CRUISE REPORTS

Cruise Reports are to be filed by the Captain after each Cruise.
Please send your report and pictures to the Webmaster

Burnt Store Marina Luncheon Cruise Report
January 29, 2012

Sunday morning was a beautiful day for our cruise to Burnt Store Marina. There were 15 boats and numerous crew.

As we approached the Burnt Store Marina channel, the wind was picking up from the NNE. That combined with an outgoing tide brought into play the shoal on the south side of the channel. Our ever diligent cruise captain, Bob Peterson, aboard The Office recognized the danger and courageously marked the shoal for the incoming boats. After most boats were safely passed, The Office came off the shoal and proceeded to tie up at his assigned slip.

A good time was had by all as we feasted on a bountiful brunch. Captains and crews had a pleasant ride home with blue sky and a light chop.

Below is a list of the participants and we apologize if some one’s name was omitted.

Matt & Rhoda Ezra
Co-Captains

Punta Gorda Cruise Report
January 27-29, 2012

The second annual cruise to our town started on Friday Jan 27. About 20 boats found safe anchorage off Gilchrist Park in the afternoon and we all met, via dinghies, at Gilchrest Beach for a party under the gazebo. Several members also joined the party following traditional land routes.

Many of us met on Sat morning for our walk over the bridge and we all crowded into Deans for our reward. The day was filled with various activities; some played tennis others enjoyed the Italia Fest. Later, 52 of us met for a great dinner at Jack's. Many of us then watched the fireworks light up our sky (and not our dinghies). The cruise gave us all a greater appreciation of our gem of a town and moving around it on water.

Cruise Captains,
Al Alexander
Jake Dye

New Year Cruise to Pelican Bay Report
December 31, 2011 - January 1, 2012

What a fantastic way to ring in the new year – in Pelican Bay with absolutely gorgeous weather and 38 PGIslanders friends. We had 18 boats and five guests, for a total of 43 happy participants of our annual club New Year’s Cruise. Special thanks must go out to Sam and Tina Shirck for their wonderful hospitality aboard Jet Stream, and to co-captains Steve and Nancy Johnson aboard Chat-Eau. Having a raft of those two large and comfortable boats makes it possible to entertain 43 revelers, and the beautiful starry night and balmy temperatures made it an absolute delight to sit on the foredecks and drink it all in.

The Osborne's brought along their musician friends, Dan and Peggy, who entertained the crowd aboard Jet Stream with their hammer dulcimer and guitar. It was quite a bonus. Bowing to reality, we celebrated New Year’s in several time zones, so that those who chose could retire earlier. The latest one was celebrated aboard the raft-up at 11pm local time; it seems practicality has triumphed over style as we become older and wiser.

As usual, the PGIslanders came armed with more good food than you could possibly eat, for both the evening celebration and the Sunday morning brunch. Aside from eating and drinking, many enjoyed strolling the beach in the warm sun and wading in the surf for shells. The weather really could not have been more perfect, and the camaraderie is hard to beat, too.

Duane Ising
Cruise Captain

Rim Canal Boat Parade Report
December 16, 2011

It was a winter wonderland in the rim canal. Reindeer were prancing on the Starsman’s and Peterson’s boat. Colorfully wrapped presents , snowman and Santa were appreciated by the crowd. The busy elves were giving everyone on shore a ho-ho-ho. The lone sailboat was beautiful, with her many lighted strands and star at the top of her mast. Happy holidays to all and have a healthy and happy new year.

Rim Canal Parade-Cruise captain-Diane Ising

The Office
Captain-Bob Peterson
Guest-Ising


Yorkshire Rose
Captain-Fuller
Guests-Nielson, Millburg


Dream Catcher
Captain-Reiche
Guests-Haswell, Albin, Whilton, Clark and Waschbusch


Starship
Captain-Starsman
Guest-Dunn

Sunset at Sunset Lake Cruise Report
December 16, 2011

Seven boats with 16 stalwart crew braved the high ripples of Sunset Lake for a friendly get-together on Friday, December 16th.

Fears of starvation and scurvy were allayed by offerings from the personal larders of the lovely Admirals.

The Captains were reported to have issued an extra ration (or 3) of rum to the crew after rumors were heard of a possible mutiny.

Eventually the raft of boats was broken up by frightenly high wavelets.

Since no "Mayday" calls were heard, it's assumed that all Captains successfully threaded the mysterious waters of Punta Gorda Isles successfully and reached their distant home ports safely.

Ken Klaren
Cruise Captain

Fish Shack Cruise Report
November 18-20, 2011

OK, you have to admit that you check off several items from your cruising bucket list.

1. Dinner at Cabbage Key, which turned out pretty good. Big difference from lunch burgers.
2. Breakfast at a fish shack. OK, most of us didn’t have it on the list because we didn’t know what it was. We are now in a small privileged group with inside knowledge of the escape hatch.

Thanks to John for providing the coolest part of the trip (and of course Cynthia and David for bird poop scraping detail while John was fishing.) For having threatening weather, we really lucked out with fantastic weather!

Thanks to all for making this a really fun cruise, and good cruising to those heading north, and other parts.

Jake Dye
Cruise Captain

South Seas Resort Cruise Report
November 14-17, 2011

Hi Guys,

Five boats signed up for the South Seas Resort cruise November 14-17.

TThey were Sweet Freedom – Matt & Rhoda Ezra, Crown Pipenott – Steve & Penny Kapin, My Weigh - Harry & Lorri Walberg, Good News – Bill & Jan Lorton, After Tennis – Shelly & Freya Harris.

The Harris’s son Scott flew in from Texas to surprise his mom for her birthday. We enjoyed South Seas during the day and did our own thing. Some went to the beach, others went shopping, but we all met up at that pool to plan the next days activities. The first night we used their grill and ate together. But the evening first started with cocktails and appetizers at Harbourside Grille. Tuesday night dinner at R C Otters was fun and Wednesday night South Seas provided a complimentary dinner.

We all agreed the weatherman had provided us with three glorious days and calm seas for the trip back home. Everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Matt & Rhoda Ezra
Cruise Captains

Sunset Cruise Report
November 10, 2011

We ran a sunset cruise. We had 5 boats. It was a beautiful night to be out on the harbor.

The following boats and Islanders joined us in the fun.

• One Pole Cat - Tom and Carolyn McAlear
• "Ace" B Happy - Wayne and Barb Albin
• Diva Di  - Duane and Diane Ising with riders Lynn and Zack Olzacki, and David and Carolyn McBride
• Miss Margo II - Archie and Margo Farr

Thanks

Joann and John Anderson on "Blue Seas"
Cruise Captains

Cruise North to NoWhere Report
November 6-26, 2011

The cruise started from Venice right after the Art Show Cruise on Nov. 6 and ended on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Most nights were at anchor in various locations. We covered 308 miles on the GPS log. A total of 9 boats participated in the cruise. Most of the weather was warm with good winds. We did quite a bit of sailing in the Gulf and lots of beach walking.

For the first time on this cruise, the group visited Tampa and stayed at the Convention Center Floating Docks. While in Tampa, we took the street cars, buses and walked to some very good museums, aquarium and Ybor City. However, we still did not find “Nowhere”. So, there is something to look forward to next year.

Toby Haswell
Cruise Captain

Impromptu Cruise to Boca Grande Report
November 6-7, 2011

I ran an impromptu cruise to Boca Grande on Sun Nov 6th and 7th....

The following boats were in attendance

• Sweet Freedom with Matt & Rhoda Ezra
• Vagabond with Jim & Merri Roe
• Crown Pipenott with Stephen & Penny Kapin

Thank you,
Penny & Stephen Kapin
Cruise Captains

Brunch Cruise to Burnt Store Marina Report
November 6, 2011

The Brunch Cruise to Burnt Store Marina took place on Sunday, November 6th. The day was pleasant – sunny with winds out of the NNE at 14mph gusting to 20 mph.

Six boats and 22 people ventured out for the trip to Burnt Store for an 11:30 rendezvous’. The ride down was pleasant. As we entered the marina we were greeted by the boats of the Seafarers who were departing after a weekend getaway.

In attendance were: Captain Jake and Pat Dye

• Captain Joann Nemeth with Bruce and Mary Gensmer and three guests.
• Captain Al and Joan Wiker with Larry and Diane Lowy and Rebecca Diemer and Bill Beston
• Captain John and Jan Perry
• Captain Ken and Karen Rolland
• Captain Harry and Lorri Walberg with Rob and Laurie Frost

The Brunch was plentiful and there also was the full menu to choose from. It appeared as though everyone enjoyed their meals especially the Belgium Waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The trip back was a little bumpy as the winds picked up and a few clouds rolled in. The chop was moderate 1 -2 feet but as we have come to realize over the years, Mr. (or Ms.) NOAA must have big feet.

Lorri Walberg
Cruise Captain

Venice Cruise to Crow's Nest Report
November 4-6, 2011

Once again the 10th annual cruise to the Crow’s Nest marina for the Venice Fine Arts Festival didn’t disappoint. In spite of a windy and misty start to the morning, 15 boats found their way to their destination. Donning layers of warm clothes, the docktail party Friday evening provided the usual Islander culinary feast with good friends and good food.

On a beautiful sunny Saturday, the art fair provided something for everyone….from art to food. On Saturday evening, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Crow’s Nest restaurant.

On Sunday, some cruisers headed for home port while others ventured north as time and weather permitted.

A thank you to the following Islanders for sharing this adventure: The Haswells, the Hagstrands, the G. Andersons, the Clarks, the Langs, the Crimmins, the Gaddys, the Lortons, the Kots, the Longs, the Fullers, the Millburgs, the Ezras, the Johnsons and the Waschbuschs.

Jim and Joann Waschbusch/strong>
Cruise Captains

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Last modified: 02/04/12