February 2026
⛵ For GCSC Friends ⛵
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
Happy Season!
January was jam packed with the New Years Cup, Chili Cook-Off, and the cruise to Pink Shell!
Stay connected, volunteer anywhere you can to meet your fellow sailors and skippers, and enjoy the club.
We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting February 11! Don't miss Doug Foss's presentation!
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,
🍲The Annual Chili Cook-Off Meeting PARTY was a blast!
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RSVP Now February's meeting! Doug Foss will be teaching us how to read the lights you see at night while navigating on the water.
⛵ 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!
⛵ Do you have friends that are sailors or interested in sailing? Invite them to a member meeting!
Or invite them to an afternoon at Sugden for sailing, a BBQ and beach!
Share GCSC and it's even more fun ⛵
⛵ 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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From The Rear Commodore:
The Rear Commodore is responsible for the On The Water activities for the Club.
|  | Bob Andreini
Hi Fellow Sailors -
Hope you are all surviving the cold snap here in SWFL.
Thank you to everyone who registered for the John Kretschmer presentation next week. Over 80 people signed up! What a great representation of sailors and boaters in SWFL.
On deck we have the Presidents Regatta, Panther Key, and Marathon Key cruises. I know it's (dang) cold now but soon we will be seeing the amazing SW Florida weather most of us moved down here for. Check your calendars and if you are able to participate, be sure to register or shoot us an email. See below for more information.
Unfortunately, the algae bloom on Lake Avalon is still keeping the lake closed so our Sugden Sailing dates are on hold until further notice.
Freedom Waters Foundation is celebrating its 20th year anniversary with a Roaring Twenties theme that honors two decades of therapeutic boating impact. The 12th annual Kind Mariners Ball will be held at the Naples Yacht Club February 19, 2026. If you are interested, join us by reserving your tickets.
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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
Click here for instructions:
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President's Regatta!
Friday Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026
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Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 27 1800 Virtual Skipper’s Meeting
Saturday, February 28 0955 First warning for buoy races
1000 First Class Fleet Start
Sunday, March 1 1000 First boat start, pursuit distance race
Sunday, March 1 1700 Dinner and Awards Party
Everyone Welcome!
Dylan’s Drafthouse
1258 Airport Pulling Rd N
Naples FL
Pay as you go
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We are in desperate need of people to volunteer their boat to serve as the Race Committee boat for Saturday February 28
You will be reimbursed for gas and receive a free awards dinner ticket!
This is an amazing opportunity to observe the Race Committee and our PROs in action. As well as observe the race from a great vantage point! You get to see the exciting starts and finishes as well as the wind/strategy happening out on the course.
If every racer volunteered their boat, you would only miss one race every 5-6 years or more! What a great way to give back to the club!
The Race Committee consists of 4 people and the flags.
We are also in need of a volunteer for a Mark boat for the same dates. If you know of anyone who has a motor boat that would like to volunteer, we reimburse for gas for them as well.
Please let me know if you are willing to volunteer as soon as possible.
I appreciate your consideration and if you have any questions, please contact me.
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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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Pink Shell Cruise
Jan 16-29, 2026
This was a really fun event to kick off our cruising season. We had about 10 people and 4 boats come up to the Pink Shell Resort and Marina. Yes, it was cold, but that's why we schedule our January event to be at a marina with power! Temperatures got into the low 40's and challenged our heaters but fortunately it all worked out.
Saturday was a bit cool for the beach or pool, so we went to Margaritaville, did some shopping in Ft. Myers Beach and then docktails on the boats. Several people joined us by land and by boat who were not staying at the marina. This is a great way to meet and hang out with fellow cruisers.
While at lunch Sunday there a windstorm come out of the north with winds up to 50 mph for a good 20-30 minutes then tapered down to 30 kts for several hours before settling down. Fortunately, one of our landside members were able to drive us back to the marina where it took several people to better secure the boats from slamming against the docks. Important note: always tie up assuming the worst.
Monday was very low tide and had to delay our departure by about 3 hours but at least it was a bit warmer and we had a nice downwind sail back to Naples.
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Panther Key Cruise
Feb 15-17, 2025
Remote Island 25nm south of Marco
This year it's been hard to plan this event as I'm not able to make it and we don't have a cruise leader for it. That's why it's not on the calendar. I've received a couple of calls asking if the event is on. Officially it's not, however, I know at least one boat going for sure. Others are considering it.
If you are interested, send an email to cruising@gulfcoastsailingclub.org and I will connect those interested. We have a very nice document with some detailed instructions on how to navigate the Cape Romano Sholes and where to anchor. I'd be happy to send it to anyone who requests it.
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Cruising Marathon Key
April 1 - 5, 2026
Marlin Bay Resort and Marina
If you are interested in Marathon this year, please contact me as soon as possible so we can make arrangements at the Marlin Bay Marina. They have good availability in the inner basin starting April 1, which is why we adjusted the dates to be April 1 - 7. There is limited availability and probably in the outer basin prior to April 1.
Marathon Key is a lot of fun, and you can make part of a larger trip to Key West, or even the Dry Tortugas. You can find out more information by visiting the Club Website.
If you are interested, send an email to cruising@gulfcoastsailingclub.org and I will coordinate all the details with you and the marina.
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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
*Please see your inbox for a separate email with specifics on these charters in the Bahamas!
Let's go sailing in the Bahamas!
Interested in chartering in the Bahamas January through May on a Lagoon 42 sailing catamaran. All charters include a Captain with a USCG Master Mariner license. For details, please email at sunray31123112@gmail.com
As always, 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
Lake Avalon is still closed until further notice!
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
• February 22, 2026 - Cancelled
• March 22, 2026
• April 12, 2026
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).
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Member Meeting February 11 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: Doug Foss will teach navigating the lights at night on the water, and more!
🍴 Serving: TBD
🍪🍰 Please bring a dessert to share
🍺 🍷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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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!
| Boat For Sale!
1988 23’ Precision Sailboat
Electric Winch on Gin pole for lowering and raising mast. Solid trailer with new tires. Alcohol stove and porta potty. Sleeps 3-4. Solid boat. Draws 1’11” with the keel up and 5’ with the keel down. Carbon fiber jib and Dacron main. 4 HP Tohatsu on the boat and a spare 6 HP Yamaha comes with it. Complete cover for the boat and a spare Dacron jib.
$7,000
Captain Seaby 630-327-9772
| Boat For Sale Coming Soon! | BOAT SLIP FOR SALE 38’ x 24’
Deeded slip located at SouthPointe Yacht Club in Windstar on Naples Bay.
PROTECTED Harbor on Gordan River. EASY ACCESS TO THE GULF!
Contact:
John & Vi Cochran
C: 219-671-1015
Vlanis@att.net |
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
| 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 | Sailboat For Sale!
Wings
Please contact Rick & Candice Thiele:
239-292-6472
| 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
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