Little Farmer's Cay, Northern Exumas

Little Farmer’s Cay

Arrived in Little Farmer’s Cay on Thursday, just ahead of the start of the 26^th Annual 5 F’s Festival (First Friday in February, Farmer’s Cay Festival), featuring the “Class C” sailing regatta. Early Friday morning, on a rising tide, the “Captain C” arrived through the Cut, with Bahamian music blaring, and loaded with visitors returning back home to the island. In addition to the passengers, the ship was carrying some of the regatta competitors, and more importantly, their sailing vessels. It certainly was an exciting and fitting start to this (61 inhabitants) little cay’s festival.

Between the two anchorages, we counted at least 75 boats (sail and power) at anchor, and awaiting the festivities.

In addition to the two races on both Friday and Saturday, there was an abundance of loud Bahamian music at the airport and around the fishing harbor, and lots of local cuisine, with “Kalik” (Bahamian beer) and rum punch.

We enjoyed our morning coffee, watching the freighter, docked at the yacht club, unload the sail boats.

Later, we headed into the village, where the daily domino game was in full swing, outside of Ali’s Bar. The locals take their domino game very seriously, slamming their tile on the table (until now, I did not know that this was a contact sport).

The airport was a hub of activity, with the races going on, and on Saturday, they set up the trophies, and they sure don’t mess around, everything is better in the Bahamas!

When they award a trophy here in the Bahamas, they award a trophy!

The local spirit was infectious, right down to “Mr. Bahamas”, Frank from Nassau, and one of the race sponsors, who flies in every year to lend his support. He certainly was a dapper dresser, who made the rest of us “beach bums” feel somewhat under dressed for the occasion.

It was really neat to see these racing vessels up close, and in full action. They were surprisingly fast and agile

Most of them had a four man crew, who, when needed, would hang out over the water, providing the weight, where necessary.

In addition to all the excitement out on the water, the local Exumas Marching Band arrived to perform for the crowd. Adjacent to the airport runway, they gave a stellar performance, with small planes taking off, right alongside.

It was neat to see no security lines. No check-ins. Just walk right off the beach, and board your flight, and on this festival day, watch the marching band perform alongside the runway.

All in all, a great couple of days with a real Bahamian flavor!

Little Farmer’s Cay is a real favourite of ours, and well worth a visit, especially during the 5 “F” Festival.