From the Helm
by Judy Hansen
Judy@GulfCoastSailingClub.org
Feb., 2008

January came in with a bang here in SW Florida with cold fronts one after another bringing big winds to the first day of Acura Key West Race Week.

Our local skippers Gary Schwarting on Obsession, a Melges 24, and Jimmy Doane on Flame, a J/105, and their loyal crews both participated and represented SW Florida and Gulf Coast Sailing Club. It was a tough situation with too much wind on one day and too little wind on others.

A true national and international gathering, the southernmost city in the continental US welcomed over 2500 sailors on boats hailing from 18 different countries and over 35 states. A record 60 foreign boats participated. Ask Gary and Jimmy to share their stories at our next meeting.

The Avow Hospice Regatta was held here in Naples Feb 2th. It was a great success with 30+ boats supporting the great cause of Hospice. A special ceremony celebrating the life of our dear friend and comrade Dale Jepsen was held. Ginny Jepsen was on deck and not a dry eye was on the water. Dale is smiling upon us and we look forward to seeing Ginny next year at this noble event. Congratulations to Gerald Poquette aboard Fancy Free, a Soverel 39, who will represent Avow Hospice in Annapolis for 2008.

Our own regatta, the 32nd Annual SW Florida Porsche Cup, welcomes GARY JOBSON as we host the Mount Gay Rum Speaker Series March 29 & 30. We ask everyone to volunteer on a committee since we expect this to be one of the biggest events our club has ever hosted. Gary is a world class sailor, television commentator and author based in Annapolis, Maryland and winner of the Nathaniel G. Herreshoff Trophy, U.S. Sailing's most prestigious award.

Ask Lisa Brice how you can help so sign up to join in the fun! Bring your friends to our meetings and find out why the Gulf Coast Sailing club is always "Keep'in it Fun!".

PS ... GCSC's new Classified Web Page is up and running. Check it out.