Since the early 1990s local families and visitors from around the globe have been enjoying an annual beach party on Fiddle Cay just north of Green Turtle Cay. This great gathering usually takes place around the beginning of July on the day before Regatta Time in Abaco?s first race at Green Turtle Cay.

The brainchild of Bobb Henderson, pilot and owner of Stranded Naked Swimwear,
the cheeseburger party had its origins as a sociable, adult gathering amongst friends. It grew and changed over time, ecoming the remarkable, family-fun blast that we know today.

The party welcomes anyone willing to make the trip to Fiddle Cay.
Glad to be here, some visitors have braved unexpected odds on their journey over to the out islands. ?I got struck by lightning,? Carl Wehe said. Amazingly calm for someone who?d recently had such an electrifying experience, he pointed at his arm and described what had happened. He and his wife, Suzi, brought their boat Glory Daze over from Florida to participate in Regatta Time.

The other day Carl was in his dinghy with one hand holding onto the toe rail of Susimi, a friend?s boat. He heard an explosive BOOM and saw a blinding flash. The too-close lightning bolt energized Susimi?s toe rail and the charge went through Carl?s forearm.

He was unharmed, but understandably stunned for the moment. ?Did your hair stand up?? asked a nearby partygoer, amazed by Carl?s story. ?No,? Carl said, laughing, ?But my arm hurt for a while.? Despite the strange encounter, he and Suzi
were quite happy to be back on Abaco for the beach party and a week of racing.

?He did it! He talked me into entering the regatta,? said John Bolduc, grinning and pointing at Carl. John was obviously glad to have been talked into coming. His wife Ann, sons Steven and Robert, and daughter, Sam, brought their boat Latitudes over for their first Regatta Time competition. At first, they were a bit astounded by the grand scale of the beach party, but they quickly settled into the laid-back and family friendly merriment. Even their small, one-eyed dog, Casey, got into the spirit and delighted in the warm, shallow tidal pool.

By the Abaconian