Contributing Writer Laurie Carlson
Cape Coral Cruise Club
“Where boaters become friends and memories last forever.”
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Our EPIC Florida Keys Adventure
Spring was in full swing for the Cape Coral Cruise Club and April delivered exactly what our members love most — sunshine, salty air, laughter, adventure, and a few “sporty seas” tossed in for good measure!
Our month kicked off with our annual Island Picnic and Cruise, although this gathering looked a little different than usual.
With many members busy preparing their boats for our upcoming Florida Keys adventure, ALL members made the trip out to the Island on the Captain Phil. No problem for our trusty pontoon captain, who happily made multiple runs transporting all 32 attendees to the festivities. Now THAT’S teamwork!
Hosts Rob and Patty Neri kept everyone well-fed with delicious grilled chicken quarters cooked over the open pit, accompanied by an impressive spread of sides and desserts that could make even the saltiest captain loosen their belt a notch.
With so many members preparing for extended cruising — and following a recent onboard fire experienced by one of our members — the Board felt it was the perfect opportunity for a very important hands-on fire safety demonstration.
Ron Ridout and Tad Vaughn delivered an eye-opening presentation about how quickly fires can spread aboard a vessel and stressed the importance of having multiple, up-to-date fire extinguishers on board. Members even had the chance to practice using expired extinguishers and outdated flares in a controlled setting.
First mates and captains alike quickly learned that confidence and preparation matter when seconds count. It was informative, engaging, and perhaps one of the most valuable demonstrations we’ve had in quite some time.
Our April club meeting was held at FINS Seafood & Dive Bar with 38 members in attendance. Updates were shared about Island improvements, future picnic schedules, membership growth, and upcoming cruises. One particularly “hot” topic of discussion was the upcoming chili cook-off, with a few brave culinary contenders already issuing playful challenges and talking a little smack about their secret recipes. We cannot wait to see who earns the bragging rights!
And then came the big one… our long-awaited Florida Keys Cruise!
Day one began with 11 boats rendezvousing at Marker 101 before heading southbound toward adventure. In perhaps the boldest move of the trip, our newest members aboard “Way Maker” decided this would be the perfect “shake down” cruise for their newly purchased 410 Silverton. Talk about jumping in feet first!
The fleet split pace-wise for the evening, with faster boats docking in Naples and the slower cruising group stopping in Marco Island. By day two, everyone crossed over in some rather “sporty” Gulf conditions and ultimately arrived safely in Key West.
The group spent two nights enjoying all that Key West has to offer — exploring the island, dining together, and gathering nightly for docktails along the docks at City Marina.
Unfortunately, members aboard “Miss Bailey” experienced mechanical difficulties that required an extended stay in Key West working alongside a mechanic, ultimately cutting their cruise short. As every seasoned boater knows, flexibility is simply part of the cruising lifestyle.
From Key West, the fleet headed toward Marathon and the absolutely stunning Marlin Bay Resort. Along the way, another member encountered dinghy and steering troubles, but true to CCCC fashion, everyone rallied together to ensure they were safe before continuing.
Although they ultimately needed a tow for the final stretch into the marina, spirits remained high and support from fellow members never wavered.
That evening, members explored the beautiful resort grounds, cooled off in the gorgeous pool, and gathered waterside for a fantastic potluck dinner. Barb Byrnes’ famous “Orange Crush” cocktails may or may not have contributed to some especially lively dockside conversations! As sunset approached, everyone gathered along the waterfront to watch the sun slowly melt into the Gulf waters, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the ever-elusive “Green Flash” that boaters and sunset lovers are always chasing.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the The Turtle Hospital. Members learned about the many sea turtle species inhabiting Florida waters, the dangers they face, and the rehabilitation process that allows approximately 70% of rescued turtles to eventually return to the wild. The remaining turtles become permanent residents, helping educate future visitors about marine conservation. It was both fascinating and inspiring.
Afterward, some members enjoyed a relaxing afternoon poolside while others explored nearby shops. But the true comedy event of the day came courtesy of our cruise leaders’ surprise “Cork Game.” Two entire buckets of wine corks were dumped into the pool and members scrambled to collect as many as possible in pursuit of the grand prize. Let’s just say corks were discovered stuffed into swimsuits, pockets, hats, and places we probably shouldn’t mention in print!
Dinner that evening, the staff at Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House did a wonderful job giving us a private room and ensuring our group of 22 hungry boaters were well taken care of. It was the perfect ending to another incredible day in paradise.
Sunday brought another memorable gathering as members Bill and Deb Lussier graciously hosted the club at their beautiful Marathon home for a pool party and barbecue. Bill and Ron served as the grill masters for the afternoon while members arrived with side dishes, stories, laughter, and plenty of cruising tales to share. Some relaxed beneath the tiki hut, some spent hours cooling off in the pool, while others opted for a competitive game of Wizard that quickly became just as lively as the poolside conversations.
As weather forecasts began turning a bit “dicey,” cruise leaders made the wise decision to begin the Gulf crossing home a day early. Eight boats departed Monday morning, while “Pegasus” continued on toward the Dry Tortugas and “Nauti Cat” remained behind awaiting steering repairs. The returning group spent the evening at Everglades Isle Motorcoach Resort & Marina, enjoying the resort amenities, pool, tiki bar, and even the dog park for our four-legged crew members.
That evening delivered one final gift — an absolutely breathtaking sunset painted across smoky skies in fiery shades of orange, red, and purple. One adventurous member even climbed all 52 stairs of the property lighthouse to capture the unforgettable view from above.
The following morning, members made the decision to head straight home ahead of increasing winds and choppy seas, with all boats arriving safely back to Southwest Florida.
The amount of planning and organization invested into this incredible cruise by our cruise leaders, the Krygers and the Vaughns, was truly next-level. They absolutely set the bar high for future long-distance cruises, and if member feedback is any indication… everyone is already ready to do it again!
Next up for the Cape Coral Cruise Club — Naples City Marina. Stay tuned for more adventures, more laughs, and more unforgettable memories on the water!
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Laurie Carlson
Come Join The Fun!
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
