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Welcome To The Club's "Heritage" Pages ABOUT THE CLUB || THE CLUB'S RICH HISTORY || THE HISTORIC YACHT CLUB PUB
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The Green Turtle Club is a 4-star Bahamas hotel and resort located in the Out Islands of Abaco. Located on a tiny 3 mile island reached only by boat, the Green Turtle Club lies on a picturesque harbour surrounded by some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Escape to the quaint tropical isle of colonial charm and casual elegance of Green Turtle Cay. Fish or sail, snorkel or dive in the turquoise gin clear waters or just unwind, relax and recharge on the beach or by the pool. Sophisticated yet casual, and where crime, pollution, traffic and casinos are non-existent. Explore remote islands, beaches and secret coves of 17th century Caribbean pirates or visit quaint 18th century fishing villages first settled during the Revolutionary War by Loyalists who fled to Abaco and the other Islands of The Bahamas.
The Green Turtle Club was founded by Allan Charlesworth of West Sussex, England in 1965. Mr. Charlesworth had been a boat designer and manufacturer and at one time was the second largest boat builder in the United Kingdom. His Dell Quay Dory is still in production today while his Ranger Yachts are sought by collectors world-wide. It was while cruising on one of his Rangers in 1964 that Mr. Charlesworth "discovered" Green Turtle Cay.
What he found was a perfect point of land on a picturesque protected natural harbor just a short stroll from a magnificent ocean beach. He returned to this island paradise the following year to settle and "retire" with his wife and infant daughter and built The Green Turtle Club and Marina. An old wooden boat house was converted into a yacht club style pub and became the cornerstone for "The Club". Even in it's infancy "The Club" gained an international reputation as an ideal escape from the daily rigors and trappings of civilization. Unfortunately, Mr. Charlesworth passed away in 1989, but his family has continued to maintain the timeless charm of the tradition-filled Green Turtle Club.
The Green Turtle Yacht Club was established in the mid-1970's by Allan Charlesworth, owner of The Green Turtle Club, who at that time also owned the Birdham Yacht Club on Chichester Harbour in West Sussex, England. Members receive special discounts at the Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina, discounts on entry fees for the annual fishing tournament and regatta, and special dockage privileges at the Marina. For boat owners using the Green Turtle Club facilities the annual renewal fee is quickly returned in discount savings. The Marina at the Green Turtle Club is usually full in the busy spring and summer months and due to its small size (32 slips), only Yacht Club Members are allowed to reserve slips in advance. The Green Turtle Yacht Club has affiliations with the Royal Yachting Association of England, the Eau Gallie Yacht Club and the Palm Beach Yacht Club where members receive reciprocation's.
In the spring the Green Turtle Yacht Club annually hosts its Billfish Tournament. For this years tournament results and photos click here. Each summer the Green Turtle Yacht Club hosts its "Round The Giant Turtle Race" sailing regatta for the Bahamas Cup and the Yacht Club Challenge for the Victor Ludorum Trophy.
THE HISTORIC YACHT CLUB PUB - Please Click HERE for "Pub Pix"
The Yacht Club Pub, decorated with club burgees left by visiting yachtsman from around the world, is headquarters for most social activities. The walls have been covered in autographed dollar bills, a tradition which was started over 35 years ago when retired World War II fighter pilots would hang signed bills as a token for future visiting friends to have a drink on them. Among the many celebrities and politicians who have visited the Club, a special place has been set aside for the signed dollar bill of former President Jimmy Carter as a remembrance of his stay at the resort.
The Club speciality, the Tipsy Turtle Rum Punch, was chosen by Esquire Magazine as the best rum punch in all the Caribbean.
On Monday and Friday nights, the Club features a variety of local live music with musicians and bands from mainland Abaco coming over for the night. On Wednesday nights the Club plays host to "the number one band in the nation", Green Turtle Cay's Gully Roosters Band. The "Roosters" perform under the stars and guarantee to have you dancing with original songs and the latest hits from the Caribbean and Bahamas.
