img10940Planning to head south to the Bahamas this winter or a passage to the Caribbean or down island? Join the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally and travel in the company of other vessels as we transit from Beaufort, North Carolina to Marsh Harbor in the Abacos.

The Bahamas 500 is the perfect opportunity to get to the Bahamas before the holidays. This is the perfect opportunity to head down the Bahamas chain to the Turks and Caicos and onward to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands!

Marsh Harbor offers visiting cruisers all that the Bahamas has to offer! From protected marinas, reduced dockage rates and best of all the convenience of flying home for the holidays. You no longer need to transit down the "Ditch" all the way to Florida before heading to the Bahamas. With the Bahamas 500, you'll arrive in Marsh Harbor 4 to 5 days after departing Beaufort.

As with all of our cruising rallies, the Bahamas 500 is packed full of events, briefings, mini workshops, vessel inspections and social activities.

Rally Dates


The dates for the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally are November 7th thru November 17th. The fleet assembles in Beaufort, North Carolina on the evening of November 7th and is scheduled to depart on November 11th(depending on weather). Our "Welcome and Awards Party" will be held on November 17th in Marsh Harbor.

Upon departing Beaufort the fleet will cross the Gulf Stream and transit direct to Marsh Harbor in the Abacos. Because we utilize a weather routing service crossing the Gulf Stream will be dependent on weather conditions. After crossing the Gulf Stream the fleet we transit direct to Man Of War Cay Channel, which will be the entry point into Marsh Harbor.

Vessel Requirements


The Bahamas 500 is open to all seaworthy vessels 32 feet in length or larger that meet the rally organizers' requirements. The rally is governed by the ORC (Ocean Racing Council) Category 2 Rules to ensure all vessels meet the standards and have the required safety equipment on board. Key safety equipment items include:

  • Life Raft (with current year to date inspection certificate)

  • EPIRB

  • SOLAS Flares


If you do not own a raft and would like to rent one, Viking Life Saving Equipment, Inc. a rally sponsor, has rafts available to rent for rally participants. Contact Karen Hansen at Viking Life Saving Equipment, Inc at 305.374.5115 or email her at [email protected] direct to order your raft.

Vessel Safety Inspections


Each vessel is required to have a safety inspection prior to departing on the rally. This inspection is to ensure that the required safety equipment is on board and the captain and crew are familiar with the equipment.

Rigging Inspections


Each vessel will be required to have a recent rigging inspection prior to joining the rally in Beaufort. This inspection may be performed the "Captains" rigging company of choice. Chesapeake Rigging in Annapolis will be performing rigging inspections for the fleet at a reduced rate for rally participants. All contact information for Chesapeake Rigging is listed below.

Chesapeake Rigging Ltd. in Annapolis provides rigging inspections and repairs. For more details contact Tom Wohlgemuth at Chesapeake Rigging Ltd. at 410.268.0956.

Captain's Responsibilities


The safety of the vessel and crew lies with the captain of each vessel. Responsibility for self-sufficiency, safety, handling emergencies and for any accident/mishap will rest with the captain, owner and crew as specified per the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally rules.

Crew Requirements


A minimum of three participants per vessel (including the captain) is recommended for the rally. Rally organizers may make exceptions depending on the participants experience level.

Additional Self-Inspections


Each Captain is provided with detailed checklists, which covers areas that should be checked prior to participating in the rally. The rally organizers highly recommend that you have your Engine and Sails inspected prior to joining the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally. Quantum Sail Design Group is a sponsor of the rally and will offer reduced rates for sail inspections. You can contact Quantum direct for your sail inspections.

The Route


Quantum Sail Design Group offers sail inspections and new sails. Contact Chuck O'Malley direct at the Quantum Sail Design Loft in Annapolis, MD at 410.268.1161.

Make Friends For Life


Participants in the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally meet fellow cruisers with the same goals, interests and objectives. Traveling in the company of other sailors builds a lasting bond between the participants. These lasting relationships and friendships are priceless!

Participate In The Education


Nautech Enterprises offers numerous workshops and seminars to enhance your boating, sailing and cruising skills. Our Offshore Passagemaking Seminar is geared toward first time offshore cruising. We encourage the captains or crews to attend our educational events to prepare for the rally.

For detailed information on our workshops, seminars and other educational opportunities log onto www.nautechenterprises.com or call 410.573.1089.

Daily Chats


Daily radio communciation or "chats" are conducted three times a day via required VHF and/or Single Side Band (SSB) radios. The purpose is to update vessel positions and share information amongst the fleet.

Weather Briefings


Waiting for the right weather window for any passage is part of a cruiser's life-style. A reliable weather routing service provides weather information to the fleet and will be passed on to the fleet as it is provided. If threatening weather is evident the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally will delay departure and wait for a confirmed weather window. Captain and crews should plan accordingly for potential delays.

Awards


Each vessel participating in the rally receives an award. Additional awards are provided for Navigational Excellence, Seamanship and the infamous Fishing Award.

Insurance


The primary insurance provider and sponsor for the Bahamas 500 Cruising Rally is Jack Martin and Associates in Annapolis, Maryland. Be sure to check your insurance carrier for coastal and offshore coverage. Not all insurance policies cover offshore passages. If you have questions contact Morgan Wells at Jack Martin and Associates at 410.626.1000 or toll-free 1.800.497.8101.

Vessel and Crewmember Fees


Vessel fees cover Captains Participant Fee, Bahamas 500 Captains Handbook, Rally Burgee, Vessel Award, Briefings and Weather Routing Services. The participant fee includes numerous social events, parties and mixers in Beaufort and in Marsh Harbor.

Vessel & Participant Fees


Rally Fee Structure: Total Deposit
Beaufort to Marsh Harbor $475.00 $200.00
Beaufort to Marsh Harbor
*(Snowbird Cruising Rally Participant) $350.00 $200.00
Participant Fee (per crew member)
(Jr. Crew-members fees 12 and under are $45.00 each $75.00

For an application or more information see www.nautechenterprises.com