The Annual Abaco Regatta | Sailing, Sunsets and Tradition.
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 19
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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