Abeking and Rasmussen, the German yard founded in 1907 on the Weser River, builds yachts of exceptional engineering precision known for hull forms that perform in the Atlantic as well as in the protected waters of the Bahamas. The Abacos, stretching from the Little Bahama Bank south to Elbow Cay and Marsh Harbour, rewards a vessel of this quality. The Sea of Abaco, a 130-kilometre inland sea sheltered by the barrier reef, offers perfect calm-water cruising, while the reef breaks at Whale Cay and the Atlantic-facing east coast test a yacht built for the open ocean. Abeking and Rasmussen yachts in charter typically measure 45 to 70 metres, built with all-aluminium construction on most models and steel hulls on the largest displacement vessels. The fleet available for charter in the Abacos at any given time is small, a reflection of the limited production volumes from this exacting yard. Charter yachts from this builder carry eight to fourteen crew, a figure commensurate with their build quality and the service standard their owners specified during fitting-out. The advance provisioning allowance varies by vessel size but runs to around 30 percent of the weekly charter fee. The Abacos cruise best from November through June, with peak season centred on March and April when the trade winds ease and the water reaches comfortable temperatures for swimming and diving throughout the day. Provisioning stops at Green Turtle Cay and Marsh Harbour keep the galley well stocked.
