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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 

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In Baylines

MBYC Member Involved in Kayaker Rescue

On April 3, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was on patrol in the Everglades when they were flagged down by a pair of kayakers a mile or two from Everglades City. One of them was sunburned, dehydrated, and clearly struggling. They asked for help getting back to the Ranger Station—and thankfully, help was already there.

Our own Bob Gagnon happened to be part of that patrol. While this wasn’t a dramatic, life-or-death rescue, it’s a perfect reminder of something we all know but don’t always say out loud: when we’re out on the water, we look out for each other. A dehydrated paddler trying to make it back on his own could have turned into a much more serious situation. A simple assist made all the difference.
Bob is also a certified Instructor for the Auxiliary.

Stories like this—moments of human connection, small wins, lessons learned—are exactly what brings our club closer together. If you have a personal story or a moment worth sharing, I encourage you to send it in to Baylines.

It doesn’t have to be about boating. In fact, the more we share about our lives and experiences, the more we discover new ways to connect with members we may not know well yet. That’s how a club becomes a community.

I hope you’ll join me in that spirit.

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

 

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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 18th ,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 21st 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 25th 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!”

 

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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.

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In Baylines, Past Events 2026

Coastal Breeze Article – Change of Watch

I would like to Thank Howard Lipkin for getting MBYC change of Watch into the Coastal Breeze. Articles like these could help in recruitment into the club.

The Marco Bay Yacht Club (MBYC), a vibrant boating and social organization serving Marco Island and the South Naples area, marked a milestone evening with its 52nd Annual Change of Watch at the Commodore’s Ball held at the Players Club in Lely Resort.

The elegant evening celebrated the installation of the club’s new bridge and board, highlighted by the welcoming of incoming Commodore Bob Gagnon and Vice Commodore Jeff Wilson. Members and guests enjoyed a well-attended event filled with dancing, camaraderie, and celebration, set to the lively music of the Rockefeller Duo and complemented by outstanding food and drink.

The Change of Watch also provided an opportunity to reflect on a banner year for MBYC. Throughout 2025, members enjoyed an active calendar of boating adventures and social gatherings. Day fleet outings included popular local destinations such as Chokoloskee and Fort Myers, while jet ski excursions explored backwaters and mangrove trails. Owners of larger vessels participated in multi-day cruises, further strengthening friendships and shared experiences on the water.

Off the docks, the club’s social calendar was equally robust, featuring regular games of poker, canasta, mahjong, and Mexican Train. Many of these activities continue through the summer months, ensuring that MBYC remains a year-round source of fun, fellowship, and community connection.

Now entering its 53rd year, the Marco Bay Yacht Club continues to welcome new members who are interested in an inclusive, active, and welcoming organization that blends boating, social engagement, and lasting friendships. With a full calendar of events and a strong sense of camaraderie, MBYC offers something for everyone who enjoys life on and off the water.

In Baylines, Informal, Past Events 2026

Poker – We are Heading to Vegas Baby

 

MBYC Poker nights continue to deliver big excitement and even bigger bragging rights. In these photos, Fran shows off a beautiful Straight Flush, while Marianne tops the night with the rarest hand in the game — a Royal Straight Flush. With cards like that hitting the table, it’s no wonder the room erupts in cheers and good‑natured groans. Someone always walks away a winner, sometimes with as much as ten whole dollars, which at MBYC counts as high‑stakes glory.

In another game Doug thumped the table with 4 of a kind.

The club plays Texas Hold’em or Omaha, and there’s a game nearly every week, all year long. It’s friendly and full of laughs — the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie that makes MBYC such a special community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious to learn, come join the fun. To get in on the action, contact Frank Mulligan and pull up a seat at the table.