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!
On February 18th, Commodore Linda Gagnon had a little “Thank You” party for many board members, chairpersons and volunteers. Those that were able to join enjoyed Michelbob’s ribs, chicken, and pulled pork on a very rainy Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, the weather didn’t dampen the fun, and everyone made the best of an indoor picnic.
The weather at this month’s Monday Madness was splendid, though the crowd was a little lighter than usual. However, those who attended had a great time catching up and enjoying the waterfront weather offered by CJ’s Star Bar. The winners of February 50/50 drawing were Dan Lowell, Vern Graham and Jeff Wilson.
Our lunch trip to the Rod & Gun Club was finally blessed with great weather and water conditions and was very well attended with thirteen boats and sixty-three participants. It was a wonderful sight to see the MBYC burgee flying on a parade of 13 boats gliding through the gulf with a blue sky and fluffy white clouds.
However, it was not without unexpected events. The Caxambas group started the morning by polishing their props in the picket fence channel next to Horrs Island, and one of the larger boats ran into challenges in the Everglades channel.
At the Rod and Gun Club we had the whole outside veranda to ourselves with the pool on one side and the channel on the other side. Our servers did a great job of accommodating our large group and the food was delicious. There was lively conversation at every table and many people met each other in person for the first time.
An overall wonderful day with a smooth ride back to our home ports. Also, a big shout out to Jon Schroeder for all the heavy lifting with coordinating this event!
The first stop on our February cruise was to Marina Jack in Sarasota, Going to Marina Jack were Cookin’ (Brent & Susan Cook), Top Shelf (Mike & Maria Adamson), Karine (Bob & Sandy LaMontagne), O Sea D (Vern & Ann Graham) Aurevoir Y’all (Mike & Jeanette Hale) and Little Suzy (George & Suzy Koprash).
All 6 of the boats made a successful trip to Sarasota and had a blast touring local attractions and dining in the many fine restaurants in town, including a great group dinner at Hyde Park Steakhouse and a birthday dinner for Suzy Koprash at Element.
After a five-day stay in Sarasota, we all headed across Tampa Bay to the St. Pete Municipal Marina. This marina is right in the heart of downtown St. Pete making everything within walking distance. As you’ll see from the photos, the nighttime skyline is just beautiful.
Of the six boats at St. Pete, three of the smaller boats departed our 4-night stay a day early due to rough seas forecast for departure day. O Sea D and Aurevoir Y’all headed back to Marco and Cookin’ headed to the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club.
On Sunday Karine, Little Suzy and Top Shelf met up with Cookin’ at Naples City Dock for the last night of a great cruise. George and Suzy hosted all of us on their new 80’ Lazarra for a great Super Bowl Party. In addition to us, 8 boaters, the Hales rejoined us by car and we also got to meet Brad and Tanya Henderson who have now applied for MBYC membership. Our thanks to George and Suzy for hosting a great party and arranging for a fantastic game.
On Monday, everyone except Karine headed home. Karine spent one more night at City Dock so they could explore Naples.
Our next cruise is March 11-19 to Tween Waters and Pink Shell. We hope you can plan to join us for one of our great adventures on the water.
Brent
On February 24th Rob and Jean Taylor hosted the Bridge aboard their magnificent vessel for the 2024 Presentation of the Fleet. Our Chaplain Alan Sandlin reviewed the club history and offered a blessing, and 6 vessels were presented in the procession. It is always a great way to start the new year with a formal ceremony celebrating our club and remembering those who are no longer with us. We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch at CJ’s following the ceremony, and I sincerely thank Sally Orth for coordinating this fabulous event. She is a crucial part of our club and greatly appreciated! Our heartfelt thanks to Rob and Jean for their accommodation.
On January 17th, MBYC First Mates held their first Happy of the Year hosted by Sylvia Doolittle. Fourteen women met at the Speakeasy for a fun filled Happy Hour. The weather was good (a little chilly) and everyone enjoyed good drinks and snacks with friends.
In 2023 we introduced a regular Mah Jongg game and offered training to those who wished to learn how to play this tile game. I am pleased to report that we have had several graduates of that training! Congratulations to Margi White, Kathy Stark, Dianne Tarr, Mary Shaw, Candice Thomas, Jo Baille, Jean Taylor.
Captains of the MBYC fleet are routinely found at the Marco Island Hoots on Thursday mornings around 7:00 AM. Rumor has it that there was a recent celebration as one of them observed a seminal birthday. You are cordially invited to join in the fellowship and comradery.
Many of our First Mates meet Friday at 12:15 pm at the local Marco Island Jewish Synagogue to play Triple Canasta. This event is hosted by Judy Sacher. At our game on January 19, 2024 we honored Judy for organizing and facilitating Canasta every week. Judy was presented with a gift basket and restaurant gift card. Thanks again to Judy for hosting our fun “Canasta Fridays”!
