groundwork for the multi-island sailing series that thrives today.
Unlike many regattas confined to a single harbor, this event has evolved into a unique cay-to-cay sailing adventure. Boats raced by day and gathered ashore each evening to savor local hospitality, celebrate community, and experience the distinct character of Abaco's island settlements.
Over the years, the regatta has continued to expand, drawing sailors from across The Bahamas, the United States, and beyond. In 1984, participation soared to a record 121 boats, and the popular Mother Tub class was introduced, allowing cruisers and recreational sailors to enjoy the excitement of competition alongside more serious racing fleets.
Following Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the event took a pause while the Abaco community focused on rebuilding and recovery. In 2023, the tradition triumphantly returned as Regattas in The Abacos (RITA), carrying on more than five decades of sailing, community, and island culture across the Sea of Abaco.
Today, Regattas in The Abacos unites sailors, families, and visitors for a week filled with racing, friendship, and unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most stunning cruising destinations.
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 Abaco regatta history and its significance 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 various Bahamas sailing 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 her ability to bring 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, which are a vital part of Abaco regatta history. While introduced for 2026, the heart behind this award reflects a legacy that will continue to inspire our regatta family and enhance the Bahamas sailing events for years to come, celebrating the joy of sailing in the Abacos.
TEAM RITA
Dwayne Wallace, Commodore
Michelle Bennett, Digital Marketing & Communications
Josefina Adderley-Curry, Lead Coordinator
Josefina Adderley-Curry, Lead Coordinator
Michelle Bennett, Digital Marketing & Communications
Josefina Adderley-Curry, Lead Coordinator
Michelle Bennett, Digital Marketing & Communications
Michelle Bennett, Digital Marketing & Communications
Michelle Bennett, Digital Marketing & Communications
Dave Helmick, Principal Race Officer
John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
Michelle Bennett, Digital Marketing & Communications
John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investments & Aviation