1ST ANNUAL ALL ABACO REGATTA
The first All Abaco Regatta was held 6th - 8th November in the waters between Green Turtle Cay and Treasure Cay. The area around the mainland ferry dock for Green Turtle Cay was transformed into a party area with vendors' stalls, dance floor and display arena.
Unlike the Abaco Regatta which involves boats of all ilk, the All Abaco Regatta is a serious competition between Bahamian workboats which began in Georgetown, Exuma, in 1954. Although there are several categories of raceboat, only Class A and Class B boats competed in Abaco's inaugual regatta.
The weather co-operated until the last day when the wind was so high the races had to be cancelled. In Class B the Moores Island crewed boat Lonesome Dove had a second place finish and a win to top the abbreviated competition. In Class A the Ragged Island captained boat Courageous also had a second and first to capture the main title.
The final evening was fun-filled and entertaining in spite of the lack of racing during the day. A cool nor'easter did not dampen the spirits of those who watched a junkanoo competition, a fashion show and class entertainment from the Royal Bahamas Police Force popular music ensemble before the closing ceremony.
The final points score of all the competing boats was as follows:
Class B:
1. Lonesome Dove 27 points
2. Peacemaker 25
3. New Chase 22
4. Heathcliffe 20
5= Cobra 17
5= Queen Drucilla 17
7= Tari Anne 15
7= Potcake 15
9= Whiplash 11
9= Barbarian 11
11 William+s Auto 10
12 Bahama Life 9
13. Thunder Eagle 7
14. Hummingbird 3
Class A:
1. Courageous 19
2. Running Tide 17
3. Jiffy 16
4. Good News 14
5= Thunderbird 11
5= Silent Partner 11
7. Abaco Rage 10
8. Southern Cross 5
9= Unca Boss 1
9= Sea Star 1