posted 05-02-2001 09:46 PM ET (US)         

This event began in 1993, and was organized and sponsored by both the Boston Whaler Company and one of their Dealers in Deland FL (Hontoon Marine/Carl Fisher). It takes a full week, and can easily cost about $2500 for everything (especially the fuel) for a couple, but it is well worth it. I went on the first two, and actually want to do another one. There are generally about 30 - 40 boats participating, and they all make the 60 mile Gulf Stream crossing from Palm Beach inlet to West End Grand Bahama together. Then it's another 110 miles island hopping across the 8' deep banks out to Green Turtle Cay. Once there, there's great lodging, food, parties, cruising, fishing, diving etc. Absolutely fabulous, as long as you don't mind the June sun, heat and humidity. Water is generally very calm this time of the year. If you've never been over in your own Whaler, this is the way to do it. Forget Bimini, it's a pit and always crowded with So Florida boaters from Miami and Ft Lauderdale. The Abaco's are in a world by themselves.

For history of this annual affair, it has now migrated to Edgewater boats, since the Dealer gave up Whaler and switched over. I think he was/is a friend of Bob Dougherty. But the Whaler boaters are still invited and welcome, and I hear that usually close to 1/2 the boats are still Whalers. They arrange secure parking for your car and trailer in Palm Beach while you're over there for the week.