It was a week that we will never forget! This year’s Owner Flotilla hosted a total of 15 catamarans– both sail and power — in the Abacos Islands of the Bahamas. Set in paradise, with an amazing group of owners, the second annual event was the perfect recipe for memories captured with a Bahamian backdrop where friendships were formed and guests thrived on the exchange of stories, practical advice and innovative ideas, all to enhance the ownership journey with Leopard Catamarans.
Day One: Whiteout Welcome Party in Little Harbour
The first night kicked off with a lively whiteout welcome party at Pete’s Pub in Little Harbour. This oceanfront pub provided a relaxed setting for everyone to mingle over dinner and rum punch, fostering connections. It was the perfect way to kick off six days of cruising crystal clear waters and discovering sandy cays in the Bahamas.
Day Two: Tiloo Cay & Firefly Resort on Elbow Cay
Day 2 featured a delightful potluck and cocktail contest on Tilloo Cay’s secluded beach in a rustic picnic area where washed-up sea treasures hang from driftwood. Guests enjoyed potluck picnic and competed in a cocktail contest. The pistachio martini and beer margarita got high honors but was the Sailing Sisu cocktail that took home gold.
A short cruise north to Firefly Resort on Elbow Cay hosted a happy hour where attendees danced the night away in their finest leopard print attire.
Day Three: Pirates Invade Hope Town
On Day 3, participants took a relaxing day to discover Hope Town or lounge on the beach before rallying up the troops for a pirate-themed evening at Cap n’ Jacks. The group went all out, bringing together the best scally-swag attire, with the costume contest resulting in Stella Maris, Leopard 45, securing the coveted “best dressed” title amid fierce competition.
Day Four: Fowl Cay Raft Up and an Evening at Nipper’s on Great Guana
Day 4 brought a change of scenery as the flotilla moved north/ northeast to Fowl Cay for an all-boat raft up. It was a great showmanship of teamwork to get all the catamarans secure. Once set up, rafts were inflated and the tunes were pumping which led to all-out fun in the sun!
The evening brought everyone Nipper’s Beach Bar at Great Guana Cay for appetizers and cocktails. The neon-themed evening did not disappoint with an all-out dance party complete with a conga line.
Day Five: A Hunt for Treasure, an Afternoon with the Pigs and a Big O’s Luau
No Abacos cruise is complete without a visit to the swimming pigs. Day 5 presented an excursion to No Name Cay, where swimming with the pigs and beach relaxation were the main attractions. The Big O’s swim-up bar was a favorite gathering spot, while some ventured on a rum treasure hunt on a secluded island, diving to uncover a buried bottle. The evening closed out with a lively luau at Big O’s, showcasing the resilient recovery of No Name Cay following Hurricane Dorian.
Day Six: Farewell Dinner at Abacos Beach Resort
All good things must come to an end. So why not throw a party to celebrate? Day 6 marked the flotilla’s finale, celebrated with a farewell dinner at the Abacos Beach Resort & Marina. The poolside setting overlooking the beach provided a picturesque backdrop for sunset, as attendees enjoyed dinner and drinks. Superlatives were awarded during dinner, honoring those who left a lasting impact on the event. Some of the take-home awards were life of the Party, best bromance, regatta crew and dancing queen, just to name a few.
Final Thoughts on the 2023 Event
Throughout the week, the event facilitated deep connections among Leopard Catamarans owners. Beyond boat ownership, when you buy a Leopard, it means joining a vibrant community of like-minded enthusiasts and passionate cruisers. This community thrives on the exchange of stories, practical advice, and innovative ideas, enhancing the ownership journey. The flotilla event acted as a platform for owners to embrace camaraderie and meaningful connections.
We look forward to the 2024 Leopard Catamarans Owner Flotilla!
📷: @Uncommon Caribbean
