Luff 'N Laff September 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 winding down and we're gearing up for racing and cruising season!
Add the racing and cruising schedules to your calendar, talk to us about volunteer opportunities to get involved and meet more sailors, investigate day sailing and chartering, and get out on the water!
Always check the Calendar to see what's happening in the Club! This newsletter gives you a lot of the details too.
We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting September 10!
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.
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,
We are blessed to have all levels of sailors in our club!
We have a documented "Sailing Certification" program that hasn't been used since 2020ish, but it's purpose has always been to help our members increase their skills, and also allow skippers to know which members have passed the 3 Parts.
You'll see the documents in the News section on the website, click on Documents, and 'Basic Sailing Skills Program'. (You must be logged in)
We'd like to resurrect this program, so at this month's meeting we'll be reviewing Part 1 and asking for your feedback and comments for any changes or additions you have.
Member Meeting is September 10!
What would you like to see/hear/do at member meetings that we aren't doing already? Pass on any ideas to me!
⛵ 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!
⛵ 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.
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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: 112
Active Members: 187
Pending Members: 6
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Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in August:
Peter & Railda Bickmore to the club! They are interested in all of the sailing activities, from Day Sailing & Cruising, to Racing and the Small Boat Program.
Galina Shelest also joined last month! Galina is looking forward to Cruising, Day Sailing, and Racing.
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
It's been a hot and muggy summer. We even left for a road trip up the east coast and it was, if you can believe it, even hotter and muggier than SWFL! So far, the storms are minor and let's keep hoping for fair winds and cooler weather.
That being said, our On The Water committees are busy planning for our upcoming season. Racing, Cruising, and Day Sailing are all looking for volunteers to help with the planning and execution of our events. Currently we have about 35 events in the calendar which we will start putting on the website and Yacht Scoring in the next few weeks.
Check the sections below for our BOTY announcement and the start of our Sunday Sugden Sailing program.
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
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SWFL Boat Of The Year
Calling all Racers - we are excited to release our Notice of Race for this seasons Boat Of The Year events!
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Remember, to get your PHRF certificate renewed. All valid certificates expire on July 1, 2025. Certificates that expire on 7/1/2025 or 7/1/2024 can be renewed on line at West Florida PHRF. If you certificate expired 7/1/2023 or earlier, click New Application to access the new application.
For those interested in racing, be sure to contact racing@gulfcoastsailingclub.org
For more details on upcoming races and events, you can visit the Gulf Coast Sailing Club's official website.
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Join us for our Tequila Racing Series
Next Races Saturday September 6 and 20
The Gulf Coast Sailing Club's Tequila Racing Series is a casual, summer-focused sailing event designed to bring members together on the water in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Held during the summer months, this series emphasizes fun and camaraderie over competition, making it an ideal opportunity for both seasoned sailors and newcomers to participate.
Races in the Tequila Series typically follow a "pursuit start" format, where each boat is assigned a unique starting time based on its PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) rating. This staggered start system aims to have all boats finish around the same time, enhancing the social aspect of the event.
The series is scheduled on select Saturdays throughout the summer, with races usually starting at 11:00 AM.
For those interested, be sure to get your boat on the scratch sheet by contacting racing@gulfcoastsailingclub.org
For more details on upcoming races and events, you can visit the Gulf Coast Sailing Club's official website.
"KEEPING SAILING FUN"
| | Ahoy fellow cruisers!
We are starting to plan the 2026 cruises. On the docket are the usual Pink Shell, Panter Key, Marathon and Cayo Costa. However, attendance has been light the past year or two and I can only wonder if people are tired of the same events year over year.
Please drop me an email at cruising@gulfcoastsailingclub.org and let me know your thoughts on what you liked and disliked. If you have any ideas for cruising destinations please let me know those as well.
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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
Sailboat chartering is your ticket to freedom on the open sea—no boat ownership required. Whether you're craving a tranquil solo escape or a sun-soaked group getaway, chartering lets you explore stunning coastlines, hidden coves, and vibrant harbors at your own pace.
The last 2 months articles are a good primer for anyone interested in Chartering.
See the July 2024 Newsletter for the
Introduction to Sailboat Chartering.
See the August 2024 Newsletter for the
Essential Safety Measures for Sailboat Chartering.
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
| | | SUGDEN SUNDAY SAILING BY GCSC
Our first Sugden Sunday Sailing event of the season will occur on Sunday November 16, 2025 between 12pm and 3pm.
The Sugden Sunday Events are held at the Collier County Sailing Center located in Sugden Regional Park on beautiful Lake Avalon, 4284 Avalon Drive Naples.
• 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 (included)
• Socialize and enjoy the beautiful location.
• PLEASE REGISTER HERE (on the Calendar) as this allows us to make sure we have enough boats rigged and enough food for everyone.
• All skippers must pass on the water review.
Event Fees
· $20 per adult (GCSC Member)
· $35 Per adult (Non-Member)
· Child no charge but must be accompanied by a paying adult
· Paid by credit card or cash at the event
Future Sugden Sunday Events
• December 7, 2025
• January 2026 – TBD (To be determined)
• February 2026 - TBD
• March 2026 - TBD
• April 2026 - TBD
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
| OPEN HOBIE SAILING IS COMING AT SUGDEN
This season, the Collier Country Sailing center will be offering open Hobie sailing several times a month. The exact dates have not yet been determined.
All skippers must pass on the water review before renting a boat. The fees last year were $50 hr for lesson and $25 hr for boat rental.
ADULT & CHILD LEARN-TO-SAIL PROGRAMS
Adult and Child Learn-to-Sail Programs are offered by Collier County at the Sugden County Collier Sailing Center (Sugden Regional Park 4284 Avalon Drive Naples, Fl) and will begin in October. Please contact Barbara Johnson at 239-252-4052 or SugdenPark@colliercountyfl.gov
Normally, 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 at a very reasonable cost.
Additionally, one-on-one sailing instructions are also available please contact Barbara Johnson at 239-252-4052. |
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).
| | | Coming soon - Day Sailing Event Management using our very own website. You will be able to register your boat for a specific date / time to go day sailing with other GCSC members. The website will allow you to define how many members you are able to invite for each event you want to participate in.
Stay tuned for details over the next month or two.
Now Let’s Go Sailing,
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Member Meeting September 10 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: Review, Forum and Feedback from the Membership on the Sailing Certification Part I
🍴 Serving: Pizza and Salad
🍪🍰 Please bring a dessert to share! (and feel free to take it home if there's leftovers!)
🍺 🍷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!
Non-members may be a guest 2 times before membership is required.
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.
| BOAT SLIP B-32 FOR SALE
Marina at Factory Bay, Marco Island
Size: 39 feet
Max LOA: 42’x18’
Listed at $139,900 - lowest price at the Marina
(Selling this slip because I bought a larger one for my new bigger boat!)
Please contact me to learn why Marina at Factory Bay
is a convenient and secure choice for your vessel.
Valarie Milazzo
678-386-3176
valmilazzo@icloud.com | A New Boat is Coming up For Sale Soon....it's a Hunter. Stay tuned!
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
| | 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 | | Hypnotherapy / Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Laurie Conrod MNLP, CCHT, MTT, EFTP, MSC
laurie@LCAssetManagement.com
PH: 239-785-2711
Free Presentations: www.lcassetmanagement.com
Anything you'd like to change? Specializing in improving sports performance, eliminating limiting beliefs, emotional blocks & negative emotions, breaking bad habits, starting good habits, eliminating cravings, creating confidence. In only one session. Make your mind work for you 😎 | |