Cape Coral Cruise Club - “Where boaters become friends and memories last forever.”
Full speed ahead- We launched the month with a milestone worth ringing the ship’s bell — our official ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating our new membership with the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce. Held on December 3rd at the Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, the event welcomed nearly 30 attendees, including local business leaders, Club members, and even two prospective members eager to learn more about our fleet.
With the marina providing the perfect nautical backdrop, the docks were buzzing with conversation and excitement. Commodore Tad Vaughn offered a brief but heartfelt address, sharing the Club’s proud history dating back to 1963 and reaffirming our mission of promoting safe boating, camaraderie, and adventure on the water. The celebration concluded with everyone gathering dockside for a group photo — a snapshot of a bright new chapter ahead.
December Tween Waters Resort Cruise
Just days later, ten festively adorned boats set sail for Tween Waters Resort for our much-anticipated Holiday Lights Cruise. Members spent the afternoon turning their vessels into floating holiday masterpieces with twinkling lights, inflatables, and plenty of seasonal cheer, all part of a friendly decorating competition that truly lit up the weekend.
The first evening kicked off with a dockside potluck that quickly became a captain’s table-worthy feast, highlighting the impressive culinary skills of our members. After dinner, some followed the sound of live music to the Shipyard Restaurant, while others stayed aboard to relax and enjoy the glow of the decorated docks.
Day two brought high energy and laughter thanks to a resort-wide scavenger hunt masterfully planned by our cruise hosts, Ron and Samantha Ridout. Teams raced from clue to clue, trying not to tip off their competitors — even attempting to recruit the help of unsuspecting resort staff along the way. Once clue sheets were turned in, everyone gathered dockside for an exceptional happy hour featuring charcuterie, crudités, caprese skewers, and other tempting treats while awaiting the results.
Tim and Maryanne Bartholomew claimed first place, with Terry and Laurie Carlson taking second, and prizes were awarded to both teams.
That evening, members strolled together to the Shipyard Restaurant for a lively dinner filled with laughter and stories, followed by a walk along the docks for the official boat-decorating judging.
Day three began with a breakfast worthy of five stars, courtesy of our cruise leaders. The spread included Ron Ridout’s homemade frittata, cinnamon apple cake, fresh fruit, and more. During breakfast, the boat decorating contest winners were announced. Deanne and Steve Connolly took first place with their spectacular gingerbread-house-themed boat — complete with Deanne’s show-stopping gingerbread dress and earrings. Phil and Pat Kryger earned second place, and both teams received well-deserved prizes.
The remainder of the day was smooth sailing, with several couples enjoying a relaxed lunch at the pool bar. Our final evening brought everyone together at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant, where we shared one last wonderful meal, plenty of laughs, and reflections on a truly memorable cruise. The following morning, boats departed early ahead of incoming weather.
Annual Change of Watch celebration
Held at Palmetto Pines Country Club, the evening featured a delicious buffet dinner, live music by Ron Lorenzo, presentation of the “Bent Prop” Award to Tad and Jane Vaughn, and the installation of our new officers. Our 2026 Board of Governors was sworn in by outgoing Commodore, Tad Vaughn. 2026 Commodore - Harry Hargreaves, Vice Commodore – Capt. Ron Sheradin, Rear Commodore – Tim Bartholomew, Secretary – Susan Longman, Treasurer – Barb Byrnes, Membership Chairperson – Laurie Carlson, Island & Property Chairman – Ron Ridout, Members at Large – Tad Vaughn and Dan Weber, will be at the Helm guiding the Club through our 63rd year of safe boating, exciting activities, and making more memories on the water.
With a full calendar, outstanding leadership, and a crew that knows how to celebrate both on and off the water, the Cape Coral Cruise Club is charting an exciting course for cruising and fun in 2026!
Laurie Carlson
If you have a vessel with full overnight accommodations, and would like more information about joining our Club, please contact our Membership Chairperson, Laurie Carlson, at 239-910-5543! You can also check us out on our Facebook page or our website at: www.CapeCoralCruiseClub.com
