Boating – Marco Bay Yacht Club

CDR Bob and P/C Linda Gagnon In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Day Fleet, Jetski/Craig Cat Special Interest Group, Past Events 2026

Panther Key Beach Picnic

We wrapped up our spring boating season with a joint venture between the Day Fleet and JSIG (Jetski Special Interest Group) to Panther Key. The plan was for the Day Fleet to meet at Coon Key Light and convoy directly to Panther Key via Gullivan Bay. The JSIG group that signed up, were all from the south side of Marco, so we met at Caxambas pass an hour earlier so we could meander through the 10K islands before rendezvousing at Panther Key.
We had 6 jet skis (8 people) and 6 bigger boats (also 8 riders). As a reminder for all day fleet events for the last couple years, you can still RSVP to these events and request to ride on someone else’s vessel. We are a community and it is typically more fun to share a ride than to go alone.

The JSIG ride was a “Turtle Ride” which meant that we stayed under 25mph and even slower in the twisting channels. I want to share the reviews I received after the event.

-Maria Orsolini
“I loved my wave runner ride with Howard Lipkin (AKA Maverick) through the thick mangroves led by our Commodore Bob. There were tight places where we needed to duck our heads and carefully maneuver with branches brushing us.
It was awesome!!”

-Paul Schneeberger
“What a day. Great trip.”

-Anne Vanic
“Thanks so much for arranging a wonderful substitute for the Chokoloskee trip. The Panther key event was great. Special thanks to JSIG members who lead &/or shared their jet skis for the backwater tours. Great fun. Perfect weather was appreciated too!”

-Kelly Rogers
“This was such a fun event and the weather was perfect! Safe travels to all of those who are heading out for the Summer!”

-Linda Sandlin
“Panther Key trip was a blast. Perfect day! Wonderful camaraderie on the beach! Lots of friendly, helpful hands! Great jet ski ride!”

I also want to thank Steve Stark for lending out his ski to both the Vanic’s and the Fuhrman’s so that they could pilot the ski in the backwaters. I think the outing worked flawlessly

If you look at our website, you will see pointers to 3 different highlighted JSIG rides. I regret that I did not hook up my camera to add this trip. There is music with each of these videos below.
Canopy Lane
Blackwater River
Palm Bay

Kirk Forrest and Diane Tarr In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Long Range Cruisers

Long Range Cruisers, Cruise to Tween Waters, Captiva and Pink Shell, Ft Meyers Beach

Kirk Forrest and Diane Tarr In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Day Fleet

Cruise to BONITA FISH, Ft Meyers

“Arrr, the seas were kind to us that morn! A gentle easterly chop carried our vessels along as smooth as a dolphin’s back. We tied up to the freshly refurbished docks, where our mates from the Long Range Cruisers hailed us from the Pink Shell, like old sea dogs reunited. A hearty thanks to our two Fleet Skippers, Smilin Steve Stark and Wiley Jeff Wilson for steering the flotilla true. The fine crew at Bonita Fish Co even set aside our own private chart room for the gathering.”

Recorded in the Pirates Ledger by Trusty Todd Humphreys

Kirk Forrest and Diane Tarr In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Long Range Cruisers

Long Range Cruisers, Cruise to Sarasota, St Pete and Venice

FEBRUARY 2026 CRUISE To MARINA JACK’S – SARASOTA, ST. PETE’S MUNICIPAL MARINA

AND CROW’S NEST – VENICE

On February 18^th ,5 boats left for this year’s February cruise north. Little Suzy, Cookin’, Aurevoir Y’All, Karine and Top Shelf cruised up on a beautiful day with calm seas up to our first stop at Marina Jack’s which was supposed to be for 4 nights. Once we saw the seas would be very rough with high winds we decided to cut our stay down to 3 nights and cruise up to St. Pete’s Municipal Marina 1 day early. During our stay at Marina Jack’s we enjoyed some free time as well as group activities. Adding a little twist to this cruise, we had a few different scheduled events besides our group dinners together. Our second evening in Sarasota consisted of an early fabulous dinner at Rosemary & Thyme followed by a fabulous Murder Mystery Trolley Tour – “Who Killed The Circus Queen”. This consisted of terrific acting by professional actors who came aboard at various stops giving us hints on the murder as well as ourselves acting along as part of the show. Fun was had by all and will make a great memory for this part of our cruise.

Weather was on our side on February 21^st as we cruised our way north to St. Pete’s Municipal Marina. After arriving safely, we had an impromptu group dinner at Doc’s Fords nearby. Our second evening was a relaxing open day for all to enjoy as they wish and our third evening consisted of a group dinner at Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse. The following day we participated in a scheduled Club Event in downtown St. Pete’s. Top Shelf, Little Suzy and Cookin’ enjoyed a Walking & Culinary Tour – “Taste of Downtown St. Petersburg”. This also was an excellent event which consisted of gaining some historical knowledge as we walked through the beautiful downtown. Our first stop was at Red Mesa Cantina which used to be the old firehall converted to this restaurant. Starting with Chips and Salsa followed by Shrimp and Beef Tacos and beverages made this stop one I think we all will be venturing back to as it was fabulous. Walking over to our second stop proved to be just as interesting as we strolled into a beautiful courtyard that we probably never would have found on our own. But even more interesting was the little bistro – Dracula Legacy Wine Bar and Bistro. The owner is Romanian and loves the Dracula theme and as you can see by the photo, the whole bistro décor was the Gothic Dracula/Transylvania of the legendary movie – “Dracula”. Here our food consisted of wonderfully prepared Charcuterie boards for the group.

Prior to heading to our final stop, our tour guide – Scott (who was excellent) brought us over to where the Grand Prix Race would be held that weekend. We would have loved to be there for the race but the Marina needed our slips. Maybe next year. We also toured a very interesting Art Gallery along the way. Our final stop was a restaurant close to the marina called Bella Brava New World Trattoria. There we enjoyed pizzas and salad.

To top of the evening, the entire group including Karine and family joined us for beverages on Little Suzy.

The following morning, February 25^th we all cruised down to Crow’s Nest in Venice for our final 2 nights. Our first night was an open night and the second night was our Group Dinner at the marina at Crow’s Nest Upstairs which was excellent. Also, for our final night, we enjoyed some snacks and beverages on Little Suzy prior to dinner. The following day, we headed for home with what should have been 1 foot seas but definitely started off a little more intense as we headed out. But the winds died down and weather was on our side again as we enjoyed this final leg of our February Cruise. We sure have some amazing people in this club and George and I look forward to our next cruise in March!

See you then our fellow boaters!

Suzy Koprash

“Saltwater is in our veins!”

Kirk Forrest and Diane Tarr In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Day Fleet

Cruise to Everglade City, Rod and Gun Club

What a perfect day on the water! Our MBYC day cruise to Everglades City Rod & Gun Club brought together 7 boats and several “land yachts” for a fantastic gathering of 39 members and future members. Boats from Marco River voyaged as a fleet, meeting up with vessels from Caxambas Marina at Coon Key Light before proceeding together to our destination. The weather couldn’t have been better – calm seas and a refreshing breeze made for ideal cruising conditions. It was wonderful catching up with everyone over lunch at the historic Rod & Gun Club. A big thank you to everyone who participated and made this event such a success.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Baylines, Day Fleet, Past Events 2025

Day Fleet Cruise to Pelican Bend

On December 4th 7 boats started out to Pelican Bay on a beautiful cloudless day. Unfortunately, only 6 made it on their own. Thanks to Mike and Maria who towed me in, I was able to coordinate the very successful event. We had 38 members enjoy an always great lunch. Food and service was excellent as always. Sure glad I have sea tow, unfortunately I had to use them. Thanx everyone for coming and enjoying another fun club outing.

Barry

Dan and Deb Lowell In Baylines, Day Fleet, Past Events 2026

Cruise to Paradise Found

Perfect boating day for our annual visit to Paradise Found. The only thing more pleasing than having a spacious docking location near Marco, is the great water view and outdoor seating on a perfect weather day.

V/C Jeff and Pattijo Wilson In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Day Fleet, Past Events 2025

Cruise to Paradise Found

January 4th was a perfect boating day for our annual visit to Paradise Found. Seven boats started out to Pelican Bay on a beautiful cloudless day. Unfortunately only six made it on their own. Thanks to Mike and Maria who towed me in, I was able to coordinate the very successful event. We had 38 members and a few guests enjoy an always great lunch. Food and service was excellent, and docking spacious for a location near Marco. Sure glad I have sea tow, unfortunately I had to use them. Thanx everyone for coming and enjoying another fun club outing.

Barry

CDR Bob and P/C Linda Gagnon In Activities, Baylines, Boating, Day Fleet, Past Events 2025

Day Fleet To Wahoos Bar & Grill port 32 in Naples

Wednesday Oct 22.

MBYC started the Day Fleet season with a ride to Wahoo’s Bar & Grill. The weather was fantastic, no wind and the Gulf was nearly glass like. As typical, we did have an issue with one boat before it left the dock at Marco, but our host Tony D’Alba swung by and added 4 more people to his boat for the ride.

We had 17 members attending the event and we sat outside since the weather was so nice. We were nearly the only ones there. The service, hospitality and food was commendable.

Our next Day Fleet event is to Doc Fords in Ft Meyers, Nov 18. The Long Range Cruisers will already be in Ft Meyers that week and are planning to swing in for lunch. Should be a big attendance so RSVP early.

CDR Bob and P/C Linda Gagnon In Activities, Boating, Jetski/Craig Cat Special Interest Group

Video – Bungle in the Jungle – Canopy Lane

Click on the picture below to start the video. If there is no audio, click the speaker icon twice.
MBYC JSIG (Jetski Special Interest Group) goes out a couple times each month and has a wide variety of routes. We do Turtle rides (slow and relaxing) and Rabbit rides (faster and about 50 miles long). This video is from my favorite route that I call Canopy Lane. It is actually very challenging and takes about 45 minutes to get through.