Good regattas include fun and fair competition mixed with socializing at pre-race and post-race events. When does a good regatta become great? When it’s in the vacation destination of the Bahamian island chain of the Abacos.

Regatta Time in Abaco, or RTIA (July 3 – July 9, 2015) – as its organizers and participants refer to it – uses the tagline “heating things up on the water” and for good reason. To begin with, it’s not a week at all, but four days of exciting sailboat racing mixed with six evenings of fun, family-friendly parties.

Regatta time in Abaco attracts all makes of boats, from the live aboard cruisers to J/120 “go-fast” sailboats. RTIA has attracted top amateur racing talent as well as casual cruisers. But perhaps the Regatta Time in Abaco’s most defining characteristic is its beautiful tropical setting.

The Abacos of the Bahamas is a 120 mile-long chain of islands stretching over 650 square miles with calm waters, warm breezes and views like no other Race Week can offer. The island coasts are filled with bays and protected harbors. The islands included in Race Week feature full-service marinas and resorts. The Abacos may be a sailor’s paradise, but it also boasts championship golf courses on Treasure Cay, small towns with colonial roots on Green Turtle and Elbow Cays, hotels, restaurants and bars throughout. One of the world’s Top 10 Beaches in the World can be found in the Abacos (Treasure Cay).

“The Regatta Time in Abaco is all about fun” says RTIA Commodore Dave Ralph. “Since the start of RTIA, we have purposefully focused on a week of competition on the water while maintaining a family friendly event. We encourage all of our participants to plan to come a few days early and stay a few extra days to explore all that the Abacos has to offer with their family and friends.

Regatta Time in Abaco (RTIA) runs from July 3-11 this year and is open to all seaworthy cruising sailboats that are not less than 20 feet in length. All skippers and crew shall be of amateur status as defined in ISAF rules. The RTIA is supported by Mt. Gay Rum, Kalik Beer and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Additional sponsors include Abaco Grocery, The Abaco Inn, Burns House, Coca-Cola, Grabbers Bed Bar & Grill, Hope Town Inn & Marina, Leeward Yacht Club and The Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina.

For additional information about Regatta Time in Abaco, visit www.RegattaTimeInAbaco.com or find us on Facebook.