Luff 'N Laff May 2025
⛵ For GCSC Active Members ⛵
Please add our email to your Contacts so you never miss our updates!
If you have a question and don't know who to ask, just reply to this email and we'll forward your question/comment to to the right sailors!
| 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
Summer is Here!
And the Naples Classic Regatta is coming up on Memorial Day Weekend! (more details below)
FYI: Naples City Dock has slips available Friday and Saturday!
Would you like to be part of the Race Committee? It's the best seat in the house to watch the race and be out on the water! We provide lunch and tickets to the awards party! Email Susan Watkins swatkins@tee-global.com and she'll give you the fun details.
We also need a Race Committee BOAT 🚤 for the race. Can you volunteer your boat (with you on it of course!). We provide lunch and tickets to the awards party! Email Kathleen Cahill kpcahill@me.com.
Notice to Membership: The board of directors has proposed an amendment to our bylaws, based on our requirements per the IRS as a 501C(7) club organization. The approved amendment is as follows, to be added to Article 3 Section 10:
"The club shall not use, directly or indirectly, Club funds, to provide financial support to charitable organizations or causes."
This amendment will be voted on at the June member meeting.
Always check the Calendar to see what's happening in the Club! This newsletter gives you a lot of the details too.
We are always open to your feedback and suggestions. If you don't know who to ask, reach out to me, or look at our Club org chart ON THE DOCUMENTS PAGE for direction (in Club Documents if you are logged in). We love to hear from you.
We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting May 14!
Trudell Kolpack
Commodore
480-310-2330
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From The Vice Commodore:
The Vice Commodore is responsible for Membership, Communications, and Volunteer Coordination activities for the Club.
|  | Laurie Conrod
Greetings Sailors,
⛵ Reminder: We need your feedback! Please fill out the GCSC survey so we can improve the club with your comments and suggestions! Click Here for the Survey Thank you!
⛵ Reminder: It is Renewal time for all members who joined GCSC prior to August 1, 2024. Your membership expires June 30. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for sailing in SWFL! We are one of the few Clubs still in operation and we want to keep it that way! RENEW HERE Thank you!
⛵ Reminder: GCSC joined Port32/Wahoo's so members can join for $99 instead of $399 and save $300, as well as have a gathering place for more fun! Active GCSC members get this benefit.
Don't forget when you join Wahoo's you get reciprocity at 25+ other clubs with golf, dining, tennis/fitness, Pool & Spa in the Naples area as well as the discount on renting powerboats. See how to join Wahoo's River Bar and Grill in this newsletter below.
👨🏫 At this month's Member Meeting we will have a PANEL of GCSC members to share their sailing wisdom & experiences! Would you like to be on the Panel? We'll have some prepared general questions, but we want the members to ask whatever they'd like to the panel too!
Just Reply to this email and we'll add you to the Panel! Or you can join the Panel as we go!
❓Do you have questions for the Panel? Just Reply to this email with your questions and we'll ask the Panel!
⛵ Website: What content or details would you like added to our website? James Lotspeich is our webmaster@gulfcoastsailingclub.org, please email him any requests or questions. Thank you!
⛵ Reminder: Every month for our member meeting, Jerry and Susan Watkins make sure the room is set up, food prepared, and then cleaned up and tidy. Can you help? Just contact Susan at swatkins@tee-global.com and let her know you can help at a meeting(s). Thank you!
📢 Announcing an enhancement to our website and newsletter! Would you like to advertise your business on our website and this newsletter? Tell your fellow sailors what you do and let them get to know you better! All the details are on our Sponsors page here: Sponsors Page
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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 Kristy at Wahoo you are an active GCSC member.
You can do this by showing her your Profile on our 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 Kristy 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!
Active Memberships: 158
Active Members: 265
Pending Members: 5
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Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in April:
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Jesse Flint. Jesse is looking forward to participating in Day Sailing and is a full time resident.
Congratulations on joining the Gulf Coast Sailing Club! We look forward to seeing you at our Membership Meeting and out on the water!
WELCOME TO GCSC! Any members (especially New Members) are invited join 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 Rear Commodore:
The Rear Commodore is responsible for the On The Water activities for the Club.
| Bob Andreini
Looking forward to our last regatta of the season - The Naples Classic. See below for more information on how to register and participate in the regatta and the post party. Let's make our last event of the season the best one yet!
Our Cruising, Day Sailing and Small Boats programs have wrapped up for the season. Check below in the Cruising section to see if there is any interest get out on the water with other club members this summer.
Starting in June, we will continue our Tequila racing series. See the website calendar for details.
Stay tuned, read your newsletters, visit the club website, and if you are interested in getting involved in any of these activities, please reach out to me via the email below.
Cheers,
Bob Andreini
Rear Commodore
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Sign up for the GCSC Crew Board - For GCSC Members Only
| Announcing SWFL Boat Of The Year (BOTY)
Notice of Series 2024-25 | | To download the Notice of Series, Click Here | Ahoy Racers and Friends of Racers!
Naples Classic Regatta, Memorial Day Weekend 2025
Saturday May 24 - Sunday May 25
Everyone is welcome to the Awards Party! Come to enjoy the camaraderie and catch up on all things sailing!
The 2025 NAPLES CLASSIC offers two days of FUN sailboat racing
WHEN: Saturday - 05/24/25
Fleet racing around the buoys with PRO – Rick Lillie
Sunday - 05/25/25 – Pursuit start, distance race.
FUN + FUN + FUN
WHERE TO SAIL: Naples vicinity, Racing Starts at 10:00 AM
AWARDS PARTY: 5pm at Mr. Tequila of course!
Sunday, May 25 at 1700 hours 5:00 PM
3126 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103
"KEEPING SAILING FUN"
| | Cruising is wrapped up for the
season! We had a great time cruising to Pink Shell, Panther Key and Marathon Key. Looking forward to next season.
If anyone has interest in cruising this summer, let me know. Personally, we are always doing short trips up and down the west coast of Florida and would be happy to share itineraries and even create a club event.
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CHARTERING
Fleet Captain Chartering: Anthony Short
| | Chartering a sailboat offers the ultimate way to explore stunning destinations around the world—from the Bahamas and Caribbean to the Mediterranean—while enjoying the freedom and adventure of life under sail. Whether you're anchoring in a quiet bay, exploring vibrant coastal towns, or simply soaking in sunsets from the deck. Chartering delivers unforgettable experiences.
| | | Message from the Chartering Fleet Captain
Our club’s Chartering Program helps to turn your sailing dreams into reality. Whether you're a seasoned skipper or new to cruising, it's your ticket to adventure, camaraderie, and getting out on the water in the world’s most beautiful places.
The objective is to assist GCSC members with all aspects of chartering:
- To identify charter opportunities that are available locally in southwest Florida and in the Islands.
- To educate and promote opportunities for both groups and individuals.
- To offer guidance on booking charters, preparing for charters, provisioning for charters.
- Do's and Don'ts. Educational Charters.
Please reach to me via email (below) with any questions or to help plan your chartering experience.
Thanks!
Anthony Short
Fleet Captain - Chartering
chartering@gulfcoastsailingclub.org
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SMALL BOATS
Fleet Captain Small Boats: Doug Foss
| | If you are interested in learning more, reach out to
Doug Foss
| | | Message from the Small Boat Fleet Captain
Contact Doug Foss if interested and to sign up to volunteer or participate.
Please check the website for future events as they become available.
As your small boat fleet captain, I am always open for suggestions on how to improve our small boat sailing program. Please provide me with any comments and/or suggestions and ideas for increasing our on the water activities.
Thanks!!
Doug Foss
Small Boat Fleet Captain
630-464-0505
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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).
| | | Stay tuned for the next Day Sailing event, and always check the website Calendar!
Now Let’s Go Sailing,
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Member Meeting May 14 at 6pm
(Always the 2nd Wed. of the month)
PLEASE RSVP! WE NEED TO SET UP AND HAVE FOOD FOR EVERYONE!
Do you need help renewing online or logging in to the website?
We'll have a computer and someone to help you at the meetings!
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🏨 Location: Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian 791 Harbour Dr. Naples (Signs are posted)
👨🏫 Speaker: We will have a PANEL of GCSC members to share their sailing wisdom & experiences! Would you like to be on the Panel? We'll have some prepared general questions, but we want the members to ask whatever they'd like to the panel too!
Just Reply to this email and we'll add you to the Panel! Or you can join the Panel as we go!
❓Do you have a question(s) for the panel? Just reply to this email and we'll add it to the list for the panel.
🍴🍪🍰 Serving: Tacos!
🍺 🍷BYOB (Water and Iced Tea provided)
 So we can plan!
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!
Everyone who RSVP's, and guests, will get a blue dinner ticket.
Non-RSVP's will get a red ticket. Blue tickets will be served first.
If all else fails, just reply to this email and we'll add you so you get a blue ticket!
Thank you!!
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Have Your Friends Join the Club!
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Join Or RENEW Now! The annual membership dues are $115 and will cover a new membership for 12 full months for new members. Members that joined before August 1 2024 have a June 30 renewal date.
Don't Miss Out!
✅ When your membership expires, you will no longer be able to login to the Club website, and no longer have access to members only content.
✅ The Club Luff 'N Laff will be sent to active members only, and general information will be sent to non-members.
✅ The Port32 Marina/Wahoo membership is available to active members only.
✅ Some Club events will be available to members only, so keep/start your membership!
Plus, we'll miss you if you let your membership expire!
Renew or Join Now! The annual membership fee is $115 and will cover your membership until the end of June, 2025 for past members, and a full 12 months for new members.
Club dues allow the Club to provide:
⛵ Port32/Wahoo membership for $99 (Savings of $300)
⛵ 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 renew online first, and then mail in the check. Thanks!
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.
| Catamaran For Sale
2014 catamaran — 35’ Gemini. The boat is at our slip in SouthPointe Yacht Club Marina in Naples. If there is interest, ⛵️⛵️⛵️Many Thanks—John & Vi Cochran C: 260-403-5314 Vlanis@att.net
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:
| Sailboat For Sale!
Wings
Please contact Rick & Candice Thiele:
239-292-6472
| 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 getting the word out about the club?
😃 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
| 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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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
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laurie@LCAssetManagement.com
PH: 239-785-2711
www.lcassetmanagement.com
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