Luff 'N Laff April 2025
⛵ For GCSC Active Members ⛵
Please add our email to your Contacts so you never miss our updates!
If you have a question and don't know who to ask, just reply to this email and we'll forward your question/comment to to the right sailors!
| Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Mission:
As Naples and Southwest Florida’s leading volunteer sailing club, we support inter-club racing, cruising, day sailing, social events, and boating education for the benefit of sailors and their families. Let’s keep it fun.
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From The Commodore:
The Commodore shall be the senior officer of the Club
| Trudell Kolpack
Spring is Here!
Time for a new boat?
We have 3 for sale below!
And we've given you 2 resources in the last couple months for chartering. Don't forget you can charter locally with our friend Rob Dawes at sailnaples.com!
Always check the Calendar to see what's happening in the Club! This newsletter gives you a lot of the details too.
We are always open to your feedback and suggestions. If you don't know who to ask, reach out to me, or look at our Club org chart ON THE DOCUMENTS PAGE for direction (in Club Documents if you are logged in). We love to hear from you.
We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting April 9!
Trudell Kolpack
Commodore
480-310-2330
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From The Vice Commodore:
The Vice Commodore is responsible for Membership, Communications, and Volunteer Coordination activities for the Club.
|  | Laurie Conrod
Greetings Sailors,
Last month we honored 🏆 Jerry and Susan Watkins 🏆 for their tireless support and many, many hours of volunteering for GCSC (many years actually!) Their terms on the Board of Directors is expiring this year (June 30), but we'll still be so grateful to still have them with us!
🏆 Jerry and Susan are the reason we have access to the wonderful facility of Moss Hall and the Gym at Moorings Presbyterian, with the AV equipment, the kitchen, and the large comfortable room.
🏆 Jerry and Susan (and their helpers) are the reason we have something tasty for the social/dinner hour, set up of the tables, center pieces, decorations, food prepared and presented, kitchen clean up, garbage taken out, and room clean up and church locked up for the night (we appreciate everyone's help with set up and clean up!)
🏆 Jerry and Susan are a big reason we have successful races - Jerry helping organize races and Susan doing race committee.
🏆 Jerry and Susan have been a wealth of knowledge for all things GCSC, please thank them when you see them!
And please volunteer when you can to help setup and or clean up for meetings, just contact Susan at swatkins@tee-global.com, Thank you!
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We had the pleasure of having the Marco Island Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary at our February meeting:
Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Lt Col Robert Nager and Major Dominic Andreoli were the Speakers. Lt Mark Harms was also in attendance. (SER-FL-376)
CAP relies on community support.
If you would like to visit their facility or speak with their membership please reach out to Lt Col Bob Nager.
Marco Island Squadron Address:
2003 Mainsail Drive PO BOX 225
Naples, FL 34114
239-307-7936
MARCO ISLAND SENIOR SQUADRON - SER-FL-376 Civil Air Patrol's Three Primary Missions:
CAP's emergency services include air and ground search and rescue, disaster relief, and civil defense, as well as cooperation with and assistance to other emergency services agencies.
CAP's aerospace education programs provide CAP members and the educational community information about aviation and space activities.
CAP's cadet programs are designed to inspire the country's youth to become leaders and good American citizens through their interest in aerospace.
Many of our training flights and patrols operate from the Marco Island Airport (Naples, FL) past Goodland to Seminole Park, to Port of the Islands, Everglades City, Pavilion Key, Indian Key, Cape Romano, along the shore to Big Marco Pass, from time to time extending its operations up and down the coast.
Civil Air Patrol provides emergency services transporting medical supplies, lifesaving medicines and saved 34 lives through Air Force assigned search and rescue efforts in 2024.
When disaster strikes, such as a hurricane, the Marco Island Squadron provides emergency communications systems, assistance in locating victims, evacuation, as well as aerial photography damage assessment for state and federal agencies.
Marco Island Civil Air Patrol gets game-changing camera system - Waldo
CAP relies on community support.
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See how to join Wahoo's River Bar and Grill in this newsletter: GCSC joined Port32/Wahoo's so members can join for $99 instead of $399 and save $300, as well as have a gathering place for more fun! Active GCSC members get this benefit.
Announcing an enhancement to our website and newsletter! Would you like to advertise your business on our website and this newsletter? Tell your fellow sailors what you do and let them get to know you better! All the details are on our Sponsors page here: Sponsors Page
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How To Join Port32 Marinas Wahoo's:
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When you want to join Port32 Wahoo's, you'll have to show Kristy at Wahoo you are an active GCSC member.
You can do this by showing her your Profile on our website:
3. Click on your name in the upper right hand corner
4. Click on Profile
5. Take a screenshot and print it to show Kristy in person, or email it to her with the contract. You can also show her your profile on the phone when you are at Wahoo.
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Please Welcome our Newest Members!
Active Memberships: 154
Active Members: 265
Pending Members: 5
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Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in March:
If you have seen “Godspeed” out on the water, then you most likely saw Ed Gibbs at the helm. Ed and his crew are interested in the Day Sailing and Cruising Programs.
Paul Larkin is a new snowbird and missing the water while he is down in Southwest Fl. He’s been sailing for forty years and looking forward to the Small Boat Program!
Sherry Pryor is interested in meeting new members and the comradery at the membership meetings. She would like to be involved with the Cruising and Day Sailing Programs!
Craig Roberts is eager to participate in the Day Sailing and Cruising Programs. Craig has owned sailboats of various sizes and cruised in the Northeast, Caribbean, and chartered annually.
Mary & Roland Werres have joined the club and are looking forward to sailing on their trimaran with the Club’s Cruising and Day Sailing Programs!
Congratulations on joining the Gulf Coast Sailing Club! We look forward to seeing you at our April Membership Meeting and out on the water!
WELCOME TO GCSC! Any members (especially New Members) are invited join the ORIENTATION TABLE at our monthly member meetings.
Starting at 6pm, join a Director and/or Flag officers at the ORIENTATION TABLE to get acquainted, get your questions answered, and have an informal overview of everything the Club offers. Then the meeting starts at 7pm!
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From The Rear Commodore:
The Rear Commodore is responsible for the On The Water activities for the Club.
|  | Bob Andreini
Our final organized cruise of the season took place last week at Marlin Bay Marina and Resort, with four boats making the sail down to Marathon. Conditions varied depending on the day of departure—Friday and Saturday brought light to moderate winds, while Sunday delivered a steady 12–15 knots from the east. From Little Shark River to Marathon, it was a perfect beam reach, with boats averaging 6.5 to 7 knots the whole way.
On Monday, we gathered for a group barbecue on the west-facing dock (look for the tower in the photo) and enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we wrapped up dinner. We also met several boaters who had recently completed the "Great Loop" and were spending a few months in Marathon. Hearing their stories was fascinating.
By Tuesday, all boats except Believe had headed back north. Staying the full week, we discovered there’s much more to Marathon Key than just the marina. Highlights included the Turtle Hospital, Crane Point Hammock, renting e-bikes to ride out to the Seven Mile Bridge, and a visit to Sombrero Beach. There was live music at the pool bar on Friday and Saturday, and plenty of great restaurants within walking distance.
High winds moved in Friday and Saturday, with gusts reaching 25–30 knots, so we delayed our return until Sunday. The trip home was a marathon of its own—just over 27 hours to reach Naples. While conditions were generally good, we encountered stretches of light wind overnight. We chose not to run the engine due to the abundance of crab pots along the route and ended up snagging one around 3 a.m. Fortunately, it was only hooked and not wrapped around the prop shaft, so we were able to shake it loose easily.
All in all, it was a fantastic trip. We're already looking forward to next year!
Quote of the Cruise
"There are tall ships and small ships, but the best ships are friendships!"
Lots going on at GCSC. Racing, Cruising, Day Sailing and Chartering. This month we welcomed back our Sugden Sunday events. The March 30 event was a "great success" according to Doug Foss, Small Boat Fleet Captain. Many thanks to all those who helped to organize and run the event!
Let's look ahead to what's on deck.
Coming up this weekend April 5 is the Messmer Cup. We have 11 boats registered but we would like to get 12 to 15. Please consider entering for this great event. Not only is this going to be a great day of buoy racing but the awards party at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club is combined with their club event called “Sunset Celebration”. This event will highlight the sailing history of NSYC. There will be food, live music and awards presented to our racers. The cost is only $35 / person, but you must register each person on Yacht Scoring to participate.
The deadline is Wednesday April 2!
Stay tuned, read your newsletters, visit the club website, and if you are interested in getting involved in any of these activities, please reach out to me via the email below.
Cheers,
Bob Andreini
Rear Commodore
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Sign up for the GCSC Crew Board - For GCSC Members Only
| Announcing SWFL Boat Of The Year (BOTY)
Notice of Series 2024-25 | | To download the Notice of Series, Click Here | Click Below for the Notice of Race (NOR)
And to Register!
| | We wrapped up our last schedule cruise of this season at Marathon Key. If something changes, we will let you know. Look forward to next year's cruising season and hope to get the planning out way in advance. | | |
CHARTERING
Fleet Captain Chartering: Anthony Short
| | Chartering a sailboat offers the ultimate way to explore stunning destinations around the world—from the Bahamas and Caribbean to the Mediterranean—while enjoying the freedom and adventure of life under sail. Whether you're anchoring in a quiet bay, exploring vibrant coastal towns, or simply soaking in sunsets from the deck. Chartering delivers unforgettable experiences.
| | | Message from the Chartering Fleet Captain
Our club’s Chartering Program helps to turn your sailing dreams into reality. Whether you're a seasoned skipper or new to cruising, it's your ticket to adventure, camaraderie, and getting out on the water in the world’s most beautiful places.
The objective is to assist GCSC members with all aspects of chartering:
- To identify charter opportunities that are available locally in southwest Florida and in the Islands.
- To educate and promote opportunities for both groups and individuals.
- To offer guidance on booking charters, preparing for charters, provisioning for charters.
- Do's and Don'ts. Educational Charters.
Please reach to me via email (below) with any questions or to help plan your chartering experience.
Thanks!
Anthony Short
Fleet Captain - Chartering
chartering@gulfcoastsailingclub.org
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SMALL BOATS
Fleet Captain Small Boats: Doug Foss
| | If you are interested in learning more, reach out to
Doug Foss
| | | Message from the Small Boat Fleet Captain
Next Date for Sugden Sunday is April 27th
Contact Doug Foss if interested and to sign up to volunteer or participate.
Please check the website for future events as they become available.
As your small boat fleet captain, I am always open for suggestions on how to improve our small boat sailing program. Please provide me with any comments and/or suggestions and ideas for increasing our on the water activities.
Thanks!!
Doug Foss
Small Boat Fleet Captain
630-464-0505
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DAY SAILING
Fleet Captain Day Sailing: Peter Russo
| | Boats needed to take sailors!
Going out sailing for a day or few hours, would like to take other members out on your boat to help them learn more about sailing from your experience?
If so, please send me your dates and times when you are planning on going to sail and I'll setup a calendar event for people to sign up and go with you. Please include your name, email or text info, boat information, how many guests you can bring, and what each person needs to bring with them (lunch, beverages, gloves, etc).
| | | Stay tuned for the next Day Sailing event, and always check the website Calendar!
Now Let’s Go Sailing,
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Member Meeting April 9 at 6pm
(Always the 2nd Wed. of the month)
PLEASE RSVP! WE NEED TO SET UP AND HAVE FOOD FOR EVERYONE!
Do you need help renewing online or logging in to the website?
We'll have a computer and someone to help you at the meetings!
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🏨 Location: Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian 791 Harbour Dr. Naples (Signs are posted)
👨🏫 Speaker: Bob Andreini, our very own Rear Commodore! Sailing and Sailboat adventures and Lessons Learned
🍴🍪🍰 Serving: Pizza - including cauliflower veggie, veggie tray and dips
🍺 🍷BYOB (Water and Iced Tea provided)
 So we can plan!
Please Note: Non-Members and Guests are $15 each, payable at the meeting. Thank you!
Non-Members and Guests will be credited the $15 if they join the club at the meeting!
Everyone who RSVP's, and guests, will get a blue dinner ticket.
Non-RSVP's will get a red ticket. Blue tickets will be served first.
If all else fails, just reply to this email and we'll add you so you get a blue ticket!
Thank you!!
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Have Your Friends Join the Club!
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Join Now! The annual membership dues are $115 and will cover a new membership for 12 full months for new members. Members that joined before August 1 2024 have a June 30 renewal date.
Don't Miss Out!
✅ When your membership expires, you will no longer be able to login to the Club website, and no longer have access to members only content.
✅ The Club Luff 'N Laff will be sent to active members only, and general information will be sent to non-members.
✅ The Port32 Marina/Wahoo membership is available to active members only.
✅ Some Club events will be available to members only, so keep/start your membership!
Plus, we'll miss you if you let your membership expire!
Renew or Join Now! The annual membership fee is $115 and will cover your membership until the end of June, 2025 for past members, and a full 12 months for new members.
Club dues allow the Club to provide:
⛵ Port32/Wahoo membership for $99 (Savings of $300)
⛵ Races & Cruises planned and put on
⛵ Day Sailing events planned and put on
⛵ Raft-Ups planned and put on
⛵ Charters planned and put on
⛵ Small Boats Events planned and put on
⛵ Sugden Sunday Fun Day's 🏊🍔 planned and put on
👩🏫 Monthly meetings planned with activities for engagement, fun, food, and occasional speakers
🎉 Parties with food
😋 Comradery with your fellow sailors
🙋♀️🙋♂️Unlimited volunteer opportunities
You can complete the payment process online with PayPal or a credit card.
If you prefer, you can mail a check for $115 to Gulf Coast Sailing Club, P.O. Box 2121, Naples, FL 34106 and your membership will be manually renewed. Please renew online first, and then mail in the check. Thanks!
Please include any changes to your contact information.
We look forward to seeing you at events, on committees, and on the water!
| Our Very Own GCSC Online Store!
You can also get to the Store on the website at Membership --> Merchandise (see pic below)
Please Note: Because all merchandise has our logo, it can be returned only if defective. If you need help with the Store, please contact Michael Charalambous michael@charalambous.us
Thank you Michael for setting up this Store for GCSC!
| Do you have a boat or equipment to sell? Equipment you need?
GCSC BURGEES and NAME TAGS:
You’re a member – say it loud and proud with a GCSC official Burgee or Name Tag!!
(Not a boat owner? Hang it at home or in your office!)
Burgees are large (17” X 25”) fully embroidered – not printed. $65
Name tags are magnetic (no damage to clothing) and feature our logo, your name, and either “member” or your boat name if you choose. $11
E-mail Paul Carlson the exact spelling of your name and whether you want to have a boat name added to your name tag at least a week before a meeting so he can deliver it to you at the meeting: skippersail1@gmail.com.
Pay Paul with cash or check when you order.
| Catamaran For Sale
2014 catamaran — 35’ Gemini. The boat is at our slip in SouthPointe Yacht Club Marina in Naples. If there is interest, ⛵️⛵️⛵️Many Thanks—John & Vi Cochran C: 260-403-5314 Vlanis@att.net
Sailboat For Sale!
Cathun Sun Too (pdf) is a beautiful boat and perfect for cruising/racing in SW FL.
Please contact Tom or Mary beth:
| Sailboat For Sale!
Wings
Please contact Rick & Candice Thiele:
239-292-6472
| Our Club thrives on your expertise, enthusiasm, and your presence!
This is a list of current volunteer opportunities - and there are always more, so if you have a desire, let any flag officer or director know what that is and we'll help you find a spot you love! We appreciate you 😃
The fastest way to get to know your fellow sailors and members is to volunteer!
😃 Committee Members - Landside Events - help plan, execute, and set up & clean up at member meetings as well as social events. We have the blueprint, many hands make light work!
😃 Communications - Want to help getting the word out about the club?
😃 Sailing Certification Program Chair 😃 and Certification Captains - Help members improve and prove their sailing literacy so skippers can recruit them for crew.
😃 Race Captains - We will train you!
😃 Race Committee - We will train you! | |
Do you have a sailing story to share with the rest of us sailors? Please submit your story to
| Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Mission
As Naples and Southwest Florida’s leading volunteer sailing club, we support inter-club racing, cruising, day sailing, social events, and boating education for the benefit of sailors and their families. Let’s keep it fun.
Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Strategy
· Be an innovative volunteer and non-profit organization of beginner, intermediate and experienced sailors.
· Provide year-round on-the-water and land-based activities for our members, their families, and their guests.
· Build a robust sailing program by interfacing with all southwest Florida sailing clubs and coordinating interclub activities.
· Build community outreach through supporting local boating programs and marine industries.
· Actively support sailing and seamanship education programs.
Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Core Values
· Maintain a welcoming and friendly environment for all.
· Respect all levels of experience and interest.
· Exhibit leadership, Integrity, and honesty.
· Have fun!
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