Day Fleet – 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, 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, 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.

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

Lunch at The Crabby Lady

Due to the up and down weather that resulted in cancellation of the March Beach Picnic, the decision was made to swap in a short boat / car ride to The Crabby Lady. The owners had recommended we get there early which turned out to be great advice given that the place was packed with a waiting line shortly after our arrival. Participating members enjoyed perfect Spring weather along with fast and friendly service, good food and good friendship.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Baylines, Day Fleet, Past Events 2024

Rod and Gun Club 2024

On December 11th, twenty Day Fleet participants enjoyed a lunch outing at the historic Rod and Gun Club in Everglade City. For those who have visited Everglade City know that nothing moves fast there, including fulfillment of our lunch orders, allowing extra time for catching up with other members. Having said that, the staff was as friendly as always, and the food was good. Despite being a beautiful Fall day to be outside, the forecasted wind and water conditions led to a cancellation of the boating portion of the event. That turned out to be the right decision. While in Everglade City, a couple additional dining options were explored for future event consideration.

Stay tuned!