Cay-Hopping by Day, Live Entertainment by Night and Stranded Naked in Bahamas Boating Paradise

NASSAU, The Bahamas - June 20, 2010 - It’s no secret that The Abacos are one of the world’s best sailing and cruising locales. Known as The Bahamas’ boating capital, the island chain’s serendipitous layout provides a calm and warm turquoise haven for boaters and sailors. With Regatta Time right around the corner, visiting The Abacos this summer offers lively festivities, stunning beaches and an unforgettable experience at rates that accommodate varying budgets.

The 35th annual Regatta Time in Abaco is taking place July 2-10, 2010, bookended by the American and Bahamian Independence celebrations and bringing dozens of sailing enthusiasts to The Abacos for a week’s worth of fun-filled, exciting competition. Captains will race throughout the entire island chain, beginning at Green Turtle Cay, with stops at Great Guana Cay and Nippers Beach Bar and Grill, famous for its Sunday Pig Roast; Man-O-War Cay, celebrated for its boat-building tradition; Hope Town, home of the world-famous candy-striped Lighthouse; and Marsh Harbour, the commercial hub of The Abacos.

Not piloting a yacht? Venture into the protected underwater areas of Fowl Cay National Reserve for astonishing snorkeling and diving; enjoy superb fishing off Walker’s Cay; relish in the charming settlement sites of Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay, which might be mistaken for New England fishing towns, if not for the distinctive Bahamian touch of pastel colors; or join a special shindig on Fiddle Cay hosted by sailing apparel outfitter, Stranded Naked.

Anchor a Regatta Time trip on Great Abaco at Pelican Beach Villas (www.pelicanbeachvillas.com), with rates starting at $175 per night for two and located on a sunny, private peninsula, or at the Ritz-Carlton managed Abaco Club on Winding Bay (www.ritzcarlton.com), a luxurious sporting retreat that claims the world’s first Scottish-style golf course in a tropical location and offers starting rates of $259 per night.

Beyond the “big city” of Marsh Harbour, populated with boutique hotels, restaurants, bars and full-service marinas, lay a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury beachfront villas to modest, comfortable condos. The premium condominium rentals of Schooners Landing Ocean Club (www.schoonerslanding.com), nestled on a picturesque bluff on Man-O-War Cay, feature two-story units starting at $275 per night that were designed to provide a choice of spectacular views from a private patio or balcony. Elbow Cay’s Crystal Waters & Villas (www.bahamarentals.net) provides guests with golf carts to explore the quaint shops and museum of the nearby village of Hope Town and features accommodations with full kitchens for a reasonable $300 per night for two.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Bahamas or follow us on www.Twitter.com @VisitTheBahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

# # #