We had heard the rumors but nothing could have prepared us for the culture shock of Georgetown. We spent the month of February exploring remote beaches, cruising with our friends on 1 or 2 other boats, but more or less secluded and alone.
We pulled into Georgetown, Bahamas (aka “Chicken Harbor”) and what did our wondering eye see, but over 300 boats looking at me! Talk about a shock to the system.
Georgetown is dubbed “chicken harbor” because it is just about the furthest south you can get in the Bahamas without having to make a decent ocean crossing. Many (most) come to Georgetown as their destination each year before heading back north for the summer months. We hope to make it out of here and not become another one of the “chickens”!
Dinghys lined up at the market
It has been described as part assisted living facility, part spring break and I would say that is an accurate representation. If there are over 300 boats, I would estimate there to be about 500 adults and lots of pets!
Like any good metropolis,there is a great communication system via the local “Net” on channel 72 at 8am every morning. There you can learn about the day activities (Yoga, Volleyball, dominos, etc…) and their respective locations (Volleyball beach, Chat N Chill beach, Honeymoon beach, etc…), as well as buy/sell/trade any items you may need for your vessel.
There is a very organized system for trash ($2/bag), water (free!), propane ($12) and the like…making it an easy place to stop and stay a while, as well as a water taxi if you don’t feel like dinghy driving.
We just happened to arrive right in time for the 36th Annual Cruisers Regatta! I am not completely sure what all the regatta entails, but the schedule is packed full of dinghy poker runs, a pet parade, Variety show, a boat race or two and of course happy hour every night! We have picked and choosed our way through the week and attended a few events, mostly as an excuse to hang with our buddies.
Variety show on Saturday afternoon was quite the show. Half Bahamian acts and half cruisers.
The pet parade was a big hit!
Safety seminar on Friday to discuss first aid at sea.