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.
|  | Trudell Kolpack
Hello sailors!
Hard to believe it's March already, I hope everyone's year is off to a great start!
Since taking the helm, I’ve been looking forward to March because GCSC is bringing the Naples Classic Regatta back to its former glory as GCSC’s signature event of the year!! See all the details below. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at both the landside events and on the water events scheduled over 3 fantastic days, March 24th, 25th, and 26th.
If you would like to be an event sponsor click here https://yachtscoring.com/event_documents.cfm?eid=15300 and if you would like to volunteer for the Naples Classic Regatta, please reach out to me commodore@gulfcoastsailingclub.org or our Naples Classic coordinators Jason and Andrea at andrea@titleagency.zone
This is the best time of the year for sailing related events. The February racing events have given our skippers both light and heavy weather sailing conditions. Running with Scissors was able to participate in the Winter Commodores Cup which had windspeeds from becalmed to 20 knots, all in one race. The second race in February, formerly known as the Naples to Fort Myers Offshore Regatta, had wind speeds in the high teens with waves too large for our young crew (11, 8 and 5).
We took the opportunity to spend the day in Champney bay clearing our minds and catching fish. I have found that nurturing our children’s passion for sailing, means knowing their limits and always keeping it fun.
Thankfully the next day brought favorable winds and allowed us and several other boats to attend the cruising event at Panther Key. My family and I were able to join the rest of the cruisers on Sunday for the "beach party". It was nice to have so many former SAMI members, who have recently joined GCSC, adding great camaraderie and critical mass to our fantastic cruising events. Thanks to all who joined in on the fun!
We had another jam-packed Sugden Sunday sailing event this past weekend with quite a few new members getting out on the water. It was great to see all the kids taking the helm and showing off their sailing skills at such a young age. Thanks to all those who participated and helped with the organization of the event.
I hope to see all of you at the Naples Classic Regatta in addition to our regularly scheduled events.
Trudell Kolpack
Commodore
| John Steiner
Cheers GCSC Members,
REMINDER: 10,000 Islands Boat Excursion- March 13 from Noon to 4pm
Dear Members,
We have 2 boats rented from Port32 Marina, Marco Island.
One boat still has 3 seats available.
The boats are Cobia 22 bowriders, 200 hp
We will transit down the Big Marco River to Goodland, then out to Coon Key, onto past Helen Key to Cape Romano (beach landing and lunch), then to Morgan Bay, then to Blind Pass and back up Big Marco River to the rental marina.
It’s a beautiful world out there in the 10,000 Islands!
Please note, if you plan to board and disembark the Cobia 22 (e.g. at the marina and beach landings), you'll have to contend with high steps-- into and out of the boat. We used the stern swim ladder on this trip and waded through thigh high water to do so.
Cheers,
John Steiner
| | Previous 10,000 islands Group! | Jeff Gage
Since our last newsletter we have hosted Winter Beer Can Races on January 21, Winter Commodores Cup on February 3, and the Naples Offshore Regatta February 18th Sadly our friends in Ft Myers Beach area have been challenged to participate because of the on going challenges from the aftermath of hurricane Ian.
We wish them speedy recovery. As a result we have been running modified events for the races normally operated by CMCS. Special thanks to Dan Spence for volunteering to be a Race Captain! We need other volunteers, so please contact Jeff Gage if you are interested in helping out.
Coming up we have:
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The beer can racing will be set up similar to our Tequila Summer series. Skippers will receive scratch sheets prior to the race posting the course and starting times.
Jason Richards and Andrea McGuire have planned a action packed weekend of racing and fun for the Naples Classic starting Friday night March 24 and running through Sunday March 26. Registration and event details can be found at https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=15300 We also have Bills Boat Shoe Bash, The Murdo Smith Regatta and a cruise to Marathon Key. Plenty of excitement to choose from!
Looking forward to April, plan on the Bunny Hop Regatta and the Messmer Cup where past commodore Bruce Harris will be serving as Race Captain.
Thanks,
Jeff Gage
racing@gulfcoastsailingclub.org
Please watch the Calendar on the website for updates, as well as emails from the Club.
| Please consider sponsoring the Classic Regatta!
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Panther Key February 17-20, 2023
What a great time at Panther Key! Over the weekend, we had 10 boats with a nice mix of both sail and power boats. We kicked it off with a landside dinner at CJ’s on Marco Island Friday night. Saturday 6 of the boats sailed and motored down to Panther Key where we were hosted by Julian and Stacey Onorato on Luna Blue.
This time people remembered to leave their anchor lights on and brought spotlights so they could find their way back at night! Sunday an additional 4 boats joined us, and we had a great day on the beach. No bugs to speak of this year! At night, several people went back to the beach for sundowners and a bonfire. Most people took off on Monday, but several boats stayed for one or more days and just enjoyed a quite relaxing time in the anchorage.
Special thank you to Frank Ross for being the cruise director on this one and doing all the prep and organization. For anyone considering this event in the future, please reach out to me! It’s an easy and very accessible SWFL event to participate in and lots of fun!
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Marathon Key Cruise
March 24–27, 2023
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Where: Marlin Resort + Marina, 3800 Gulfview Avenue,
Marathon, FL 33050 24° 42' 57”, -81° 5' 20”
Marathon is a tropical island community in the Florida Keys. It's set on 13 islands, known for their beaches and barrier reef and maintains a retro, nautical atmosphere with family-friendly festivals and attractions.
Come enjoy the fun. Join other cruisers travelling overnight or stopping along the way to Marathon. Boating options in Marathon include slip rentals (Marlin Resort and Marina – GCSC chosen location), moorings (Marathon City Marina) and anchoring.
Many sailors will be traveling on to Key West, the Bahamas or the Dry Tortugas after Marathon, so let us know if you are interested in extending your cruise.
Please Register Here so we can provide updates.
Here are the current dates for the 2022-2023 cruising schedule. More information is posted on the GCSC website here Cruising Overview with the opportunity to register, including landside dinners either the day before or during some of the events.
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SUGDEN SUNDAYS at SUGDEN PARK:
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Sugden Sundays at Sugden Park From 12 -3 PM:
- No date for March yet, stay tuned
Where: Lake Avalon in Sugden Park – 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples, Florida
Cost: $15 for a single, $25 for a couple and $30 for a family – pays for the facility & staff
($5 more for non-members)
Justin W. Jaffry
Cell:(618)-363-3722
Fleet Captain – Small Boats
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Our Next Member Meeting is
Wed. March 8th! 6pm
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🏨 Location: Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian 791 Harbour Dr. Naples
🍴 Join us at 6pm for Hickory smoked on the bone spiral ham, roasted potatoes, big, wonderful salad, plus dessert
P.S. Burgees will be available for sale at the meeting please bring $65 in cash or check (see image below)
See you on the 8th!
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Jeff learned to dive at UF in the 80’s and dove / spearfished with his buddies right here off Naples and Marco. He obtained his scuba instructor rating in 1996 and decided to open the dive shop in ’98. I met Jeff while he was certifying my parents that fall and got married on a sandbar down past the Dome Homes in 2000.
We have two girls and one son (none of which want anything to do with the shop) but the youngest two do love diving. We love sharing our passion for the underwater world with everyone that comes through our door. In our almost 25 years of being here we have certified thousands of folks and taken far more than that diving.
We are your one stop ‘mom n pop’ dive shop. We have everything you need to scuba dive as well as equipment to keep you comfortable while doing other water sports. We also plan dive travel vacations in addition to diving here locally.
We are looking forward to your meeting!!
Best,
Jessi (and Jeff)
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Please Welcome our Newest Members!
| February 2023:
Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in February:
Douglas Lackey - is a full-time resident of Naples and has an S2 7.9 named Space Cowboy. He would like to day sail, cruise and race.
Matthew & Jennifer Mendenhall - are full-time Naples residents and have a Boston Whaler 32. They are experienced sailors and would like to day sail, cruise and race.
Cynthia O’Dell - is a part-time resident of Naples and would like to learn more about racing so she can race on Lake Ontario in New York this summer.
If you have signed up but have not paid yet, please contact Terry so he can add you to the database as an active member. Thanks!
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FreedomWaters Bill's Boat Shoe Bash
This Naples Sailing fundraiser benefits Adaptive & Autistic individuals, and Special Needs young people. Called the Murdo Smith Regatta, it will kick of this year at Sugden Regional Park, Saturday March 24, 2023.
Bill’s Boat Shoe Bash was established in honor of Bill Meisner, a beloved sailing instructor, with 100% (501c3) of the donation money going to support the local community sailing.
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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 at the end of June, 2022. The annual membership fee is still just $95 and will cover your membership until the end of June, 2023.
Renew Online Here.
You can complete the payment process online with PayPal or a credit card.
If you prefer, you can mail a check for $95 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. Please contact Terry Nauck at membership@gulfcoastsailingclub.org if you have any questions.
Thanks for your membership renewal!
| 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!
| If you would like to invite other Gulf Coast Sailing Club members to go out on your boat for a day sail, simply email your invitation to membership@gulfcoastsailingclub.org and we will forward it to all active club members.
As a minimum, your invitation should include your contact information, your boat’s size and location, and your desired sailing dates. We’ll distribute your invitation the same day we receive it.
| 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. E-mail Paul by Friday March 3rd if you want your name tag at the member meeting.
Pay Paul with cash or check when he gives you the name tag.
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SAILBOAT FOR SALE
2006 Seaward 34 retractable keel sloop, currently docked at Beacon House Condominium, Doctors Pass. Mainsail, roller furling jib and spinnaker, diesel engine, bow thruster, new GPS, standard navigation instrumentation and autopilot. Great for day sailing and coastal cruising. Slip is transferable to new owner. Asking $55K. Contact Dave Huntington, (239) 963-8806 for details and viewing.
|  | Sailboat For Sale:
(due to age & health – moving to power boat – located Marco Island FL)
“STARFIRE”
1984 EVELYN 26 OD Fractional Rig
Updated and Ready to Race with Fin Keel
26’ Long – 9.5 Beam – 4.5 Draft - 4,000 Pounds
NEW Main, Jib, and 135% Genoa
NEW Mercury 15 HP 4 Stroke Outboard
NEW Garmin Chart plotter with Depth
Lewmar winches – Harken Genoa Cars
NEW ICOM VHF Radio
NEW (2) 12 V Batteries
All safety equipment, sheets, halyards, docking lines & fenders, mag compass, vents, spin and whisker poles, swim ladder, boat hook, porta-potti, lights, double axel trailer (needs upgrade – lights – brakes etc.), and added sailing gear all inclusive.
CONTACT: Ken Cort @ Cell 239-588-0089 |  |  | 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!
😃 Membership Assistant - Help Terry Nauck maintain the member database.
😃 Mentors for new members - Help new members get acclimated to the club and introduce them to other members.
😃 Sugden events - Registration table Thank You Ann Graham for volunteering for this position!
😃 YouTube video collector of educational sailing videos
😃 Committee Chair - Landside Events and Member Meetings - Thank You Bruce and Linda Leng for volunteering for this position!
😃 Committee Members - Landside Events - help plan, execute, and set up & clean up at member meetings as well as social events.
😃 Backups for all Communications - for Facebook, the website, and luffnlaff newsletter
😃 Sailing Certification Program Chair 😃 and Certification Captains - Help members improve and prove their sailing literacy so skippers can recruit them for crew.
😃 and Certification Captains - Help members improve and prove their sailing literacy so skippers can recruit them for crew
😃 Speaker Coordinator - line up the speakers for member meetings | |
Most recent is journals from the Most Memorable Regatta!
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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