The Annual Abaco Regatta | Sailing, Sunsets and Tradition.

An intro to the Abaco Sailing Regatta. If you’re in the Abacos during the summer, there is one event that dwarfs every other: Regatta. It is a high-octane week of sailing, island hopping, and legendary parties that transforms the Sea of Abaco into a floating festival.

In 2026, the tradition continues with Regattas in The Abacos (RITA), a multi-day series that moves from cay to cay, bringing the party with it. Here is your guide to the most anticipated week on the water.

The 2026 Schedule: June 20th – June 28th

The 2026 Regatta is a 9-day marathon of racing and "lay day" celebrations. Unlike standard regattas that stay in one harbor, this one migrates through the islands.

Date	Location	Event	The Party
June 20	Green Turtle Cay	Kick-off	Registration & Buffet at Green Turtle Club
June 22	GTC to Guana Cay	Race 2	5:00 PM Awards at Grabbers
June 24	Marsh Harbour	Race 3	Awards at Colors Bahamian Restaurant
June 25	MH to Elbow Cay	Race 4	Awards at Sea Spray Resort & Marina
June 27	Hope Town	Final Race	Grand Finale at Hope Town Inn & Marina
June 28	Little Harbour	Close-out	Farewell party at Pete's Pub

What to Expect: Sails, Suds, and Sunsets

The Racing Classes

You don’t need a professional racing yacht to join. The fleet is diverse, featuring:

• Spinnaker & Non-Spinnaker: The serious competitors.

• Multihull: Fast-paced catamaran action.

• The "Mother Tub" Class: My personal favorite. This is for the cruising boats that are "heavier" and strictly here for the fun of the chase.

The Shoreside Scene

Even if you don't know a jib from a mainsail, the shoreside energy is infectious. Every race day ends with an awards party at a different local landmark. Expect live Bahamian rake-and-scrape music, cold Kaliks, and the best conch salad you’ve ever tasted.

The "Lay Day"

Halfway through, the fleet takes a "Lay Day" (a rest day). In 2026, there is a major Lay Day party on Elbow Cay (June 26). It’s the perfect time to explore the Hope Town settlement or rent a golf cart to find a quiet beach before the final races begin.

Pro Tips for Regatta Week

1. Book Everything NOW: This is the busiest week of the year for the Abacos. Dockage, hotel rooms, and golf carts are often booked out six months to a year in advance.

2. Follow the "Ferry" News: If you aren't on a private boat, check the G&L Ferry schedules closely, as they often add extra runs to accommodate the crowds moving between Marsh Harbour and Hope Town.

3. Hydrate: The June Bahamian sun is no joke. Between the rum punches and the salt air, make sure you're drinking twice as much water as you think you need.

4. The "Stranded Naked" Tradition: Keep an eye out for the Cheeseburger in Paradise party on Fiddle Cay—it’s an iconic, high-energy beach bash that often kicks off or punctuates the regatta season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8xPA4Iu0yk

Cheeseburger In Paradise Beach Party

Regatta week is the beating heart of Abaco culture. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just looking for the world’s best beach party, you won’t find a better atmosphere than the Sea of Abaco in late June.