Luff 'N Laff April 2024
Please add our email to your Contacts so you never miss our updates!
| 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
Greetings!
I announced our new GCSC Member Benefit at the March meeting...We are now corporate members of
Wahoo's Club of Port 32 Marina, Naples!
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What does this mean?
It means all GCSC members can get an annual $99 membership! Savings of $300+!
- 2 indoor restaurants (one open all the time, the other for events and parties)
- Heated pool
- Poolside bar and outdoor restaurant seating
- Inside bar
- 20% Discount to rent boats in Naples and Marco
- Locker rooms with saunas
- Outside hot tub
- Reciprocals!
- Frequent Live Music by the pool!
- And more!
The club is located behind the Naples Airport at 475 North Rd, Naples, 34104
GCSC intends to hold various functions at Wahoo's, including Skippers' meetings, social gatherings, etc.
It's a great place to gather with family and friends!
And it is a $300+ savings off the regular membership because of our corporate membership.
One Wahoo membership is for the whole family!
All active GCSC members in good standing can join!
Drop in during their regular hours and see the facilities. You can get a free day pass from Kristi to try it out!
Instructions to join are below.
NEXT: Don't forget we vote for new flag officers and board members this month! Please RSVP for April 10th so we can plan the set up and the food. We have special presenters this month!
Reminder: 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 April 10!
Trudell Kolpack
Commodore
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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 Kristi at Wahoo you are an active GCSC member.
You can do this by showing her your Profile on our website:
2. Login to the 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 Kristi 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!
| March 2024:
We have 161 Memberships, and 273 Members.
Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in March:
Igor Kaufman
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
Greetings GCSC Members from your Vice Commodore!
Here's what's happened recently with our landside events, 10,000 Islands sorties,
and a call for volunteers.
Sip and Sea Beach Party March 17
Our terrific SELL (Social Events Landside Leaders) team of Nareman Dietz, Andrea McGuire and Roseann Smith organized and ran our St. Patrick's Day Sunset Beach party on March 17. We had an excellent location just south of Naples Pier and attracted a sizable crowd of GCSC members and passers-by.
Fun and competitive sand bocce games continued throughout the event; as well as corn-hole toss games.
The excellent food was definitely St Patty's day fare. Thanks to everyone who brought something to share. May the luck of the Irish be with you!
(Photos below)
10,000 Islands Sortie -- March 23.
We rented two boats and had perfect weather for our 4 hour convoy into the 10,000 Islands. Peter Russo and John Steiner skippered the 10 intrepid passengers down Big Marco River, past Goodland, on to the submerged Dome Homes (at low tide we saw the tops of the domes), then through Blind Pass and a beach landing on Blind Pass.
Terrific views of the lengthy shoal at low tide off the beach and excellent shelling for all! On our return we put in at Coon Key for a quick swim and nature trail hike into Coon Key. A fantastic day for all-- just look at those smiles!!
We'll schedule another powerboat rental soon and, perhaps, take a different route -- stay tuned.
Request for Volunteers.
As Vice Commodore, I'm soliciting someone to serve as our club's Speaker Coordinator. We strive to include an interesting speaker in each of our monthly meetings. I'm happy to explain the basic roles and responsibilities either on a phone call or at one of our club meetings.
If you'd like to help your club and serve in this role, please contact me at either:
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
March was a good month to be out on the water! Despite some inclement weather, we managed to have most of our events proceed as planned.
We kicked off the month with 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!
On March 9, several members from GCSC helped to run the Murdo Smith Regatta. We had 17 sailors and ran about 12 races. These are excellent events hosted by The Freedom Waters Foundation. Please visit the websites listed here for more information or contact us at racing@gulfcoastsailingclub.org if you would like to get involved.
March 15-17, we had a fantastic Marathon Key Cruise at the Marlin Bay Resort lead by Mary Lee Cale. 7 boats participated arriving and departing at various times. We enjoyed some great pool time and had a BBQ while watching a fantastic sunset. We were able to explore the area both on land and by dinghy and managed to find a few good restaurants and bars along the way.
On a personal note, the cruise to Marathon was our first over night sail on our sailboat Believe. Over a year of prepping for this event paid off. On the way back, however, we anchored in Little Shark River as most of the fleet does. Excellent anchorage, except for the bugs!
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Sign up for the GCSC Crew Board
So far about 26 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.
| This weekend we have our next BOTY event The Naples Classic. This is a 2 day regatta with fleet starts on Saturday and a cruiser friendly pursuit race on Sunday. We have 13 boats signed up for the event. Registration for the regatta is closed, but you have until end of day Friday to signup for the party!
Sunday April 7, 17:30 hrs Banquet and party
Texas Tony’s Rib and Brewhouse
4519 Tamiami Trail East Naples, FL 34112 239 732-8392
$25 tickets in advance <no cash at the door!!> under Event Purchases Click Here Everyone welcome!
| | 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 Cayo Costa –April 26-28
Cayo Costa ("key by the coast") is one of the largest underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida. The island is directly south of Boca Grande and just North of North Captiva Island.
JAMES LOTSPEICH WILL BE THE CRUISE LEADER for this cruise. Feel free to call James or e-mail him if you have questions. Email cruising@gulfcoastsailingclub.org or call (719) 290-1034.
Friday, April 26th – Rally in Matanzas Pass. Rendezvous with fellow cruisers in Ft Myers Beach for a shoreside dinner on the water. Moorings are available via the Matanzas Pass Mooring Field (reserve on Dockwa), Pink Shell Marina (limited availability), or Moss Marina.
Saturday, April 27th –Travel the ICW or on the outside to anchor in Pelican Bay.
Sunday, April 28th– Meet up with fellow cruisers for picnic lunch on the beach. Dinghy to the beach near the anchorage.
Monday, Apr 29th – Return home.
SKIPPERS PLEASE REGISTER to receive cruise updates. Entry into Cayo Costa is not difficult, but requires some preparation and study. Updates, including skippers previous experience in this area will be distributed only to those that RSVP. Go to the GCSC website Cruising, Calendar tab, Cayo Costa and hit the Registration Button to get on the Skipper distribution list for this event.
RESERVE YOUR SLIP OR MOORING NOW!!! Call the Dock Masters at Pink Shell Resort (239) 463-8620 or
reserve a city mooring in Matanzas Pass via Dockwa (map). Be sure to check mast height and mooring number to ensure you can make it to your chosen mooring. The Matanzas Pass Bridge is 65’ according to the charts.
Details regarding any additional social activities will be provided soon.
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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 boat‘s 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 Let’s 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 April 14:
• Everyone welcome!!! Bring family and friends.
• Best value in town for getting out on the water.
• Sail with experienced Club Skippers.
• New sailors, receive instructions from a club skipper.
• Enjoy a Barbecue.
• Socialize and enjoy the beautiful location.
• Have Fun!!
Please register as this allows us to make sure we have enough boats rigged and enough food for everyone.
Event Fees
· $15 for a single person,
· $25 for a couple
· $30 for an entire family.
· An additional $5 for non-members
· Please bring cash, thanks!!
Future Sugden Sunday Events
• TBD
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Sugden Monday Sailing at Sugden Park From 9 -1 PM:
Sugden Sailing Days (Adults Only)
· New Dates TBD
· 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.
· The hour time slots are 10am, 11am and 12pm.
· Costs $20 per hour, minimum two per boat, or $35 for one. Non Members charged an additional $5 per hour.
· 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 April 10 at 6pm
(Always the 2nd Wed. of the month)
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THEY are BACK: ”Patricia Sampson & Anthony Short”
ENTERTAINING – EDUCATIONAL – INFORMATIVE – ILLUSTRATIVE
Our next Member Meeting is
April 10th With Special Presenters!
Patricia and Anthony will be presenting an account of their sailing history, how sailing brought them together and the sailing adventures they have shared.
True Stories of owning - chartering - adventures - FUN - Bareboating - catamarans - More!
⛵ This Meeting is a Cruising Theme! ⛵
It's a Cruising Dress Code!
We'll have Cruising Beverages!
We'll have Cruising Food!
You'll hear Cruising Music!
You'll see Cruising Photography!
The Cruising Presentation will be amazing!
Lots of Cruising Information!
Ask Any Cruising Questions!
🏨 Location: Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian 791 Harbour Dr. Naples (Signs are posted)
👨🏫 Speaker: Anthony & Patricia
🍴 Serving: Cruising Food! at 6pm
🍪🍰 Please bring a dessert to share! (Feel free to take your dessert home if it's not gone after the meeting!)
🍺 🍷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!!
| 🍀St. Patty's Green Sea Sippy Sunset Beach Potluck Party🍀
Was A Fun GCSC Outing! |
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:
⛵ 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 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.
| 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. | 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:
| 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 with Facebook, the website, and Luff 'n Laff newsletter?
😃 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 Michael Charalambous or Laurie Conrod at newsletter@gulfcoastsailing.org.
| 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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