Ahoy captains! Bahamas Boating Fling to depart Thursday, June 25 from Stuart

STUART, FLA. (June 19, 2009) - Boaters who have always dreamed of traveling in their own boats to the Bahamas can make that dream come true. At daybreak on Thursday, June 25, a group of boaters led by an experienced and qualified guide head over to Grand Bahama Island from Harborage Yacht Club and Marina (HYCM) in Stuart.

Organized by the Bahamas Tourism Office, this is the first of two summer boating flings departing from Stuart for the Bahamas. The June 25 trip flotilla will visit Grand Bahama. The second flotilla, slated for July 15-26, is an extended trip traveling to both Abaco and Grand Bahama.

On Wednesday, June 24, the night prior to departure, a Bahamas Ministry of Tourism representative will explain the Customs and Immigration and Vessel Declaration forms, as well as entry procedures during a Captain's party 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Harborage Yacht Club and Marina. The group will depart for the island on Thursday, June 25 at daybreak, clearing customs at Old Bahama Bay in West End then continuing on to Port Lucaya.

Pelican Bay Hotel at Lucaya will host a welcome reception for the group Thursday evening. The flotilla will return to Florida on Sunday (June 27).

"The Bahamas are just 68 nautical miles east of Stuart," remarked HYCM Marina Manager Scott Fletcher. "An organized boating fling, with an experienced and qualified captain leading the way, is a great and safe way to make the crossing."

A second flotilla will depart from Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale on the same day. The two groups will meet enroute and travel together to Grand Bahama.

A non-refundable administrative fee of $75 per fling is charged per boat and is payable to the Bahamas Tourism Office. Reservations are available until the Captain's Party on Wednesday night. Fling participants are responsible for all other costs and expenses, including dockage and/or hotel accommodations.

Call 1-800-32SPORT or visit www.bahamas.com/bahamas/boating-fling-schedule-2009 for more information or to make reservations.

ABOUT HARBORAGE YACHT CLUB AND MARINA: Named the National Marina of the Year in 2008, Harborage Yacht Club & Marina offers direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Okeechobee and the Atlantic Ocean. The marina is capable of accommodating vessels from 30-feet. Dockage is available by the day, week, month, season, annual basis, or for purchase. Amenities and services include metered dockside power, water, cable, Internet, shower and restroom facilities, Ship's Store, gasoline and diesel fueling (VALVTECT Marine Fuel), and pump-out facilities. For more information, call (772) 692-4000 or visit www.harborageyachtclub.com.