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Cat Cays
Cat Cays
Cat Cays
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The Cat Cays are two islands in the Bahamas, North Cat Cay and South Cat Cay, approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Bimini.[1][2] [3] North Cat Cay is a privately owned island and is run as a private members club by the Cat Cay Yacht Club.[4] South Cat Cay is currently under development.[5]

Key Information

History

[edit]

North Cat Cay is a small private island in the Bimini chain of The Bahamas. It is named after the "cat line" of a sailing vessel which it resembles, and was once used by pirates Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, and Charles Vane. Queen Victoria granted the original deed for Cat Cay to Captain William Henry Stuart in 1873, as a reward for his services as keeper of the Lighthouse on neighboring Gun Cay.

Later, Captain Arthur Samuel Haigh, an Englishman, became the owner of Cat Cay. Captain Haigh established the island custom of dressing formally for dinner. While his original home burned, the cookhouse remained intact and its huge oven fireplace is part of the rebuilt cottage named Haigh House in his honor. Haigh is buried in the historic Anglican graveyard on North Bimini.

Milo Strong and his wife bought the island in 1915 and they built and lived in the Manor House, extant today. They spent nine months out of the year on Cat Cay. The 1929 hurricane blew the roof off of their home and this was repaired but Strong died two years later and another storm damaged the Manor House, after which Mrs. Strong decided to sell.

Friends of the Strongs, Louis and Rae Wasey purchased the island for $400,000 in 1931. Wasey, an advertising executive from New York City, intended the island to be a winter home for himself and his wife and as a place to entertain clients and friends. He enlarged the Manor House and built a number of English-style “cottages” for his guests.

During the Great Depression, Wasey turned the island development over to a friend and architect Mike Smith who loved the Bahamian and old English architecture and used both in making the island buildings. He employed Bahamians, sent a schooner to Cuba for handmade tiles from deserted churches and had men search the Florida swamps for angled pieces of wood needed for his Tudor-style buildings.

In 1935, Wasey converted the island to a private club and sold building lots to his friends. He had about 200 members paying annual dues of $500.00. Mrs. Wasey, who loved antiques, built the Cat Cay English Shoppe, where the island boutique now stands.

There were many fishing tournaments held in the 1930s, late 40s and throughout the 1950s and 60s as the waters around Cat Cay were well stocked with fish and the deep water fishing lay just a mile offshore. The structure known as the tuna tower on many fishing yachts was invented on Cat Cay and first used by a skipper in the 1952 Cat Cay Tuna Tournament. While the first tower was rudimentary at best, its usefulness was quickly noted.

In World War II, Cat Cay was a paramilitary base for PT boats of the British and Allied Forces. US General Hap Arnold, in charge of the US Army Air Corps, spent several months recuperating from a heart attack at Lou Wasey's Cat Cay home. An Air Force officer stationed there, Monk Forster, fell in love with the island and returned after the war to manage the club and he acquired the home "High Tide", built by Wasey's partner O.B. Winters.

Lou Wasey built a nine-hole golf course that the former British king Edward VIII, later Duke of Windsor, enjoyed playing while Governor of the Bahamas during World War II. The course was named Windsor Downs in his honor. During one of his visits the Duke mentioned that it might be fun to have a little casino on the island for guests, Wasey readily agreed and the Duke issued a license in Lou Wasey's name. The American DuPont family, including members of the Carpenter and Crowninshield families, owned and had use of the property on the island for many years.

Upon Wasey's death in 1963, the island's casino license expired. Wasey willed the island to his daughter Jane, a New York sculptor, who returned for two years. In 1965 Hurricane Betsy did enormous damage and, the island was closed.

A few years later, Al Rockwell, head of Rockwell International, put together a small group of investors and purchased the island.[6] It became a private club owned by members.

The island has hosted many prominent guests over its many years from screen stars to royalty and including former American President Richard Nixon who was the frequent guest of Bob Abplanalp, a homeowner and long-time friend of Nixon. Fishing in Cat Cay remains strong. Tuna are less common now, but mahi mahi, Blue and White Marlin, Wahoo, Snapper and Grouper are available.

The island remains a private club, but for visiting yachts entering The Bahamas it is an official port of entry for The Bahamas and Bahamas Customs and the Royal Bahamas Police Force are present on the island.

See also

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References

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Cat Cays

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The Cat Cays are a pair of small islands in the of , consisting of the developed North Cat and the largely uninhabited South Cat , situated on the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank approximately 50 nautical miles south of , . North Cat functions as an exclusive retreat, managed by the Cat Cay Yacht Club, which provides members with access to a world-class accommodating over 100 yachts, pristine white-sand beaches, a , courts, , and various water sports and opportunities. South Cat , in contrast, offers protected anchorages for transient boaters but lacks permanent infrastructure or development. Historically, the Cat Cays were part of the chain with ties to pirate activity, including figures like , and were granted by in 1873 to Captain William Henry Stuart. In 1915, American businessman Milo Strong acquired North Cat Cay and constructed the original as a personal residence. The island was purchased in 1931 by advertising executive Louis Wasey, who expanded facilities during the and established it as a private club in 1935 with around 200 members, featuring English-style cottages, a nine-hole , and amenities that attracted notable visitors like the . During , North Cat Cay served as a base for Allied PT boats and hosted U.S. military leaders, including General Hap Arnold. Today, North Cat Cay remains a members-only enclave emphasizing casual elegance, conservation, and outdoor pursuits such as —once renowned for and —and bonefishing on nearby flats, while the surrounding waters provide a safe haven for yachters crossing the . Access is restricted to club members, their guests, or approved visitors arriving by private , seaplane via the island's airstrip, or , preserving its status as a secluded luxury destination.

Geography

Location and Extent

Cat Cays are situated in the westernmost district of , comprising the Islands chain, at approximately 25°33′ N 79°17′ W. They lie about 10 miles (16 km) south of , marking the southern extent of this island group closest to the coastline. This positioning places Cat Cays roughly 50 nautical miles south of , , within the expansive archipelago of over 700 islands and cays. The island group consists of two primary islands: North Cat Cay, a privately owned island operated as an exclusive retreat by the Cat Cay and spanning approximately 400 acres, and the smaller adjacent South Cat Cay, which remains largely undeveloped and spans about 85 acres. Cat Cays are enveloped by the waters of the Straits of Florida, a critical maritime passage between and the . Their proximity to the , the powerful ocean current flowing northward along this route, significantly influences local marine conditions, including water temperatures and currents that support diverse aquatic life.

Physical Features and Environment

Cat Cays, located in the Bimini chain of , are characterized by low-lying terrain formed primarily from and deposits, typical of the region's platforms. Elevations across the islands rarely exceed 10 feet (3 meters) above , creating a flat landscape dominated by sandy beaches, fringes, and expansive shallow flats that extend into surrounding turquoise waters. These geological features result from the accumulation of oolitic and skeletal debris over millennia, shaped by wave action and tidal processes on the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank. The islands experience a tropical maritime climate, with average annual temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), providing consistently warm conditions year-round. averages approximately 50 inches (1,270 mm) annually, concentrated in the from May to , while the from to brings lower and clearer skies. This is influenced by the nearby , which moderates temperatures, but the islands remain vulnerable to seasonal hurricanes and tropical storms, which can bring heavy rains, high winds, and storm surges. Ecologically, Cat Cays support a mix of native vegetation adapted to the saline, sandy soils, including sea grapes () that line the beaches and provide shade and fruit, alongside introduced casuarina trees () that stabilize dunes. The fauna includes marine species such as (Albula vulpes) thriving in the shallow flats, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting on beaches, and a variety of migratory birds like plovers and sandpipers that use the islands as stopover points during seasonal journeys. Surrounding coral reefs, part of the broader Bahamian barrier system, harbor diverse including colorful reef fish, sponges, and lobsters, contributing to a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Due to their low coral-based foundation, Cat Cays face significant environmental challenges from rising sea levels and , exacerbated by and occasional storm events. Projections indicate potential inundation of low-lying areas, with mangroves and beaches at particular risk of degradation, threatening habitat loss for both terrestrial and marine species. These vulnerabilities highlight the need for conservation efforts to preserve the islands' delicate ecological balance.

History

Early History and Piracy

The Cat Cays, situated in the remote Bimini chain of the archipelago, were part of the broader territory inhabited by the —a branch of the —who arrived in the northern around 830 CE and expanded rapidly across the islands. Archaeological reconnaissance in the region, including the western extremities encompassing the Cat Cays, has yielded no documented Lucayan sites, indicating sparse indigenous presence likely due to the cays' isolation and challenging environment prior to Spanish contact in 1492. Following European arrival, the Cat Cays saw limited settlement owing to their remote position, with early colonial activity focused on navigation rather than permanent habitation. During the in the early 18th century, the islands gained notoriety as a strategic hideout for notorious figures such as Edward Teach, known as , and , who exploited the cays' proximity to the Straits of Florida to ambush merchant vessels transiting between the and the Atlantic. In recognition of his naval services as a , granted ownership of the Cat Cays to Captain William Henry Stuart in 1873, marking an early transition toward private control of the islands.

Modern Ownership and Development

In the early , Cat underwent several ownership changes that laid the foundation for its development as an exclusive retreat. Captain Arthur Haigh acquired the island in the 1900s, establishing traditions such as formal dinner attire that influenced its social culture. In 1915, Milo Strong and his wife purchased the property and constructed initial structures, including the , transforming the uninhabited into a rudimentary . By 1931, Louis and Rae Wasey bought Cat Cay for $400,000, expanding the facilities with English-style cottages and formalizing it as a private club in 1935, which attracted around 200 affluent members through annual dues and hosted prominent fishing tournaments. During the mid-20th century, the island's role shifted amid global events and economic transitions. In , a small was licensed on Cat Cay, one of the first in , operating under Wasey's ownership and drawing the era's wealthy elite, including celebrities and high-society figures seeking gambling and leisure. interrupted civilian use, as the island served as a U.S. for Allied PT boats conducting anti-submarine patrols in the western Atlantic, with visits from figures like General Hap Arnold of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Post-war, the Cat Cay Yacht Club was formalized, building on its 1930s origins to emphasize yachting and exclusivity. In the 1960s, following Wasey's death in 1961—which ended the casino license—and in 1965, the property was sold to a group of investors led by Al Rockwell, who rebuilt and preserved its private club status. In the late , the Cat solidified its position as a premier private institution, maintaining restricted membership and focusing on maritime recreation. The era's allure faded, but the club's reputation for seclusion and amenities endured among elite circles. As of the , North Cat remains fully private under the ownership and management of the Cat , operating as an exclusive members-only enclave with a 107-slip and limited residential lots. South Cat , historically uninhabited, is planned for ultra-luxury development including a , mega-yacht , oceanfront residences, and tourism facilities, valued at $400 million, though progress has been gradual.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Transportation Access

Cat Cays are accessible primarily by private air or sea transport, reflecting their status as a enclave owned by the Cat Cay Yacht Club. Air access is facilitated by a private airstrip on North Cat Cay, featuring a smooth 1,320-foot concrete runway suitable for small aircraft, though no major commercial airline service operates there. Scheduled seaplane flights are available via Tropic Ocean Airways from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with charter options from nearby airports like Executive or Fort Lauderdale Executive. The airstrip is approximately 10 miles south of , providing an alternative entry point for travelers connecting via commercial flights to before arranging ground or water transfers. Non-member landings incur a $150 fee, and customs and immigration services are available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with potential overtime charges. Sea access is the most common route for visitors, with Cat Cays serving as an official for yachts, complete with an on-island customs station. The Cat Cay Yacht Club , located on the eastern shore of North Cat , offers 118 slips accommodating vessels up to 160 feet, equipped with a fuel dock, , and wireless internet. Access to the is via the Gun Cay cut, and the islands lie about 50 nautical miles southeast of , making them a convenient first stop for boaters from . Reservations are required by contacting the club office, and all arrivals must fly the yellow quarantine flag until cleared. Entry regulations emphasize the islands' private nature, restricting non-members and their guests to the area for up to 24 hours, with no access to beaches or interior properties without sponsorship. Upon arrival, crews must complete Immigration and Customs forms, including the Inward Passenger and Crew Manifest and Clearance Form, requiring valid passports for U.S. and Canadian citizens; pet import permits are also needed if applicable. For U.S.-flagged s, pre-arrival reporting to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via the app or phone is mandatory before departing the for U.S. waters, streamlining re-entry but not altering clearance procedures. The private status limits unsponsored visits, often necessitating club membership or invitation for extended stays. Transportation to Cat Cays relies heavily on private charters due to the absence of public ferries or scheduled boat services, increasing costs and logistical planning for non-members. Hurricane season (June to November) poses significant disruptions, with potential closures of the airstrip and during storms, as seen in regional events like in 2019 that affected nearby access.

Amenities and Landmarks

The , constructed in 1915 by Milo Strong and his wife as their primary residence on North Cat Cay, serves as a central architectural feature of the island's private club today, having withstood multiple hurricanes over the decades. The Haigh House, named after former owner Captain Arthur Haigh, functions as a historic residence on the property. Recreational facilities on North Cat Cay include the Windsor Downs Golf Course, a nine-hole, par-33 layout established in the 1930s and later redesigned by PB Dye, featuring narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and tropical obstacles like palm groves. Adjacent to the golf course are two well-lit tennis courts and four pickleball courts, supporting play for various skill levels, while the Cat Cay Yacht Club provides a swimming pool for relaxation amid the island's shoreline setting. The North Cat Cay Breakwater , erected in 1933 as a white conical tower measuring 12 feet in height with a focal plane of 10 feet, operates on and emits a white flash every two seconds visible for 5 nautical miles, assisting maritime navigation through the nearby . Other notable sites include the remnants of a small established in the 1940s that operated until its license expired in 1963. The Cat Cay Yacht Club maintains an on-site ship store offering provisions, marine supplies, and , alongside restaurants such as Bu's Bar and the Victoria Dining Room for waterfront dining with local ingredients. Beachfront paths wind along the white-sand shores, providing access for leisurely strolls.

Economy and Society

Tourism and Recreation

Cat Cays primarily attract affluent visitors, including yacht owners and private aviators, who access the islands via the exclusive , a established in 1935 by Louis and Rae Wasey. Membership is by invitation only, limiting access to club members and their sponsored guests, which fosters an environment of casual elegance and seclusion. The club's world-class accommodates yachts of various sizes, while a private airstrip facilitates arrivals by small , with options also available from nearby . This setup positions Cat Cays as a discreet retreat, drawing those seeking luxury without the crowds of more public Bahamian destinations. Recreational pursuits emphasize relaxation and low-key luxury, with pristine beaches ideal for lounging and the surrounding reefs offering opportunities for . On-island amenities include a private pool, tennis courts, facilities, and a nine-hole , alongside fitness and wellness programs tailored for all ages. The club's restaurant serves gourmet cuisine blending local Bahamian flavors with international options, enhancing the informal yet refined social atmosphere during meals and gatherings. These activities highlight the islands' appeal as a serene escape, where visitors can unwind amid tropical landscapes and waters. Social events at the club center on seasonal gatherings and holiday celebrations, particularly during peak times when the marina serves as a hub for member interactions and casual meetups. The islands have hosted notable figures, including former U.S. President , who visited in the as a guest of friend C. G. . While not open to broad public tourism, these private events underscore Cat Cays' role in elite Bahamian leisure circles. As of 2025, North Cat Cay features an active market with luxury villas and lots priced from approximately $1.3 million to $14.9 million, such as the oceanfront Twin Beaches estate. The private status enforces strict guest policies requiring sponsorship by members, ensuring controlled growth and preservation of the islands' exclusivity.

Fishing Heritage and Conservation

Cat Cays boasts a storied fishing heritage rooted in early 20th-century big-game angling, where the surrounding waters, known as Tuna Alley, drew pioneers targeting bluefin tuna and marlin. In the 1930s, prominent anglers like S. Kip Farrington and Ernest Hemingway frequented the area, establishing it as a premier destination for offshore sportfishing. The establishment of the Cat Cay Tuna Tournament in 1939 by the Cat Cay Yacht Club formalized this legacy, positioning the islands as the birthplace of modern big-game fishing in the Bahamas and attracting international competitors. These events, held annually through the mid-20th century, propelled the careers of influential captains and solidified Cat Cays' reputation among global anglers. The islands' fishing prominence expanded in the mid-20th century with the discovery of productive flats in 1965, following Hurricane Betsy's devastation and subsequent island reconstruction. This revelation shifted focus to the shallow waters between North and South Cat Cay, where early saltwater fly-fishing techniques were pioneered, including wading tactics to pursue along white sand channels during rising tides. Key inshore species include , averaging 4-6 pounds with occasional specimens over 10 pounds, while the Gulf Stream's proximity—mere miles to the north—bolsters deep-sea pursuits of , , , and . The Cat Cay Club has hosted ongoing tournaments since , including the revived Tuna Tournament in 2014, which draws anglers worldwide for competitive yet sustainable events. Conservation measures have evolved alongside this heritage, with the Cat Cay Yacht Club and the Cat Cay Restoration and Preservation Foundation—formed in 2019—leading efforts to safeguard reefs and marine habitats from hurricanes and development. These initiatives encompass shoreline adaptations, native fish reintroduction, and habitat restoration to preserve , including protections for reefs that support fishing stocks. Post-2000s, local and national restrictions have curbed through regulated zones and policies promoting sustainable practices. Modern emphasizes catch-and-release, as seen in the 2014 tournament's all-release format using single hooks and long leaders to minimize harm. Guided charters from the club's protected provide access to these grounds, ensuring adherence to eco-friendly protocols while maintaining the islands' angling tradition.

References

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