Luff 'N Laff March 2024
Please add our email to your Contacts so you never miss our updates!
| Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Mission:
As Naples and Southwest Floridaβs 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. Letβs keep it fun.
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From The Commodore:
The Commodore shall be the senior officer of the Club
| Trudell Kolpack
Very Important! The March 23 Boat Ride has been rescheduled to March 30! See John's complete details below.
Don't forget the πSt. Patty's Green Sea Sippy Sunset Beach Potluck Partyπcoming up on March 17th, details below.
We are back in Moss Hall for our meetings again, please RSVP for March 13th so we can plan the set up and the food.
Thank you to all that filled out this year's survey! We'll be reporting the results asap.
We have a new way to welcome new members to the Club.
Any members (especially new members) are invited to the ORIENTATION TABLE at our monthly member meetings. Starting at 6:00 PM join a director and/or Flag Officers at the orientation table to get acquainted, get your questions answered, and have an informal overview of all the club offers.
Then the meeting starts at 7:00 PM.
We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting on March 13!
Trudell Kolpack
Commodore
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Please Welcome our Newest Members!
| February 2024:
We have 160 Memberships, and 272 Members.
Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in February:
Maripat Rafferty
Patricia Hannigan
Mike & Nelly Karasik
Jessica Schnepp
Patrick Harkins
WELCOME TO GCSC!
Any members (especially New Members) are invited to 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 Vice Commodore:
The Vice Commodore is responsible for Membership, Communications, and Volunteer Coordination activities for the Club.
|  | John Steiner
GCSC Rental Power Boat Excursion to 10,000 Islands!
WHEN: Saturday March 30 (NEW DATE) Excursion Planned; 4 hours 8am to Noon
WHERE: Port 32 Marina Marco Island
705 E Elkcam Circle
Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-307-0556
Note: Free parking at the marina. Be SURE to go to the Marco Island marina.
Port 32 has multiple locations.
SORTIE ROUTE: Both sorties will transit down the Big Marco River past Goodland, then to Coon Key, on to Helen Key and end at Cape Romano for a beach picnic lunch (bring your own food and drink). Return via the same route, in reverse.
WHAT: Two, brand new rental boats; 21 foot Starcraft Deck boats with 200HP
A deck boat is easier to board than a Bowrider boat. So, the Starcraft boats will be great for beach landings.
COST: The estimated cost per person (not couple) is $60-$80. This assumes 7 passengers per boat and covers all costs (including gas and dockhand tip) but EXCLUDES food and drink ( each passenger brings that).
John Steiner reserved both boats for both days. So please reimburse him the day of the sortie, preferably with cash, but Zelle is okay.
SIGN-UP: Click the image below.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations will be accepted until Tuesday March 26
NEXT STEPS: Additional details about planning for this outing will be sent after the passenger manifests are finalized.
Itβs a beautiful world out there in the 10,000 Islands!
Cheers,
John Steiner 847-337-5077
Vice Commodore
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From The Rear Commodore:
The Rear Commodore is responsible for the On The Water activities for the Club.
|  | Bob Andreini
Despite weather continuing to impact our racing and cruising events in February, we still managed to have a few amazing days on the water!
Starting with the rescheduled New Years Cup regatta on February 3. Due to weather coming in hard on Sunday (which it did), we shortened the course dramatically and managed to have 8 boats in two Divisions. In True Cruising, we had Dragon Fly Plus take first and Sun Dancer placed second. In Multi Hull, we had Running with Scissors take first and License to Kill placing second. Afterwards, we had a great time at Dylans Draft House in Naples. Thank you to all who participated.
On February 10 we had a great day sail and raft up at Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. They have dredged the bay to have at least 7-9' of water at low tide. There were 4 boats participating and 2 in a raft up for the afternoon. There was quite the roll as we were right off the main channel into Big Marco pass, so next time we should plan to go further inland for a bit more protection. Although we didn't dinghy to the beach, Tigertail is now an excellent option for anyone wanting to take their boat out and have somewhere to go for a day on the beach!
Our annual cruise to Panther Key was cancelled. Not officially, but nobody went due to the weather on Sunday, which came in as promised. We did have a fun time at Marco Island Brewery on Friday with all the people planning to go and several people who came out just to hang out and have a great evening.
Reports came in from the Conquistador Cup, one of our Boat of the Year (BOTY) events, having a great race day on Saturday and very light winds on Sunday. There were 20 boats, 8 from GCSC who participated and from what I understand several great parties!
For those who did not make the trek up to Punta Gorda, we held our first Winter Beer Can Race of the season. There were 7 boats participating on Saturday March 2. Congratulations to Brizo, Dragon Fly Plus, and Take Five respectively for placing in the top 3 overall times.
During the month of February, we managed several Sugden Sunday and Monday events, which have been very well attended by members and non-members. It's a great way for anyone and everyone to get out on the water with a certified skipper and have fun or learn or improve your sailing techniques. Please watch for more of these fun events in March (see below).
We have an exciting number of events coming up in March and April. Look below for information on our annual Marathon Cruise and the Messmer and Commodores Cup Regattas as well as Small Boat and Day Sailing opportunities. We have started the planning and organization for the Naples Classic Regatta April 4-7, so watch for details coming out soon.
Finally, I'd like to shout out the Murdo Smith Regatta and Bill's Boat Shoe Bash. These are excellent events hosted by The Freedom Waters Foundation with participation from many of our GCSC members! Please visit the websites listed here for more information and help make each one of them a success!
Introducing our new Crew Board
We introduced our Crew Boars last month. So far about 21 people have updated their profiles to select the Crew Interests. Please make sure you complete your profile. This includes your picture, enter your sailing experience in the Biography section and any contact information you would like to share. The Membership Directory search is only available to members who are signed into the website.
The purpose of the Crew Board is to match members with skippers or boat owners. By updating your profile, you can let other members know if you are either looking to crew on someone's boat or if you are a skipper / boat owner and are looking for crew for your boat.
For more details and instructions on how to update your profile and then how to search the membership directory please go to our website under the On The Water menu or by clicking here. The Crew Board page has instructions for how you can update your GCSC website profile, provide your sailing experiences, contact details and select the appropriate interests to let other members know you want to be crew, or you are looking for crew.
As always, please go to the club website where you can find all of the currently planned events and check back on a regular basis to look for additions and updates.
If you are interested in helping to plan and coordinate any of the events below, please let me know (bandreini@ra3.com). We have a FUN group of members already highly engaged.
Even if you are not a boat owner, this is a great way to get involved in YOUR club, get to know people, and get out on the water.
| | Find out more on YachtScoring. | 2023 to 2024 Boat of the Year (BOTY) Schedule:
We have an exciting schedule of BOTY races this season!
Coordinating with NSYC, CMCS, PGSC, DIYC we are pleased to have finalized our Notice of Series and launch our regatta style and distance racing season!
9 regattas consisting of multiple races or individual races. Visit our website for more information:
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Cruising Marathon Key β Important Information!
- Cruise Captain: Mary Lee Cale
- Cruise Dates: March 15 - 17, 2024
- Landslide Dinner: Florida Steak and Lobster, March 17, 6pm. Reservations Required!
Marlin Bay Marina in Marathon is a beautiful, centrally located marina that has been enjoyed by SAMI and GCSC for the past several years.
If you are interested in participating in this cruise, you need to make your slip reservations NOW as they are already filling up for March 2024.
Please call Criss, the marina concierge, at 305-731-2207 and tell her you are with GCSC.
PLEASE NOTE - Marlin Bay rents their slips by SLIP SIZE not boat size; i.e., if you have a 35' boat, you will need to rent a 40' slip. Once all the 40' slips are reserved, the next size is 50', then 60'. If you need a 40' slip and none are available at your time of booking, you will need to book the larger slip and then ask to be put on a waiting list for the smaller size.
Rate: $4.25/foot (they offer a 10% BoatUS discount)
Electric/day: 30 amp - $10; 50 amp - $15.
Cancellation Policy: Reservations may be cancelled at least 3 days in advance for a full refund MINUS a $25 administrative fee.
Questions? Call Mary Lee Cale (609-289-7583) or Bob Andreini (847-275-6829).
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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).
| | | The Goal is to get more Gulf Coast Sailing Club Members on a boat and enjoying Sailing our beautiful Florida Waters. Be sure to update your profile for our new Crew Board!
It is equally important for us to help Boat Owning Members and their Families enjoy more sailing on their own boatβs with new Friends and Crew to help them enjoy the Florida sailing life.
The Plan: This year, we are going to include more Skippers and Raft-Ups in this new Club Program by creating events on the website where we can match up boat owners and crew members looking to day sail. | Stay tuned for the next Day Sailing event, and always check the website Calendar!
Now Letβs Go Sailing,
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SMALL BOATS
Fleet Captain Small Boats: Doug Foss
| | If you are interested in learning more, reach out to
Doug Foss
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Sugden Sundays at Sugden Park From 12 -3 PM:
Sugden Sunday Sailing!!! (All are welcome)
Register for March 24:
β’ Everyone welcome!!! Bring family and friends.
β’ Best value in town for getting out on the water.
β’ Sail with experienced Club Skippers.
β’ New sailors, receive instructions from a club skipper.
β’ Enjoy a Barbecue.
β’ Socialize and enjoy the beautiful location.
β’ Have Fun!!
Please register as this allows us to make sure we have enough boats rigged and enough food for everyone.
Event Fees
Β· $15 for a single person,
Β· $25 for a couple
Β· $30 for an entire family.
Β· An additional $5 for non-members
Β· Please bring cash, thanks!!
Future Sugden Sunday Events
β’ April 14, 2024
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Sugden Monday Sailing at Sugden Park From 9 -1 PM:
Sugden Sailing Days (Adults Only)
Β· Time slots are available for the Monday March 18, 2024 (Hobie & Precision) sailing.
Β· The Sugden Sailing Day Events are held at the Collier County Sailing Center located in Sugden Regional Park on beautiful Lake Avalon, 424 Avalon Drive Naples.
Β· The hour time slots are 10am, 11am and 12pm.
Β· Costs $20 per hour, minimum two per boat, or $35 for one. Non Members charged an additional $5 per hour.
Β· Please contact Doug Foss at smallboats@gulfcoastsailingclub.org or call 630-464-0505 to reserve.
Announcing: New Certification process for volunteer Skippers at Sugden. Thank you to Doug Foss for writing it all up. The document is available on the website in the News --> Documents --> Volunteering section HERE.
| ADULT LEARN TO SAIL PROGRAMS
Adult Learn to Sail Programs are offered by Collier County at the Sugden County Collier Sailing Center.
This is an 8 hour program over a 4 week period (i.e., two hour sessions per week). This includes classroom instructions and on the water instructions. Cost $150 |
Member Meeting Mar. 13 at 6pm
(Always the 2nd Wed. of the month)
πββοΈ Join us! πββοΈ
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π¨ Location: Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian 791 Harbour Dr. Naples (Signs are posted)
π΄π Pizza Pizza Pizza
πͺπ° Please bring a dessert to share! (Feel free to take your dessert home if it's not gone after the meeting!)
πΊ π·BYOB (Water and Iced Tea provided)
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!
If you have trouble, just reply to this email to RSVP, thanks!
Thank you!!
| πSt. Patty's Green Sea Sippy Sunset Beach Potluck Partyπ
Everyone is Welcome!
All members, non-members & Guests Invited!
No Reservation Required! | ...
When: Sunday March 17th, 2024
Where: The Pier 12th Ave S ποΈπ
Time: 3pm-Sunset
π Happy St.Patrick's Day!π
Bring a dish to pass around
BYOB
Beach gear to enjoy some music, good food, good times and lots of laughs with friends and family while beaching around into the beautiful sunset.
Bring a friend or two the more the merrier π»
We will provide water and non-alcoholic beverages, beach games, utensils/napkins, food tent and Bluetooth music to get your groove onπΆ
Reservations are NOT Required, Just Join the Party!
Questions?
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Renew (or Start!) Your Membership!
| Have you Renewed your Membership for this year?
Your current Gulf Coast Sailing Club membership Expired June 30, 2023. (Our fiscal year is July 1 to June 30)
Renew Now! The annual membership fee is $115 and will cover your membership until the end of June, 2024.
Club dues allow the Club to provide:
β΅ Races & Cruises planned and put on
β΅ Day Sailing events planned and put on
β΅ Raft-Ups planned and put on
β΅ Charters planned and put on
β΅ Small Boats Events planned and put on
β΅ Sugden Sunday Fun Day's ππ planned and put on
π©βπ« Monthly meetings planned with activities for engagement, fun, food, and occasional speakers
π Parties with food
π Comradery with your fellow sailors
πββοΈπββοΈUnlimited 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 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:
Youβre a member β 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 (17β X 25β) fully embroidered β not printed. $65
Name tags are magnetic (no damage to clothing) and feature our logo, your name, and either βmemberβ 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.
| Sailboat For Sale!
New Price! $42,000 or Best Offer
Grand Cru is a 1980 Bristol 35.5 a true classic beauty designed by Ted Hood with a history of excellent maintenance and many recent upgrades.
She is the centerboard model with shallow draft ideally suited for Florida coastal waters. |  | 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 π
The fastest way to get to know your fellow sailors and members is to volunteer!
π 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!
π Backups for all Communications - for Facebook, the website, and Luff 'n Laff newsletter
π Sailing Certification Program Chair π and Certification Captains - Help members improve and prove their sailing literacy so skippers can recruit them for crew.
π Race Captains - We will train you!
π 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 Michael Charalambous or Laurie Conrod at newsletter@gulfcoastsailing.org.
| Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Mission
As Naples and Southwest Floridaβs 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. Letβs keep it fun.
Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Strategy
Β· Be an innovative volunteer and non-profit organization of beginner, intermediate and experienced sailors.
Β· Provide year-round on-the-water and land-based activities for our members, their families, and their guests.
Β· Build a robust sailing program by interfacing with all southwest Florida sailing clubs and coordinating interclub activities.
Β· Build community outreach through supporting local boating programs and marine industries.
Β· Actively support sailing and seamanship education programs.
Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Core Values
Β· Maintain a welcoming and friendly environment for all.
Β· Respect all levels of experience and interest.
Β· Exhibit leadership, Integrity, and honesty.
Β· Have fun!
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