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Activities

The most fun and active yacht club on Marco Island. We have a Long Range Cruisers group for multi-day trips to distant marinas.  We have Day Fleet events to various island beaches or boat accessible restaurants along with other boating activities. And we have the only Jetski / Craig Cat Special Interest Group  for exploring the 10,000 islands and backwaters. For over 53  years, our Club’s history and traditions has drawn those who love the water, power cruising, and a full and active social life.  Check out our calendar of events and articles of  past trips and you will will see why we have attained an island reputation as “The Fun Club”.  The last Monday of each month is designated as “Monday Madness” Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at CJs at the Esplanade.  Join us  and become better acquainted with our members and activities. You can belong to another Yacht Club and find us so affordable that you will join us for the boating and social events as well. 

Not a member yet? Join us:   CLICK HERE    to fill out the membership application. The fun awaits you!

In Activities, Past Events 2022,

2022 02 28 Monday Madness

Despite the fact that 66 members participated in Circumnavigate Marco, there was a good turn-out for February Monday Madness at CJ’s on the Bay Star Bar at the Esplanade.

About 32 MBYC members were in attendance. We enjoyed meeting Betty Barter’s daughter and grandson.

A familiar refrain was;  where did all these people come from and when are they leaving.  It seems that this year, normal migration patterns have been altered  for variety of reasons.  I suppose we are adjusting to the New Normal?

The 50/50 raffle saw Sally Orth excitement turn to disappointment when she discovered that her number was not the winner. It must have been the noise generated by all the excitement. The three winners were Shirley Southard – $25; Margi White – $30, Mary Ellen Mount – $40. I understand that Dave was unsuccessful in his attenpt to convince Mary Ellen to split it with him.  Everyone seemed to enjoyed the fun and camaraderie with friends under the beautiful sunset over Smokehouse Bay.

See you Monday, March 28, same time and place, for March Madness.

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In Activities, Past Events 2022,

Monday Madness January 2022

It was a bit chilly for our January Monday Madness. CJ’s, however, moved our tables from the usual place to a spot directly in the sun. It made all the difference in the world! We were very comfortable and even a little too warm at times.

Our crowd was a bit smaller than usual but I chalk that up to the unseasonably cool weather we were having. We had a potential new member stop by to ask all about us. He noticed the Club uniforms which were being worn for pictures of the new Bridge.

Betty did her usual supurb job selling raffe tickets to the 50/50 drawings. The old saying that lightning never strikes twice was disproved in this month’s raffle, when Jack Bruinsma won both 50/50 drawings. Congratulations Jack. All in all, a successful time.  

Monday Madness is the perfect venue to make new friends and  catch up with old friends.  See you there.

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In Activities, Boating, Jetski/Craig Cat Special Interest Group, Past Events 2022

Jet Skiing in the Ten Thousand Islands

Jet skiing in the Ten Thousand islands.

When I received the flyer with regards to the Jetski group, I thought “wow” what a neat experience, if only I had a Jetski.

So, when I attended Monday Madness in January, I mentioned to Bob Gagnon that it must be pretty cool to explore areas where our boats cannot go.

The first words out of Bobs mouth was, “what are you doing tomorrow”?  Isaid nothing of any importance. Bob says “do you wanna go jet skiing”? I said “Sure”,

To best describe the experience. I said it was better than the best ride at Disney World. The route we took was south of Marco Island. We entered in at Sugar Bay just southeast of Goodland and wound our way to Panther Key. I was amazed at the speed and maneuverability of these modern jetskis. I had not been on a jetski in over 20 years. Bob stood on his ski most of the trip. I felt more comfortable sitting, while bringing my center of gravity down.

On the way back we took what was called “The Beach Route”. This route goes along the islands that are facing Gullivan Bay – from Panther Key, behind Hog, White Horse and Gullivan Key. From there we stopped and decided to take an alternate route back.

We both read the article in the Coastal Breeze about the flamingo that was hanging out with the white pelican flock. We decided to see if we could find the flock. The waves in Gullivan Bay we’re small about 1 foot so we crossed south of Cape Romano to see if we could find them. We found the White pelicans but not the flamingo. Bob said he might be in the interior of Kice island. Unfortunately, we were three hours into a receding tide and it was not safe to go into this area.

I would suggest any member of the club if they want a great experience on a jetski, to talk to Bob. I think it’s a great activity and probably will be a nice incentive for other jet skiers on the island to join our club.

 

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In Activities, Formal, Past Events 2021,

Welcome Back – Welcome Aboard Party

On November 7th at the Lely Players Club, 71 of our members came together for a Caribbean themed Gala event which included dinner, dancing, and raffles. This New Member/Welcome Back dinner was the first major club event in almost two years. It was also the first combined event, as we welcomed 14 new members, 5 who joined us that evening. Our new members are:

Chris and Anna Hutchings
Jean and Jenny Henzel
Jan and Larry Gates
Dave and Jackie Cox
Jim Barker and Kelly Rogers
Dave Hodgkinson and Maureen Camera
Robert and Jean Taylor
We also welcome back John and Mary Moyer, as they have rejoined the club.

First Mate Margi White and her social committee, Bonnie Pilat and Nancy Taylor, worked very hard to make this a special and memorable event. Thanks to the Pilats (Stan and Bonnie) who own a home at Lely, there was no rental fee for the facility. Bonnie is a very talented artist who made all of the favors and decorations, including a spectacular tropical flower arrangement on the buffet table and pineapple beach goers arrangement on display. The centerpieces were her creation with tiki vases and flowers. The message in a bottle at each place setting would determine the winner of each centerpiece. A message with the mermaid on it designated the lucky winners.  We danced to a great mix of oldies and Caribbean music played by DJ Jay. Lely staff was most accommodating and there were many compliments on the food and service.

Congratulations to Linda Sandlin, winner of the grand prize raffle.

At our Annual Business Meeting held at this event, Charlie Erker was elected as our next Rear Commodore and Stan Pilat, Paul Schneeberger, John Taylor and Dave Cox were elected to Director’s positions for 2023 and 2024

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In Activities,

First Mates Luncheon

Marco Bay Yacht Club


From: Member Margi White

Calling all First Mates!

Let’s get together for a lovely luncheon at
Paradise Found on April 21, 2021 at noon. 
We will be dining outdoors.

We are still working on the menu want to know how many of you would be interested in joining in with the First Mates for a little social outing.

Please contact Margi if you are interested. You can email her at   ladym121851@gmail.com

We hope this is the first of many First Mates gatherings in the year ahead.  It has been too long and as we are becoming vaccinated getting together seems easier.

All Best,

Margi White