PRESS RELEASES
BAHAMIAN MARINAS ASSERTING THEMSELVES
NASSAU, The Bahamas, 2 March, 2017……..The Islands of The Bahamas are on a mission to establish themselves collectively as the premier boating destination in the hemisphere. The main engine in this assertive thrust is the Association of Bahamas Marinas, which currently represents 31 of the finest marinas in this archipelago.
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Thanks to the ABM, Bahamas marinas are already much more conspicuous at South Florida boat shows. The list for the year includes booths at the Palm Beach Boat Show, Trawler Fest at Riviera Beach, Stuart Boat Show and possibly the Yacht Brokers Show on Miami Beach. The ABM also supports the Ministry of Tourism in manning booths at the Miami Boat Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and is also a sponsor at the second annual Bahamas Yacht & Travel Show in Nassau.
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In partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the association actively promotes member marinas and the cruising and sport fishing industries. It participates in trade shows, supply support for boating flings to The Bahamas, provides information to Florida yacht clubs, marinas and boat yards and produces a useful that serves as a fulfilment piece in response to enquiries on boating that come into www.bahamas.com and the 1-800-Bahamas toll free number.
The country has a rich maritime history, born of necessity: at one time in the past it was impossible to travel between the islands’ settlements other than by sea. While aviation has changed that and made it possible for large resort complexes to thrive on New Providence and Grand Bahama, the allure of the sea and the spectacular beauty of Bahamian waters continue to exert a powerful draw on boaters and yachtsmen all along the eastern seaboard of the United States. These discerning seafarers find comfort, convenience and a warm welcome at this network of Bahamian marinas.
It is not widely known that The Commonwealth of The Bahamas extends across an area that is almost equal in size to much of the Greater and Lesser Antilles – the Caribbean. Starting just 50 miles off the Florida coast and extending almost to Hispaniola, the country offers a plethora of experiences on land and sea and noticeable cultural differences from island to island. The fishing is great, the cruising is spectacular and the warmth of Bahamian hospitality is legendary. On land, aside from lolling around on a deserted beach, activities and attractions range from dazzling casinos, high-tech nightclubs, elegant dining and duty-free shopping in the capital, Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama, to cycling, bone fishing, SCUBA diving and artefacts that reach far back into the nation’s history.
Full service marinas are available at many of the Out Islands, as those outside of Nassau and Grand Bahama are called and, pragmatic government policies make for simple, hassle-free customs and immigration procedures.
The ABM maintains contact with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the government’s Port Department encouraging the repair and maintenance of aids to navigation (ATONs) around the Bahamas. Lighthouse lights and other lights are maintained debilitated lights are identified and repaired through this relationship. There are 16 island groups in the archipelago, some are more attractive to sail boaters and others to motor boaters.
“We are confident that we will be able to grow – substantially – the volume of boating traffic to the several destinations of The Bahamas,” says ABM President Stephen Kappeler. “The Bahamian people are very experienced in maritime affairs and highly skilled marina management. Combined with the long tradition of hospitality for which the country is known, we are satisfied that we have an unrivalled product. We’re going to make certain the world knows all about it,” he says.
The Association of Bahamas Marinas is now an assertive presence on social media. Experience the islands from a boater’s perspective at:
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