Great Abaco Club
By Andrea Tracey
First Published: 5/1/2001

These days much emphasis is put on living life to the fullest potential possible. But does anyone really do this?

If there's a place that makes this all possible, odds are, its right here in the Bahamas, at the Great Abaco Club. (Afterall, it says so on the brochure.) Live your dream at the Great Abaco Club.

With as many as 62 lots in the Club property over 60% have been sold. And you can see why with amenities that are all a part of the package; like the large intricately designed pool, new tennis courts and small private beach, all surrounded by a beautifully maintained landscape and with spectacular views provided from both the property in the Club and from the Boat Harbour Marina at the resort. These lots each have their own deep water boat slip and immediate ocean access in a private gated environment which provides a comforting sense of security. Shopping and restaurants are just a few minutes away.

The entire project was a suggestion made by Don Hayworth, who was the Director of Development for Boat Harbour Marina in the early '90's, after a look at an aerial photo. This photo revealed the ideal locale for waterfront property to be turned into waterfront home sites. From the proximity of the existing body of water, which was a lake, to the Sea of Abaco, some dredging would be required to join the two. Later, it proved that this would also make a very secure hurricane hole. In its wake, Hurricane Floyd left very little damage in the Great Abaco Club. Not one dock, boat or home was lost.

The first home was underway by the early part of 1995 after phase one had been completed by creating the infrastructure in 1994. The second phase began in 1996. To date 40 lots have been sold with many resales from early investors capitalizing on the increase in property values in Abaco. Recently, there have been many very successful home resales, some in excess of up to $1M, proving their investment potential.

There are several full-time residents in the Club and a limited number of homes available for tourist rentals, which are very popular and are often booked a year in advance. The main reason for the popularity of these tourist rentals is because you can enjoy the personal deep water boat slip right outside the door which gives you a better sense of security knowing you can keep a close eye on your vessel, and it makes it easier to jump in and start your day on the high seas at your leisure, as well as full resort amenities.

The rental clientele is 90% repeat business. This indicates that in many cases the rental income for the property will pay for all the services that are necessary on a regular basis such as maintenance, housekeeping, gardening etc. All of these services are provided by The Club's on site crew hand-picked and overseen by the competent and personable Cindy Hayworth.

The Director of Sales and Marketing for The Great Abaco Club, Cindy Hayworth, told me that "the success of rentals has stimulated sales, both as investment and personal vacation property." Also, development has been successful in that buyers are purchasing two and three lots at a time.

Cindy emphasized that this is not a set winter resident atmosphere, which is what the Bahamas is generally known for. This helps to provide a year round season instead of just our peak season, April -August. "Members are starting to capitalize on the 'snowbird' clientele who wish to vacation here in the winter months and perhaps recoup some of their investment by renting while they're not occupying the home. We're attracting people from Britain, Europe, Germany, Canada and more, which translates into the Club being a culturally diverse community making The Club not exclusively an American clientele," said Cindy.

The Great Abaco Club offers a virtual 'turn-key' operation. Cindy explained to me that "from the time of purchase of a lot, we facilitate architectural consultation, hiring a contractor to build a home, the furnishing and equipping of a home through property management, and rentals if desired. While the client is under no obligation to use these services, its simply a service offered at a nominal fee. Rentals are offered at a percentage of gross rental income."

Premier lots are on the hillside overlook Boat Harbour Marina and the Sea of Abaco. These of course are the higher end of the price scale, but can accommodate up to 55' boats on the main pier and a 25' lay-along slip for your tender or run about. A limited number of these are still available as well as canal lots.

The general proximity of Abaco to Florida makes this a perfect weekend retreat, second home or retirement paradise. So reach for the stars and live your dream at the Great Abaco Club.