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Cruising: Departures and Ports of Call
Departures
Club cruises guarantee memorable adventures
October 12-14, 2021
This group was small but mighty for the first overnight cruise of the 2021-2022 season! When we returned to the ‘Tween Waters Resort Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island, we enjoyed many of the property’s renovations, as well as what have come to be normal cruising activities.
A trip to Captiva wouldn’t be complete without dining at the Green Flash. So, of course, we all got together to do just that after enjoying some homemade appetizers and cocktails at the marina.
What would a cruise be without bocce? This season, we took it to the beach. Special bocce sets allowed for us to play in the sand and enjoy the sparkling beaches. After we presented the bocce awards, we enjoyed dinner at the Old Captiva House and got some rest before making our way back home to Naples.
We would always recommend this quaint cruise to new cruisers or land-cruisers. It is usually a small group that is always packed with camaraderie. --John and Susan Howell
Boca Grande Overnight Cruise
November 10-12, 2021
Spirits were high as 70 members made their way to beautiful Gasparilla Island for our annual overnight cruise to Boca Grande. Even though this cruise is a member favorite, we haven’t experienced a turnout like this!
After 12 boats docked at the Boca Grande Marina, docktails kicked off the trip. NYC Executive Chef Michael Katz made sure no one went hungry by providing us with fabulous appetizers.
The next day of the cruise, while most members competed in the traditional bocce tournament or played golf, Tighe King and John took to Charlotte Harbor for some
incredible fishing. It was on fire and our charter ended up landing us the “Big Fish Award” at the annual Rendezvous Dinner back at the club later in the season. 7 Our special guest, Clay Risen, joined us all the way from New York City and taught us all about bourbon. There was no need to be a connoisseur of the spirit to enjoy his knowledge. The finale of the cruise was a cocktail party at the elegant Gasparilla Inn Beach Club.
This cruise was fun to plan and even more fun to enjoy with our friends. --John and Debbie Tisdel
February 15-17, 2022
South Seas Overnight Cruise
The South Seas Overnight Cruise enjoyed another recordbreaking attendance! Sixty-four members and 18 boats arrived at Captiva Island on smooth seas for a great cruise. When the wind started to pick up, we took our Welcome Luau Dinner indoors. Live entertainment and leis welcomed us for our first evening on the cruise.
The next day, we took to the courts for one of the biggest bocce tournaments we had ever seen. With some hard work and determination, we won! I still can’t believe our luck.
Later that evening, we all boarded the Lady Chadwick for a cocktail cruise around the island. Playful dolphins and a pictureperfect sunset created a beautiful finale for the cruise before we departed the next day.
We are already looking forward to what this season’s Cruise Leaders have in store for the South Seas cruise! -- John and Carolyn Moisson
April 26-29, 2022
They came by land, they came by sea, and they came by air to gather for the 2022 Key West Overnight Cruise. Ninetysix NYC members, 25 motor vessels, and one sailboat met on April 26 at Pirate’s Cove Restaurant for docktails at Key West.
Patriotism was the theme as cruisers toured and dined at Truman’s Little White House and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Ingham. We learned about, and shared, patriotic stories of what makes America great.
Sixty of our cruisers enjoyed a very special visit to the U.S. Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School on Fleming Key. The base commander provided an orientation that included the facility’s history, mission, training, and more. Instructors provided an overview of some of the equipment and training techniques. Everyone was impressed and expressed pride in this important component of our military defense.
Some flew home, while others drove. Boaters enjoyed a calm, following-sea back to Naples. --Rusty and Libby McKee
Key West Overnight Cruise
Ports of Call
2022-2023 Cruise Season
The Naples Yacht Club Cruising Program has become a cornerstone of the club’s operation. The fun and exciting excursions that take place during the season are opportune moments for members to develop friendships that easily translate from the South Florida destinations to inside the clubhouse walls.
Join your fellow members for an overnight, lunch, or light cruise. There is a cruise to suit every lifestyle and schedule.
No boat? No worries. Take the land yacht out for a drive and “cruise” to the destination of your choice. For descriptions of cruise types, see “Clubs Within the Club” on page 31.
Go to the “Cruising” tab on the NYC website for more information on upcoming cruises, cruise itineraries, and how to register.
OVERNIGHT CRUISES
‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
October 25-27, 2022
Cruise Leaders: Peter and Carol Girardin With a typical attendance of less than 20 members, this is the club’s most intimate Overnight Cruise. Participants enjoy the Sanibel and Captiva islands’ sparkling waters, sunsets, and abundant seashells.
Boca Grande
November 14-16 and November 16-18, 2022
Cruise Leaders: John and Susan Howell, Franklin and Barbara Carson Due to popular demand, NYC will be visiting Boca Grande twice for the first time. Register for only one set of dates to visit Gasparilla Island, where you will be charmed by the perfectly preserved old Florida ambience of Boca Grande and the Gasparilla Inn & Club. Legacy Harbour Marina
February 7-9, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Brad and Margaret Cowgill A favorite Cruise Lite destination extended to an Overnight Cruise, Legacy Harbour Marina in downtown Fort Myers is fun for history buffs. With great local restaurants, shops, art, and cultural attractions, there is plenty to explore. South Seas Island Resort
February 21-24, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Charlie and Elise Brown, Preston and Allison Bradford Visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for an afternoon of birdwatching or partake in a poolside cocktail. Captiva Island and South Seas Resort have a lot of fun to offer. Join an entertaining game of bocce or play nine holes with a waterfront view. This year, an extra night has been added to this cruise to extend this memorable experience.
St. Petersburg
March 13-16, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Mathew and Kathy Brainerd Enjoy a cruise to “Sunshine City.” Dock at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and enjoy the iconic downtown areas. Surrounded by 244 miles of shoreline, St. Pete is home to a thriving visual and performing arts scene.
Ocean Reef Club
April 16-20, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Bruce and Bernadine Lakefield Ocean Reef Club is an exclusive hideaway that offers every amenity imaginable, from a private airport to a Wynn’s Market. The luxurious Ocean Reef Club is one of the most well-attended ports of call in NYC history. Wrap up the cruise season with the bocce ball grand championships. Fun is sure to be had by all who attend!
CRUISE LITE
Useppa Island Club
January 17-18, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Rob and Cathy Funderburg Enjoy the historically rich environment of Useppa Island located at the northern tip of Pine Island Sound. A paradise for anglers looking for the perfect catch!
LUNCH CRUISES
Marco Island Yacht Club
January 25, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Tony and Mary Balsamo A short boat or car ride from the club, Marco Island Yacht Club is a convenient destination to enjoy lunch with friends and members, and boaters enjoy the cruise through Port Royal on their way back to the club.
Naples Sailing & Yacht Club
February 15, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Stephanie and Richard Prebish Enjoy lunch just a skip across the bay to our neighbors at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. Views of your home club from their relaxing terrace and pool area are the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable lunch with NYC friends.
Salty Sam’s Marina
March 28, 2023
Cruise Leaders: Joe and Laurie Clair A Caribbean retreat on Fort Myers Beach, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill will have you adjusting your watch to island time. Cruise home and arrive back in Naples before dinner.
On the Hook Cruises For our experienced cruisers, test your skills by cruising “On the Hook” to a nearby anchorage for a night aboard your vessel on March 8, 2023. Tony Balsamo and Paul Yeoham will be your guides as Cruise Leaders. If you want to keep the adventure going, join a cruise to the Dry Tortugas led by Paul and Donna Yeoham on April 6-10, 2023.
