CRUISING FLEET

from Smooth Sailing Newsletter ~ September 2023

Gourmet Wine Dinner

by Kevin Cross, Fleet Captain

Alittle (or even a lot of) summer heat did not deter the Cruising Fleet. We’ve had a fun-filled summer with monthly cruises, a summer party and Day Tripper outings. Fortunately, our monthly cruise destinations all featured pools where cruisers could gather, refreshing drink in hand, for our summer version of docktails!

June’s cruise to Clearwater YC was organized by Port Directors Jeff & Sue Cooper who kept cruisers guessing as to what the group team-building event might entail. The spirited team competition involved assembling rocking moose (yes, moose), under direction of a captain and first mate communicating via headset with the Jablonsky-Cross team taking first place! After careful quality control inspections, the finished moose were delivered to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Longboat Key Club was our destination in July, with Port Directors Allen & Pam Thomas, sharing their favorite beach getaway with the group. On Friday, we enjoyed docktails at shaded picnic tables, dinner at Portofino’s and a tour of the Gessner’s beautiful new Maritimo. Saturday included lunch and beach time hosted by the Thomas’, afternoon pool docktails, and a spectacular evening lightning storm (thankfully, everyone was safely docked)!

July also included a summer party at Pass-a-Grille where 60 cruisers enjoyed a fantastic buffet and social time. The Day Tripper outings were to Tiki Docks in June and Davis Island YC in July. The weather was especially nice for the DIYC trip allowing most to travel by boat. Our two August cruises to Tampa Y&CC will be covered next month.

We have been busy planning our 2024 calendar and appreciate members’ responses to our annual survey. We will preview 2024 plans at our September 7th luncheon which will also feature renowned weather forecaster and router Chris Parker of the Marine Weather Center. Thanks to Garry Haas for arranging an impressive lineup of speakers this fall!