Gulf Coast Sailing Club has been the heart of sailing in Southwest Florida since first organized in the summer of 1974. The Club brings together sailors from Marco Island to Punta Gorda for camaraderie and boating activities with a motto to “Keep Sailing Fun.”

The Club is organized in its governance with an annually elected Commodore at the helm, as well as Flag Officers and a Board of Directors. The Board meets monthly at open planning meetings in Naples.

GCSC member meetings are held monthly in a rented location, Moss Hall at Moorings Presbyterian, on the second Wednesday of each month. Themed monthly meetings are great times to meet fellow sailors, hear interesting sailing-related presentations and enjoy good food as well as catch up on Club news and awards.

All members are invited to join the fun by participating in Sugden Sundays, racing, cruising and other events listed on the master event calendar. Those interested in crewing on racing boats or sailing with others can start with membership and completing their personal interest form.

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in sailing – whether well-seasoned or just learning. Boat ownership is not a requirement. A membership fee of $95 per year for singles or couples contributes to the overall operating budget of the Club for rentals and supplies. We are a volunteer organization and our members contribute their time to support our activities on a variety of committees. We are appreciative of the Sponsors who help us with overhead costs to support our low annual membership fee.

Luff ‘N Laff became the official newsletter in 1976 with a story of the first Club race on the Gulf of Mexico on January 11. Class A winners were James Doane, Sr. on Flame in first place, Charles Smith on Debbie Sue in second and Fred White on Folly Too finished third. Class B winners were Bob Harrington on Double Eagle in first place, Carl Brewer on Ms. Anna in second and Chet Chetwynd on Wynd-e placed third. The social event after the race was a raft-up in Cutlass Cove. Since then, we’ve covered many races, more cruises, and lots of parties and Luff ‘N Laff is still published regularly.

GCSC joins sister sailing clubs in its race series and cruising events to keep sailing alive in Southwest Florida. GCSC has fostered and maintained its members’ interest in socializing, racing, and cruising by keeping in mind the attitude of the founders of the GCSC — “Keep Sailing Fun!” Come aboard!

Address:
P.O. Box 2121
Naples, FL 34106