While waking up to a white Christmas may be tradition in other parts of the country, here in Southwest Florida we celebrate the season in our own unique way. We put a tropical spin on some of the classics to create our own winter traditions, Floridian style. Here are a few telltale signs that you’re celebrating the season here in sunny SWFL.
With endless options for gear and gadgets, picking a perfect gift for the boater in your life can send you overboard! Thankfully, our Go Boating Florida team knows a thing or two about making a day on the water even better—consider us your holiday lifesavers. These handselected gifts range from sentimental to practical and with a budget in mind for everyone, there’s bound to be something on our list for your favorite boater.
The 46th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show will be hitting the streets and waters of the River District from November 15-18, 2018. The event will run Thursday through Sunday, bringing all the top marine industry brands, products and services together in one place. Although construction on the Harborside Event Center is underway, it’s not stopping us from putting on the biggest and best boat show yet!
by Pam Sikes & Sue Longman
After washing out last year due to Hurricane Irma, Pam & Armond Sikes finally accomplished their objective this year. With perfect weather, calm seas and no major boat problems, 8 boats arrived to enjoy the beautiful Naples Boat Club on Naples Bay September 18 – 21.
Read more “Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Naples Boat Club”
Southwest Florida Yacht Club, “The Cruisingest Yacht Club in the USA©”, in partnership with the four United States Power Squadrons in SW Florida (Cape Coral, Fort Myers, San Carlos Bay, and Sanibel Captiva), is continuing its popular Local Waters Seminar in October & November 2018. The seminar, developed as a service to the local boating community, discusses local water tips “beyond the charts” and our many nearby boating destinations based on SFYC member experiences and insights.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club, founded in 1963, is unique among S.W. Florida boat clubs in that it owns a portion of a private spoil island on the Caloosahatchee River east of the Franklin Lock near Alva. Over the years a covered pavilion has been built where the members enjoy elaborate monthly picnics, bocce, horseshoes and other relaxing activities.
Our name may say Go Boating Florida but that’s mainly because “Go Water Activities Florida” doesn’t quite have that same ring to it. The truth is, we’re big fans of all kinds of recreational water activities, not just boating alone! The Sunshine State provides limitless opportunities to spend time on the water. So if you’re looking to spice up your boating routine or your next vacation, try some of these other ways to find fun on the water.
Read more “Fun on The SWFL Water”
By Elise Lynch
Cruising in Southwest Florida is fun, but not without its’ surprises. We had ordered “Chamber of Commerce” weather and received about 50% of our request. Under soggy skies, eight boaters from the Cape Coral Cruise Club ventured up the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway for our May cruise to Aquamarine Palm Harbor. Mike & Brenda Stewart, Len & Reta Grassini and cruise leaders Jon & Elise Lynch arrived by land yacht. Boaters included Lee & Brenda Jetton, Joe & Kelli Miller, Pete & Donna Oiderma, and, last but not least, Tal & Kathie Leonard. This may be one of the very few times that a CCCC cruise was led by landlubbers.
Read more “Cape Coral Cruise Club Aquamarine Palm Harbour Cruise, May 22-14, 2018”
Some might prefer plush pillows in a hotel, but some of us prefer plush sand under a tent, right? Florida’s wild side provides great opportunities for two of our favorite things: boating and camping! If adventure with a side of untouched beauty sounds like the thing for you, check out these boater-friendly state parks along Florida’s west coast.
Read more “Boat Camping Near Southwest Florida”
We often get asked what’s the best boat to buy. Some may jokingly say the best kind is the one you can enjoy without owning! But in all seriousness, we think the best kind of boat for you will depend on what you’re looking to get out of it. With so many options, this can be hard for new boat buyers to navigate, so we’ve gathered some of the most popular boat types in SWFL to give you a head start.