Past Events 2023 – Marco Bay Yacht Club

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Boating, Day Fleet, Past Events 2023, Social

Day Fleet HavAnnA Cafe Cruise
December 11, 2023

MBYC Cruise to HavAnnA Cafe in Chokoloskee

Planning a day of sun, tropical scenery, and culinary delights, we anticipated a cruise to HavAnnA Cafe in Chokoloskee. Little did we know, the journey would take unexpected turns, transforming a simple outing into a memorable adventure.

The boating portion of the cruise hit a roadblock as a small craft advisory forced the cancellation of the maritime option. Undeterred by the change in plans, we embraced the challenge and pivoted to a land cruise.

As we dined, we found themselves immersed in the captivating outdoor ambiance of HavAnnA Cafe. The venue, adorned with vibrant flowers, transported everyone to the laid-back charm of Key West. The unexpected beauty of the surroundings elevated the overall experience, turning a setback into a serendipitous discovery.

Surprisingly, the setbacks of the day fueled enthusiasm rather than dampening spirits. Some boaters suggested considering another trip to The HavAnnA Cafe in the future. The collective interest and eagerness for a repeat adventure spoke volumes about the resilience and camaraderie among our members.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Boating, Day Fleet, Past Events 2023, Social

MBYC in MI Street Parade 2023
December 9, 2023

Thanks to Participants

Thanks to each of you who participated in the MBYC parade event, you all made it a spectacular event.

From the decorators, to the walkers and riders it was perfect. Logistical and nourishment support from Holly Erker was so appreciated. Alex Orsolini lending his generator and running down at the last minute for a final top off was great. Rudi stopping by to add decoration support was appreciated and Barry Gelfand’s music was a huge addition to the impact of our float.

It would not have even happened without the support of Steve Stark to secure the boat and Charlie Erker to assist in this effort.

Brent Cook’s on site coordination and decorating knowledge was greatly appreciated.

Basically, the club came through as a team to make this happen.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Boating, Day Fleet, Past Events 2023, Social

Holiday Party 2023
December 3, 2023

Holiday Party on the Marco Princess

We arrived to beautiful sunny skies and a man dressed in red, with a white beard and funny hat greeting passengers as they embarked on the ship. Surprise, Santa joined the party and got to pose with many members of the club. Unfortunately, the sunny skies gave way to thick fog as we made our way to the Gulf for a sunset. We missed the sunset but had a fabulous dinner with friends as we cruised around the canals. The Club raised over $1,500 for Toys for Tots. Thanks, Sally Orth, for making the beautiful tree that was raffled off and congratulations to Susan Cook for winning the prize!

As always, Bonnie Pilat organized a fabulous party with fun scratch tickets and a special gift for all.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Past Events 2023, Social

Monday Madness November
November 30 2023

A good crowd gathered at CJ’s on The Bay for Monday Madness on November 27th 2023. The weather was a little cool that night but 40 plus folks came out to socialize with friends. We were pleased to have some potential new members join in the fun.

Our 50/50 winners:
3rd place: Paul Schneeberger $20
2nd place: Lyn Tuttle $32
1st place: Dan Lowell $42

Wishing each and everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Boating, Day Fleet, Past Events 2023, Social

Circumnavigate Marco 2023
November 30, 2023

Monday, November 30, the winds were calm and the gulf smooth, as six vessels filled with adventurous Marco Bay boaters, embarked on a cruise to Paradise Found for our almost annual Circumnavigation of Marco Island. A total of 48 members enjoyed fine food in a wonderful water front venue.

Paradise Found docking, table service and food were all very good. Ability to order off the menu and have individual checks this year was a welcome enhancement.

The addition of a few questions to the Day Fleet event registration process resulted in boaters offering a total of 30 spots for others to join. As a result, 14 participants, who would have otherwise driven, took advantage of the offer and enjoyed several wonderful hours on the water. A great way to get better acquainted with other club members. If you are a land cruiser, please consider this option for future cruises.

Please join us on our next cruise event.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Past Events 2023, Social

Three60 Market Cruise
October, 26 2023

On Thursday October 26 MBYC kicked off the 2023/2024 season with a lunch cruise to Three60 Market in Naples. Fifty members arrived by boat and land for food fun and fellowship.

It was a beautiful day and awesome way to kick off what’s going to be an action packed season of cruising and social activities.

Our leadership team has been hard at work to put together a fantastic slate of cruises and activities for the coming season.

Resolve now to get to know other memberts of the club by being a participant in as many event as possible.

See you on the water.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Past Events 2023, Social

Welcome Back/Aboard Party
Novenber, 4 2023

The Marco Bay Yacht Club held it’s Welcome Back/New Member party at the Player’s Club and Spa at Lely in Naples. It was a groovy reminder of the hippie life as members dove into the themed 1970’s celebration.

Commodore Linda Gagnon introduced the slate of next year’s officers including Bob Gagnon as Rear Commodore and Jeff Wilson and Jack Buinsma joining the board as Directors.

The 13 new members were formally introduced to the group. This has been a great year for new members who are enjoying the varied activities including long range boating, day boating, jet ski outings, and games for every interest. The new MBYC calendar feature was introduced to help everyone keep track of all the options available.

The food was delicious, and the music and dancing were infectious. The photo booth was a popular stop for all!

If you are interested in learning more about the club, please visit MarcoBayYachtClub.com

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Past Events 2023, Social

Monday Madness October
October 30 2023

The season opening Monday Madness at CJs on the Bay on October 30th was a well-attended and festive event. Our members dressed for the season in Halloween attire and had a fun evening socializing with old and new friends. Congratulations to the 50-50 raffle winners: Paul Schneeberger ($40), Bob Gagnon ($30) and Larry Sacher ($20). Although no prize was awarded, Bob Herndon would have won for best costume with his creative ‘cereal killer’ outfit…

Looking forward to seeing you for the November Madness on November 27th at CJ’s on the Bay.

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Past Events 2023, Social

Dine Around Summer 2023

Thanks to the sponsors for the Summer of 2023 Dine Arounds.

June: Cooper’s Hawk Winery Steve & Kathy Stark
July: La Tavola Larry & Patti Bielawski
August: Two Fillets Sylvia & Dave Doolittle
September: Bistro 821 P/C Frank and Marianne Mulligan

Thanks to all the members who made this one the best attended Dine Around seasons. Continue Reading

Dan and Deb Lowell In Activities, Past Events 2023, Social

Monday Madness Summer 2023

While the cat is away the mice will play.

Summer offered opportunities to expand our horizons while escaping the hot muggy Marco summers. However, there is alway a contingent of members who look forwared to our monthly Monday Madness at CJ’s on the Bay. I was able to participate in most of them this summer and submit images of the ones I was able to attend.

As season approaches, attendance continues to build as more of us return from our summer trips and head back to our southern homes.

Looking forward to seeing you for the October Madness on October 30th at CJ’s on the Bay.