Man-O-War Cay

Man-O-War Cay is a narrow island in the Abacos settled by Loyalists after the American Revolution, and it became the boat-building centre of the Bahamas: wooden dinghies, sloops and later fibreglass hulls built by a handful of families over two centuries. The tradition continues in the yards along the harbour, and the sail loft still makes canvas bags and sails. The island keeps a dry policy, with no alcohol sold anywhere on it.

History

After the American War of Independence thousands of Loyalists and enslaved people were moved to the Bahamas, given land in place of what they had lost, and Man-O-War Cay had its first Loyalist settlement in 1798, one of the earliest in the Abacos. Early in the 19th century the island belonged to Benjamin Archer, whose daughter Eleanor married a descendant of the Eleutherian Adventurers; the couple are remembered as the founders of the town and of its boat building, and Albury family records say Eleanor planned the town herself, with space for roads, a church, a school and a cemetery (Wikipedia, Man-O-War Cay).

What's there

• The boatyards - working yards along the harbour, building and repairing.
• The sail loft - canvas bags and sails still sewn on the island.
• The settlement - narrow lanes, white picket fences and Loyalist-era cottages.
• The beaches - Atlantic sand on the ocean side, a short walk across the cay.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the peak. Hurricane Dorian in 2019 hit the Abacos directly and rebuilding continues. Ferries run to a schedule from Marsh Harbour.

Practical notes

No alcohol is sold on the cay and bringing it ashore openly is not welcome. Dorian damage is still visible and some businesses have not reopened. Golf carts are the only transport and they book out in season.

Nearby

Marsh Harbour is across the water, and Hope Town on Elbow Cay is south.

Key facts