What an interesting and unusual cruise! Unlike most Cape Coral Cruise Club outings, we sailed without our fearless Commodore, whose Gulfstar is on the hard getting its bottom redone. Although 8 boats had planned to join the group, “stuff happens” was in full swing so we started Tuesday with just 4 boats; Jon Lynch & Elise on Desperado, Doug & Michelle Rhees on Luna Sea, Phil & Pat Kryger on Y Knot, and Gary & Kathy Taake with grandchildren Jake and Jada, making the maiden voyage on their brand new 45’ Formula, Happy Ours.
Those arriving early enjoyed sunning, swimming and chatting around the pool. ‘Tween Waters’ tiki hut provided many boaters with its’ famous lunch specials. Arriving by car to enjoy docktails and a fabulous, 2-for-1 prime rib dinner in the Old Captiva House at ‘Tween Waters were Commodore Lee & Brenda Jetton, Mike & Brenda Stewart, John & Mary Brehm, Bruce & Sue Longman and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright. After dinner, we all toured Taake’s new boat and toasted her maiden voyage.
Wednesday morning brought us a clear beautiful day. Each of the cruising couples entertained themselves with swimming, poolside lounging, fishing, reading, or bike rides and long walks through town and on the beach. Kelli & Joe Miller came by car to enjoy docktails complete with Phil Kryger’s famous fish bites. A puzzle contest of the Jurassic variety pitted the wits of each crew to assemble their dinosaur as quickly as possible. Kryger’s skill put us all to shame as they finished in just a few minutes.
The official ‘Tween Waters cruise leader had been sidetracked at the hospital, so Edie and Jim Limbright arriving on Princess, graciously stepped in with marinated flank steak, cooked to perfection right on the dock using a portable camp stove set up by ingenious Phil Kryger. All crews pitched in providing side dishes. Desert was “to die for” . . . coconut layer pudding provided by Michelle Rhees and cupcakes from Kelli Miller put each of us way over our calorie count for the day!
By Thursday morning, after all the storms had skirted ‘Tween Waters, the crews of all boats enjoyed a relaxing day. The Taake’s took their grandchildren to the beach only to sight sharks swimming close to the beach. Needless to say, the pool became very appealing. A few of the ladies played a wicked game of 3-handed Wizard on Y Knot prior to getting ready for docktails at 4:30pm. The Petersons, with Bob having been released from the hospital and feeling much better, joined our group of 16 for a delightful dinner at The Green Flash, followed by a beautiful sunset. Friday had the boaters heading back to their home ports. All-in-all, another wonderful cruise enjoyed by CCCC boaters.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) had three cruises in May – our traditional cruise to South Seas Island Resort for Mother’s Day weekend, a mid-week cruise to Tween Waters, and a two week cruise to Tarpon Springs. The following are highlights from the Mother’s Day and Tarpon Springs cruises.
The theme for this year’s Mother’s Day Cruise, led by Alina & Harvey Steele and Debbie & Bill Hummer was “All Relaxation”. The cruisers, fifteen boats total, arrived on Friday and were greeted with a welcome drink of “Hummer’s Famous White Sangria”. In fact, much of Friday saw folks chatting on the aft deck of the Lorelei, enjoying cheese and crackers with an unending supply of sangria. Friday evening, the group took the South Seas trolley down to Doc Ford’s where we had a lively dinner in a private dining room.
The cruise leaders provided a continental breakfast on Saturday morning including bagels, fruit and freshly baked muffins. During the day, everyone pursued their own interests, such as biking, shopping, fishing, dinghy cruising, and swimming. At some point, most everyone had a chance to see “Nick”, the resident marina dolphin, up close. Nick, who is apparently so-named for the scars on his pectoral fin, hunts mullet in the shallow marina waters along the sea wall. The hot and lazy day resolved into a warm and pleasant evening with the requisite cocktail hour, which included light snacks and a selection of wines, served in the Chart Room adjacent to the docks. Dinner was beach-casual at the Sunset Beach Grill, where several people played Caribbean Hook & Ring Toss; the more expert players providing coaching for some vacationing children. After dinner, everyone watched the sun set over the Gulf and several reported seeing the “green flash”!
The Mother’s Day Breakfast in the Chart Room started with Mimosas and Bloody Marys. The menu included egg casseroles, fruit, breads, and Crepes Suzette. Apparently well fed and well rested, the Cruisers departed for home or their next destination late morning in perfect weather.
The Tarpon Springs cruise was fourteen days and stopped at five marinas – Sarasota Yacht Club, Clearwater Yacht Club, Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs, Club Treasure Island, and Longboat Key Club Moorings in Sarasota.
The group had a wonderful dinner at Sarasota YC. The next day they rode their bikes over to Lido Beach and had a relaxing lunch at the Lido Resort. Back at the Sarasota YC, everyone enjoyed hanging out in their beautiful pool.
The fleet arrived at Clearwater YC in time to enjoy their wonderful Sunday Brunch. The next morning the ladies severely beat the guys in a game of miniature golf. In the afternoon, everyone lounged at the pool and ordered pizza for dinner. The next day the ladies did some serious shopping and then everyone had a delicious dinner at the YC. As is common on several of our cruises, some members bring their “land yachts” and connect with part of the cruise. In this case, the Burgers drove up and joined the cruisers for the next 5 days.
In Tarpon Springs we had a great seafood dinner at Rusty Bellies Restaurant, which was a short walk from Turtle Cove Marina. The next day, we drove to Bonefish Grill in Tampa, where we met up with the Blackfords and the Steeles, and after dinner everyone went to Zoominations at the Lawry Zoo to see the beautiful Chinese Luminaries. The following day we went to the Tarpon Springs YC for a delicious lunch. Following lunch the group went to the Castle Winery for a wine tasting and informative lecture on “How to be a Wine Snob”. It was a lot of fun and we all left with plenty of good wine. Later that night we had appetizers and cocktails at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse and celebrated Len Burger’s birthday with a big cake. On our last day in Tarpon Springs, everyone walked to the sponge docks and did some more shopping followed by a wonderful dinner at Mama’s Restaurant. One of the highlights was several of our guys dancing with the “Belly Dancer”!
At Club Treasure Island we enjoyed their Sunday Brunch in their beautiful Club House. On Memorial Day we rode the bus to Seahorse Restaurant for breakfast and then rode the bus to John’s Pass for a little more shopping.
At the Longboat Key Club Moorings, we had dinner at the Portofino Restaurant after a restful day of lounging in the pool and hot tub. The Ellis’ daughter and family arrived from the UK and enjoyed the pool/beach at the resort. The next day the group went to St. Armand’s Circle and stayed for dinner. The last day, after spending the day at the beach, everyone enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Chart House Restaurant. All in all it was a very relaxing cruise and the weather totally co-operated. Everyone had a great trip.
SFYC is a very active yacht club with more than 30 scheduled cruises per year ranging from 3 days/2 nights to 3-4 weeks in length. Upcoming cruises over the summer include Naples Boat Club, Palm Island, Snook Bight, South Seas, and Legacy Harbour. SFYC also has on average two social functions per month, many at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers.
If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise to meet us and see what we’re about, or to arrange to attend one of our monthly meetings, please contact our Fleet Captain, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671-8887 or [email protected]. Much more information, including our cruise schedule, is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com. You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthwestFloridaYachtClub.
Led by Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy on Desperado, a flotilla of 10 boats cruised up the ICW to a club favorite destination, Palm Island Marina. Under sunny skies and seas that were surprisingly calm and slick as glass, many boats made record time. Many boaters voiced their surprise at the number of dolphins spotted during the trip. Joining in the fun were Commodore Lee Jetton and Brenda Butler on Moonlighter, Vice Commodore John and Pati Queen on Semper Paratus, Doug and Michelle Rhees on LunaSea, Phil and Lin Quick on Sunkissed, Bob and Carol Peterson on CR Side, Joe and Kelli Miller on B Mine, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Jeff and Joanne Ziemer on Still Crazy, and last but not least, Jim and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright made their maiden voyage on Princess, their recently purchased Viking.
Arriving by car were Brenda and Mike Stewart as well as Mac & Bobbie McEwen. Most of the boaters gathered at Leverock’s for lunch on Tuesday then adjourned to the pool or games under the pavilion shade which made for a leisurely afternoon. Gathering for our traditional happy hour, cruising tales and mechanical advice freely flowed. With heavy hors d’ouevres supplied by each of the boats made for a sumptuous buffet.
Wednesday proved to be another perfectly sunny day enticing many to visit the beach and have a bite of lunch at Rumrunners, take a walk, float and chat in the pool or play cards. As we enjoyed our happy hour, all members participated in two brainteasers. Winners of the “Name that Boat” and “Flying Colors” quizzes were Jettons and Ziemers. Congratulations! Mike Stewart demonstrated his Grill Master credentials by cooking 26 burgers to perfection. Many thanks to Edie Limbright for a wonderful Spinach Salad, Michelle Rhees and Brenda Stewart for luscious desserts. After dinner, crews toured Jim and Edie Limbright’s new “Princess”.
On Thursday, a continental breakfast of berries and sweet rolls started the morning followed by a polite game of keep away which quickly devolved into a rowdy dunking session providing entertainment for onlookers and lots of laughs for participants. Beach goers collected perfect and imperfect shells as well as sharks teeth. Since it was Red Nose Day, each couple posed with a red nose. During happy hour, crews chatted and revealed items remaining on our “bucket lists”, then headed to Leverock’s for a group dinner full of laughter, stories and good company.
Friday morning boats departed Palm Island Marina as a good time was had by all.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) just returned from their bi-annual Touch of Class & Swamp Grass cruise led by Ed and Shirley Hatter and Rick and Lindsey Scheinert. This is the fourth time for this popular 7 day cruise and it traveled the back waters at high tide to Marco Island, Goodland, Everglades City and Naples, with thirteen boats ranging in size from 35 ft. to 53 ft. This cruise has several important traditions, including casual biking around Marco Island and dinner at the Marco Island Yacht Club, Sunday afternoon at Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland, and a couple of days at the Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City. However, the highlight of the cruise is always the intricately staged party called “The Event” and the 2015 Event of Al Capone’s 1920’s Speakeasy, Tattoo, did not disappoint.
Prior to leaving, participants drew their assigned characters from a hat, including Al Capone, his wife Mae, gangsters, Chicago cops, bathing suit beauties, flappers, film stars, directors, etc. The lovely pool deck at the Marco Island Marina was transformed into the Speakeasy, Tattoo. Attendees arrived in costume and, after assuring the coppers outside that they were indeed attending a “family picnic”
proceeded to the speakeasy door, complete with sliding peephole, where they provided the secret password to the gangster-cum-bouncer to gain entrance. Stepping back in time and into character, the attendees converged at Al Capone’s 1920’s Speakeasy. Pictures were taken through an old fashioned camera box as scripts and background materials were given for each character so they could play their role for the evening.
The film director presumably was there to hobnob with the rich and famous, including Chicago mayor Big Bill Thompson and his wife, the illustrious Clara Bow and, of course, his chief benefactor, Big Al himself. Al, who repeatedly claimed “I’m just a businessman, giving the people what they want. All I do is satisfy a public demand.”, had a busy evening juggling his wife, mistresses (current and former), employees, rivals, the press and cops. During the 1-1/2 hour cosmopolitan cocktail party the cops raided the speakeasy, arresting old “Scarface”.
An investigation by the cub reporter from the Sun Times ensued to determine who was the rat leaking information about Al’s business dealings. Who was responsible for that arrest? Was it Al’s straight-laced wife Mae, who made an unexpected appearance to create a scene with Al’s secretary and current mistress? Was it Bugs Moran, a rival unhappy about the “Valentine” Big Al had sent him? Was it Al’s number one gangster who seemed a bit too cozy with Bugs despite his promise to help Bugs “go swimming”?
No, the cub reporter uncovered the truth: one of the beautiful actresses claimed that she contracted “the Big S” from Big Al and, intent on revenge, was passing information to the authorities. But after all palms were sufficiently greased, Chicago’s finest released Big Al and joined the party, where the cigarette girl and the flower lady were helping everyone part with their money. After the Cosmopolitans and Prosecco flowed, everyone sat down to a 1920’s themed dinner followed with champagne toasting Mr. Capone’s return. All became friends again. In other words, it was just another ordinary night at Big Al’s Tattoo Speakeasy. A fun evening ended with a few people in the pool – some willingly, some not…some fully clothed, some not so much. Well, it was really hot!
Next stop was Sunday at Stan’s in Goodland (on the southern tip of Marco) on the Marco River. This is always an interesting mix of people doing the buzzard lope after imbibing in a few buzzard drinks. Their motto in Goodland, “A Drinking Community with a Fishing Problem”. Those who had not had enough to eat at Stan’s went to “Lil Bar” before calling it a night. The morning we found smooth seas as our group of thirteen boats headed to Everglades City arriving at the historical Rod & Gun Club, via the Barron River. The Community was developed by Barron Collier during the early 1920’s as a company town supporting the workers building the final 75 miles of the Tamiami Trail linking the coasts. Our guide, Martha, from The Museum of the Everglades gave us a two hour walking tour detailing the history of Everglades City from inception to the present time. It was most interesting and informative.
While in Everglades City we had excellent dinners at the Rod & Gun Club and Camillia Street Grill. Both were preceded by cocktail gatherings. The first evening involved “Who Am I”, each person wrote an event, that perhaps even their spouse may not have known, and we guessed who it could be. Afterwards we certainly knew each other a whole lot better. The next morning we had our traditional dockside breakfast of eggs to order, waffles, sausages, fruit and coffee.
That evening was the traditional “Redneck Party” featuring an array of canned delectables such as spam, smoked oysters, sardines, and spray cheese, all served on the lovely fish cleaning station, artfully covered with newspapers. And how does one do a “canned” desert? Well, a squirt of whipped cream directly in the mouth of course! Everyone brought their favorite redneck jokes to share and came dressed in their interpretation of a “redneck” – which left a lot of room for creativity as you can see in the photo below.
After a night of windy downpours the sun was out. Because the forecast was for high winds and even more the next day, most of the boaters decided to head directly home to Fort Myers and Cape Coral. As high tide approached we left and traveled in pairs. A few boaters decided it was too rough and went to Naples for a couple of days until the winds died down. They enjoyed the pool and had a fine dinner at Mangrove Cafe.
SFYC is a very active yacht club with more than 30 scheduled cruises per year ranging from 3 days/2 nights to 3-4 weeks in length, plus monthly lunch outings that are all accessible by boat. In the past month, in addition to the Touch of Class / Swamp Grass cruise, we have been to Snook Bight, Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, Legacy Harbour, and our annual Mother’s Day cruise to South Seas Island Resort. We also have on average two social functions per month, many at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers.
If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise to meet us and see what we’re about, or to arrange to attend one of our monthly meetings, please contact our Fleet Captain, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671- 8887 or [email protected]. Much more information is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com.
Each spring the Cape Coral Cruise Club plans a “long cruise”, which is to say a much longer itinerary is planned than its normal three day monthly cruises to local destinations not more than a 3 to 6 hour boat trip. The Martins began planning the 2015 trip to Tarpon Springs last fall, making marina and restaurant contacts, searching for interesting places to visit at each planned location.
The two week 2015 long cruise began April 13 with fourteen member boats departing Cape Coral, bound for Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze, Florida. After all boats were secured in the slips, several club members enjoyed the marina’s pool, and on-site restaurant. Other members opted for the complimentary water taxi to the marina’s Gulf front beach. Four other members ventured off in a dinghy looking for the channel to Rum Bay on the beach. A minor incident occurred when the captain, wanting to get the dinghy up on plane, encountered the large wake from a passing boat that caused a wall of water to wash over the bow. The dinghy captain’s quick action, plus an efficient bilge pump, prevented almost certain swamping of the small boat. The only casualties were two wet women, and a cell phone that ended up under several inches of water on the bottom of the boat. On the second day of our stay at Palm Island, the cruise leaders prepared breakfast, and later, with help from other cruisers, grilled sumptuous herb-crusted beef tenderloin for dinner.
The next morning the boats departed Palm Island traveling north to the gorgeous Longboat Key Club Marina and Resort. Due to an unannounced bridge closing on the GICW just north of the Venice Inlet three boats went out the Venice Inlet and proceeded north to New Pass Inlet returning to the GICW and into Longboat Key. Most of the boats were in slips along a sea wall less than fifty feet from the beautiful pool and a fabulous restaurant.
The next morning, breakfast was provided by the cruise leaders before members headed out on their own; some taking the Longboat shuttle bus to St. Armand’s Circle for shopping and the many fine bars and restaurants. Others opted to borrow the resort bicycles, ride around the resort, and/or pedal the 3-1/2 mile trip to St. Armand’s. As a side note, on the way to Longboat Key, one member drifted out of the channel, and ran aground in soft sand. Assistance from a tow boat got the boat back in the channel with no apparent damage. Such is boating in the sometimes skinny waters of Southwest Florida! Everyone knows how important it is to stay in the channel, but it is so easy to drift out. Two days later the cruise leaders drifted not more than fifteen feet off channel and ran aground. Again, a tow boat was called, and the boat suffered no apparent damage.
Our third stop on the trip was Loggerhead Marina in St. Petersburg. Two boats could not clear a nearby twenty foot fixed bridge and stayed at Maximo’s Marina. We all gathered by the pool under the Tiki huts and cooked burgers and brats, with lots of tasty side dishes.
Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs was our northern most stop for three nights. On our first night the town was celebrating “Night in the Islands”; a very romantic Greek food themed evening where several restaurants filled the street with long tables and strung up small overhead lights. Odyssey, one of the best Greek bands in Florida, supplied soothing, sensual, traditional Greek music. While some people danced in the streets, others formed a large circle where local ladies instructed them on traditional Greek dances. All this, while the wait staff continually delivered tasty Greek food and wine to the large crowd made this a truly memorable evening. Over the next two days members were on their own to explore the town. One night, we gathered at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery. Everyone was able to select a Greek dish to suit their desire. Several dishes of Saganaki (flaming cheese) were delivered to our tables as shouts of Opa made the meal festive.
Turtle Cove Marina was very accommodating to our club, dock hands were prompt, helpful, and attentive. One night, with a threat of rain, the marina opened the lounge for us as Phil and Gary prepared their famous fish bites. We also used the lounge the next morning where the cruise leaders prepared a pancake breakfast. One note here; a guest on a member boat slipped on the ramp of the dock, and fell, injuring his leg. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to a local hospital for x-rays. Fortunately there was just severe bruising with nothing broken.
Our first stop on the return trip was a single night at Clearwater Beach Marina. The dock master was alone, and overwhelmed with our arrival, so it was up to the members to help get all our boats secured up in the slips. A short walk had several members taking in the fabulous Clearwater beach along with its several bars and restaurants.
The next to last stop on our trip was the always popular Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. After breakfast by the cruise leaders, several members hopped on the shuttle to visit the Ringling Circus and Art Museum and the John Ringling Mansion. Others opted for the great shops and restaurants in downtown Sarasota.
The final stop before heading back to Cape Coral was Gasparilla Marina. A final happy hour under a huge canopy by the docks gave the cruising members the opportunity to express their thanks to the cruise leaders for arranging a great itinerary, and or course assuring that the winds were calm and the weather outstanding.
All boats returned home safely, ending the “Long Cruise” for 2015. Bonnie and I want to thank all the participating members of CCCC for joining us on this cruise, and we hope that everyone else had as much fun as we did! The fellowship and cohesiveness of our club is like none other, and is so apparent in a setting such as the CCCC’s long cruise. We can all be very proud of the courteous and proficient seamanship displayed at all times, by all our members!
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
The destination for the Cape Coral Cruise Club’s March Cruise was the always popular South Seas Resort on Captiva Island. Dubbed the “Cabbage Head Cruise”, 21 boats participated in the three day cruise in perfect weather.
The ideal weather Tuesday allowed for a happy hour on the docks the first afternoon with an abundance of snacks and appetizers. Then the group hopped on the South Seas Trolley at 5:45 for a ride to Doc Ford’s Captiva Island Rum Bar & Grill. Everyone enjoyed delicious dinners, and no one rode back to the resort hungry.
Wednesday morning began with a breakfast of sausage, scrambled eggs, sweet rolls, and fresh fruit served by the cruise leaders in the Chart Room. The group, which had been joined by members Chuck Pollard & Sue Herzog, then separated for shopping trips, fishing, swimming in the pools or going to the beach. During the afternoon swimming in the pool, a group of outspoken members surrounded Vice Commodore John Queen and gave him a hard time about his grey moustache and his “comb-over” hair style, all contending that he would look 10 years younger if the moustache were shaved off and the “comb-over” hair clipped off. After 30 minutes of badgering, John agreed he would allow the changes, but only after dinner, after a few adult beverages, and after being duct taped to a chair.
At 4:30, everyone gathered in the Chart room for cocktails, snacks and fried “fish bites” caught by Gary Taake, Phil Kryger and Bob Martin. This was followed by an awesome St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage with all the trimmings, prepared and cooked by Cruise Leaders Phil & Lyn Quick. Since many of the ladies spent time chopping up the 40 pounds of cabbage heads for the dinner, the “Cabbage Head Cruise” was born.
After desserts, the “Cabbage Head” haircut began. John Queen had arrived at the dinner with his moustache shaved off, and sat duct taped in a chair for the ceremonial haircut. With the group cheering her on, Brenda Jetton clipped off the “comb-over” hair, and trimmed the sides. When she was finished, John DID look 10 years younger. Everyone gave John a huge round of applause for being such a great sport.
Then it was time for a group game of “The Not So Newly Wed Game” with “awesome” prizes. All the ladies were sent out of the room and the men had to answer a number of personal questions about their relationships with their spouse. The answer sheets were collected, the men left the room, and the ladies had to answer the same questions. The questions were designed for laughs, including, “Where was the most unusual place you made whoopee?” Needless to say, answers were both varied and hilarious. When the group reassembled, answers were compared and the couple with the most matching answers won prizes. Gary & Kathy Taake won first place, Bob & Carol Peterson second place, Chuck Pollack & Sue Herzog third place, and a special prize was awarded to John Queen for being such a good sport.
Two groups stayed in the Chart room for a game of “99”, and a third group remained for a game of “Phase Ten”. Laughter could be heard on the docks from the avid players.
Thursday morning began with a light Continental Breakfast of rolls, croissants, fresh fruit and muffins, followed by lunch and an afternoon with no scheduled activities. The warm and pleasant weather allowed for water sports activities, hiking, shelling, beach walking and ocean swimming. Some members ate left-over corned beef and cabbage for lunch, and some of the ladies played games in the Chart Room. After cocktails and snacks at 5:00, some of the group went for ice cream at the on-site “Scoops & Slices” before retiring for the night.
Sunny skies and light winds made for an easy Friday morning departure for the group who left with fond memories of South Seas. Special thanks go to Cruise Leaders Phil & Lyn Quick for all their hard work preparing for this wonderful cruise, and also to Dock master Charles Martz and his very professional crew who made our docking and stay so enjoyable.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
The destination for the second cruise of the Cape Coral Cruise Club in 2015 was the Pink Shell marina in Ft. Myers Beach. This destination has been a longtime favorite for the club. Club members Gary and Kathy Taake organized the trip and their efforts in planning resulted in a fine event for all.
Tuesday February 12th, 19 boats from Cape Coral Cruise Club arrived at Pink She’ll and
enjoyed the only warm but always windy day of the trip. Tuesday evening was happy hours
at the dock masters followed by pot luck in the Mariner Room. After a feast of turkey, ribs
and your choice of various side dishes, carried in by all participating, a game of LCR Wild
was played. Winners went home with a pocket full of quarters. The evening was ended with
Happy Birthday song to Ted Hutson. A rough night was spent by boaters with cold winds at
40 miles per hour.
Wednesday breakfast was served in the Mariner room followed by games, lunch on your own
and free time of your choice. Some boaters left in the afternoon so not to put up with the
rough night on the boats as wind increased and temperatures dropped. Dinner was at
Matanzas By The Bay with CCCC members enjoying a host of foods of their choice from the
menu.
Thursday breakfast was once again served in the Mariner room with the rest of the day on
your own. Once again the winds and cold prevailed. Afternoon was spent on your own.
Some preferred to dine on their rocking boats while others bundled up and took a trolly to
beach restaurants.
Friday was more of the same weather making leaving the marina a little more difficult then it
should have been but as always a great time was had by all. Old man winter will not ruin the
fun for CCCC.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Most months of the year the Cape Coral Cruise Club schedules a cruise to a selected destination where the boats typically tie up for 3 days. Once the boats are tied and secure the club members engage in socializing and eating and games and consumption of beverages. The destination for this first cruise of 2015 was Legacy Harbor in Ft Myers. At this high season this marina, as many others, is mostly full and it was a good work of logistics for the harbormaster to accommodate the group. The marina is very well maintained and the staff was ever helpful from assisting on arrival and answering questions. The marina is blessed with wider than usual slip fingers, making the process of boarding much easier than is the case in many other marinas I have visited in Florida.
10 Boats journeyed to Legacy Harbour on Tuesday January 20th. There are 3 boaters who live aboard at Legacy Harbour, so no cruising was involved for them. This cruise was organized by leaders Pat & Phil Kryger aboard Yknot. A lot of work goes into this planning of a cruise, and we thank Phil and Pat Kryger for their effort!
The weather was very favorable on Tuesday, making it a nice smooth ride. Docking at Legacy was handled efficiently by Erick and Lana; they got us all settled in with lines and electric on the floating docks. Ten others arrived by car, and joined the festivities. bringing appetizers and their favorite libations. Then it was 4:30 and time for happy hour under the Tiki Hut, and a great time to relax after a “long hard” trip. Then it was right into dinner with 4 different types of chili. There was hot sauce if you wanted to kick it up , cornbread, oyster crackers, cheese, onions, great salads and desserts. As always, there was plenty to eat and then some!
Wednesday morning we blew the circuit breakers because of a proliferation of electric skillets, while cooking the eggs, French toast and sausage. So, improvising, Gary Taake cooked the eggs on his boat, while Lee Jetton cooked the sausage on the gas grill, and Phil Kryger did the French toast on the electric grill. Add to this fresh fruit, juice and muffins, and that makes a nice start of the day, and the weather was very fine also.
Usually on these cruises there is a group game activity and this one featured an “ informational” scavenger hunt. There were 6 teams of 3. Teams deployed around the marina to find 20 different things like women’s names on boats, number of slips at the Marina, concrete swans (very tricky finding those) and other information. It took most teams about 30 minutes to complete the hunt.
We were joined by the same group arriving by car that came Tuesday plus others, bringing more snacks and libations.
After Happy Hour the group dispatched to Pinchers at Edison Ford Marina for dinner with 40 members. We were seated on a veranda with a beautiful view of the glorious sunset that day.
Thursday people did whatever they fancied; some had breakfast at First Watch or Bennett’s Fresh Roast, some played games and some walked downtown to Fort Myers, and some cleaned their boats or relaxed.
That evening many of us went to Firestone Restaurant and the Sky Bar for another sunset and dinner.
Friday was the return cruise to each individual’s home port. The weather was pretty windy but navigable for all, and it is this writer’s impression that a very good time was had by all.
By J. G. Brehm MD
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Once again having a booth at the November Ft. Myers Boat Show was very worthwhile. With the able
assistance of several Club members who manned the booth over the four days, we were able to attract about six new members. Both Club publicity and membership appreciates the time and effort of those participating, making this show the best yet. Between the News-Press monthly cruise articles and the community awareness generated by attending the Boat Show, the WORD IS OUT. If you like to cruise in your own boat, and wish to do this with like-minded boaters, CCCC is the club for you!
December is when, in lieu of a group going on a cruise, the Club changes officers. The beautifully decorated Palmetto Pine Country Club was the venue for the 2014 Cape Coral Cruise Club CHANGE OF WATCH. This annual formal event is the night when the new Bridge and Board of Governors is sworn in, and the outgoing Bridge and Board is recognized for their efforts on behalf of the Club.
Upon arrival, each couple or single member picked up their name sign to place on a table along with a playing card. Servers circulated with plates of hor d’oeuvers enjoyed with cocktails, including Swedish meatballs, bacon wrapped scallops, coconut shrimp and bruschetta. Mike Cole of Black Tie Entertainment was the D J and played music during cocktail hour, while member Craig Overstreet sold 50/50 drawing tickets.
Following the cocktail hour, the 61 members and guests sat down for a dinner of either 10 oz. Black Angus Prime Rib of Beef, or Australian Sea Bass served with tossed salad, oven roasted potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls & butter, and peppermint ice cream with candy canes.
After dinner, Len Grassini called Commodore Phil Kryger forward to give his outgoing comments, which included thanking the outgoing Board, thanking Sharon Palmisano and Larry Mitchell for their many years of service. Commodore Kryger then called forward members Perry Ahrens and Bob Martin, and presented to them Life Membership awards for their long time service to the Club.
This was followed by the swearing in of 2015 Commodore Lee Jetton, who was presented with his Commodore flag. Commodore Jetton thanked Past Commodore Kryger for his outstanding work on behalf of the Club, and presented him his Past Commodore gold name tag, his flag.
The new flag Officers: Vice Commodore John Queen, Rear Commodore Edie Limbright, Secretary Dianne Myers and Treasurer Brenda Stewart. The remainder of the 2015 Board members, Island & Property Chairman Len Grassini, Membership Chairman Phil Kryger, Asst. Secretary/Treasurer Terry Carlson, and Members at Large Perry Ahrens & Steve Winner were also sworn in.
Following Commodore Jetton’s incoming comments the 50/50 drawings were held, with Paul Carrico the big winner. Matching playing cards were used to draw remaining prizes including 17 free stays at various marinas (a few for 2 free nights). Winners declining the free stays were able to select from a table of assorted gifts, so that every membership or guest couple won a prize.
The evening continued with everyone showing off their dancing skills until 10:00 PM when it was time to end an enjoyable evening of food, fun and prizes.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
On a beautiful October Tuesday, fourteen Cape Coral Cruise Club boats headed north on the GICW, turned into Charlotte Harbor, then on to the Peace River to Fisherman’s Village Marina. The good member turnout was because this remains one of the Club’s favorite destinations. With mooring assistance from Harbor Master Jim’s helpful crew, boaters completed the always present post cruise boat chores, then relaxed the remainder of the afternoon. The Pre-happy hour time at the Boater’s Lounge produced some groans with the announcement of a trivia quiz on Florida. Prizes were awarded to both the winning and runner-up couples. Happy hour was followed with most everyone’s favorite, heavy hors D’oeuvres. This is the occasion when the first mates out do themselves. The first night is usually an early one, probably because of all the fresh air.
Wednesday started with a midmorning walk through the park along the river in Punta Gorda to the Rte. 41 bridge and back. Appetites having been built, most members took advantage of the fine restaurants at the Fisherman’s Village Shops for lunch. It was then time for a wet “T” shirt contest on the dock behind the boats. Each couple was given a tee shirt and one of the two had to put it on. Seems simple but the shirts had been water soaked, rolled tight, then frozen. Only body heat and muscle power were allowed. Again prizes were awarded to the top two finishers. Their unique means to thaw the shirts – the winners sat on them, used body heat! Dinner was a mini-Oktoberfest prepared by the cruise leaders and helpers with fare including brats, sour kraut, beer-cheese soup, and Black Forrest cake. A few of the night owls finished the day with a rowdy game of “99”.
A breakfast of biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh fruit and adult beverages started the day on Thursday. The bulk of the day was a “do your own thing” event. Some rode marina courtesy bikes to town, some shopped in the Village, some enjoyed the pool, and some just sat around and told sea stories, a few of which may have been true… The main feature of the evening was the group dinner at the Captain’s Table. Good food and excellent service were enjoyed by the boaters who were joined by ten Club members who arrived by car.
Friday morning saw the flotilla depart the marina heading homeward. Neptune must not have been as pleased with us as he was on our trip to the marina. Winds of 15 to 20 out of the northeast made the seas a bit snotty on Charlotte Harbor, but all arrived safely at their destinations. As usual, another great, safe Cape Coral Cruise Club trip goes into the books.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on our Facebook page.
