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January, 2016

Gulf Coast Sailing Club

Luff n Laff

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SAILING TIME JANUARY ME MBERS MEE T ING

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan 9th GCSC New Year’s Regatta, a

BOTY race and the first of the

Commodore’s Cup Series.

Jan 13th Members meeting at 6 pm

with 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off and

prizes

Jan 17th Sugden Sailing & Picnic

Jan 16-19 GCSC cruise to Panther

Key / Russell Bay / Everglades City

Jan 24th Day Sail and Raft-Up

In this Edition Flag Officers

Winner of the Light Parade

Sailboat Class

NYC Offshore Regatta winners

January at GCSC

Our January Membership

Meeting will be on Jan 13th at

6 pm at the River Park

Community Center at 301 11th

St. We will have our Annual

Chili Cook off and Prizes.

Bring your own beer or wine.

Race awards from the New

Year Regatta as well as other

awards will be presented.

Our New Web Site will be

Officially Presented to the

Membership.

The guest speaker will be

Master Officer Jeffery Perry of

the Naples Police Department

Topic – Marine Community

Oriented Policing, Marine

Security – On Water Speed

limits and more

2016 starts off with GCSC’s New

Year’s Regatta on January 9th. This is

also the first Regatta in the

Commodore’s Cup series. On January

17th we will enjoy another Sunday

sailing and picnic at Lake Avalon. If

you haven’t been to one of the sailing

and picnic events you are missing an

AWESOME time. It is a great way to

meet new club members and enjoy the

fun of small boat sailing. New sailors

get some free lessons. Gusty winds can

make for an exciting day at the lake.

Plan to bring an appetizer or dessert to

share and your spouse, a friend and

your kids and sail at Sugden Park

Sailing Center. Picnic from 12 to 1

pm, sailing from12:30 to 3:00 pm.

The cost is $15 for a single, $25 for a

couple and $30 for a family.

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Commodore’s Comments

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR CLUB MEMBERS. I am back in Naples and very grateful for everyone’s support and words of encouragement while I was recovering. 2015 finished with a great time at the Holiday Party thanks to the efforts of Gwen Andersen and Gary Schwarting, the Event Chairs and Fred and Colleen Hall, Susan Watkins and Lorelei Diamond for their efforts in

making the party a success. Also a HUGH THANK YOU goes to Bob Diamond and all the other Board members who kept everything in the Club going without missing a beat. One of our new Board Members, Paul Carlson who is chairing our AVOW Regatta efforts is doing an amazing job, along with other members of the Board, in organizing the Regatta and all the related events. The 2016 AVOW Regatta promised to be a great one. January brings about many exciting changing. We have new Flag Officers and new members on the Board of Directors, who have tremendous skill sets to help move the Club forward and help ensure that it remains one of the premier sailing clubs in Southwest Florida. Many thanks to those who have volunteered to serve as Officers and Directors

Our 2016 Flag Officers are: Commodore –Moe Scully

Vice Commodore –Open Position ( Bob Diamond temporarily filling in ) Rear Commodore -- Ken Cort

Treasurer—Sherry Kimble Secretary—Shawn Todd

The Gulf Coast Sailing Club will be directly sponsoring three regattas, the New Year’s Regatta, the Spring Regatta and the AVOW Regatta and the best performer in all three regattas will take home The Commodore’s Cup Trophy. In addition, GCSC sponsors the Labor Day Weekend Rendezvous Regatta The Club is a volunteer driven organization where ALL MEMBERS are encouraged to contribute their skills and energy in some manner to make sailing a vibrant part of the community of Southwest Florida. There are lots of good things going on right now in the Club and if you would like to be an active part of it we will welcome you with open arms where you can give back to the Club and help make a difference. Make 2016 the year that you contribute your talents and time to help make the Club the best it can be.

// Moe Scully mauricescully@gmail.com

Acting Vice-Commodore’s Comments

It is good to have Moe Scully back at the Helm. I have a new appreciation for the Job

that Moe and all of our past Commodores had to perform to keep Gulf Coast Sailing

Club the “Heart of Sailing in Naples and Southwest Florida.

Lorelei and I celebrated Moe’s return to Naples by setting sail for Russell Bay for a quick post

Christmas cruise. As the “Crow Flies”, Russell Bay is about 25 nautical miles southeast of Gordon

Pass and about 4.5 nautical miles southeast of Panther Key at

25.49.868 N and 081.26.575 W.

Russell Bay is a quiet well protected anchorage. We saw occasional

small fishing skiffs and little else to remind us of civilization.

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Nearby on isolated sand spits was a colony of several hundred White Pelicans. These White

Pelicans are among the largest birds in North America and seek isolated habitats. Unlike their

smaller and more common brown cousins, the Whites dine by cooperatively herding the fish into

tight schools before enjoying a sushi lunch.

Even though I enjoy the adrenalin rush and competitiveness of racing, Lorelei and I both enjoy

relaxing sails to beautiful places. Southwest Florida offers many destinations for Cruising. Some

have Marinas and Hotels for those of us who enjoy amenities. Other destinations offer quiet

anchorages with little else than crowdless beaches and great scenery. Lorelei and I enjoy both types

of sailing destinations.

If you have a powerboat or a sailboat, if you have a big boat or a small boat, if you are an

experienced blue water sailor or still trying to figure out what all those ropes and instruments actually

do, then Gulf Coast Sailing Club has programs for you.

Please read further in this copy of LuffnLaff to see the activities planned for 2016.

If you enjoy being on or near the water, I am confident you will find programs that you and your

family will enjoy.

PS: As our home garage door was opening last night, we saw

a shadowy animal scurry into the garage. We thought it was a

large rat or similar rodent. When Lorelei and I turned on all of

the lights, we were surprised to see the largest frog like

creature that either of us had ever seen. Fortunately, we

recalled the several news stories on this creature, so we

made sure not to touch it. The toad appeared more afraid of

us than the reverse. We were easily able to guide it back into

the wild using a broom.

This toad is just one of the many non-native invasive dangerous species that have been set loose in

Southwest Florida. The protective chemicals that this toad extrudes onto its’ own skin are highly

toxic. These toxins can kill pets and other small animals. At a minimum, these toxins will be

debilitating to humans. Under no circumstances should you or your pets touch these toads. For more

information just Google “Florida Poisonous Toads”.

The photo of the toad in a gloved hand is a stock photo from the internet. We are neither that skilled at handling poisonous creatures nor that stupid.

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GCSC 2nd ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF

GCSC Official NOC

Notice of Chili When: January 13, 2016 (monthly meeting)

Where: Riverside Community Center Time: 6:00 pm

We are asking those who are interested in entering to bring a prepared pot of their favorite chili

(At least one gallon) It can be beef, pork, chicken, buffalo, vegan, veggie, etc.

It can be with or without beans It can be mild, medium or hot

This will be a People’s Choice competition for 1st-2nd-3rd places

Awards will be given

ATTENTION ALL SKIPPERS. Enter your boat in the Chili Challenge. There will be a special prize for the

winning chili sponsored by a boat. We need at least 5 boats in this competition. Show your Boat Spirit and your cooking skills

Please be self-contained-no LP, Sterno, Butane, etc heating units are allowed (due to fire regulations as set by our venue)

Electric only Crock pots would be ideal

Club will provide extension cords, electric strips, a hot plate or two (If you can bring your own-that would be great-borrow one if you have to)

(Bring your own serving utensil) Tasting cups, silverware & napkins provided

Soda & water provided-BYOB

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PLEASE RSVP TO FRED & COLLEEN fbcmhall@aol.com

by January 11th if you plan on entering We need to know so that we can have the correct amount of tables set up

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE & GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

The 26th Annual Christmas Boat Parade

Broad Reach, Owned by Sherry and Sydney Kimble

GCSC Sailors Win 1st Place Sailboat Award

The 26th Annual Christmas Boat Parade

hosted by the MIACC had a fantastic

turnout with 33 boats participating. It was

a beautiful evening with perfect weather

and a fantastic sunset (picture attached).

Broad Reach, owned by Sherry and

Sydney Kimble was decked out in her

patriotic colors as the theme was "Stars

and Stripes" and she took first place in the

sailboat category +35'. It was very

heartwarming that Kristin and Doug with

Tropical Storm had their crew and party on

the dock, cheering us on as we went by!

With the Naples Offshore Regatta being held on the same day as the parade, there were lots of

members at the Naples Yacht Club cheering us on as well. Definitely a great time to be on the water

in Naples!

Naples Yacht Club 2015 OFFSHORE REGATTA

GCSC Members Wins 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place

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Naples Yacht Club 2015 OFFSHORE REGATTA

GCSC members onboard “H2O” SALILING TEAM (Bob Waddell, Capt. Betti Garcia, Capt. Seaby Bess, Rodger Pfeiffenberger, Rick Cantor, Shawn Todd, Cecil Hazen and Jerry Watkins), brings “H2O” across the finish line with a 1st place in her class and 1st place overall other yachts in the 2015 Naples Yacht Club Offshore Regatta! 12/12/15. Saturday 12/12/15 starting from the Naples Pier at 11:30 AM all fleets set sail on a heading of 190 degrees for the 15.6 mile course, with a completion deadline of 4 hours 30 minutes! 80 degree winds from the East/Northeast sent the fleets downwind across the starting line on the 1st of (4) 3.9 mile legs, for the 1st distance race of the 2015-2016 Southwest Florida Boat of the Year competition. Typical buoy racing vs. distance destination racing, offers a different opportunity for handicap events. Distance racing involves different strategies, and navigational skills and tools, as well as; tactical maneuvers to stay the course on the way to an invisible offshore destination. The 12 MPH winds at the start of the race soon increased to a maximum of 22 MPH and later fell to a minimum of 6 MPH during the 4 hour event. Winds shifts of 60 degrees during a single leg repeated themselves during each of the 4 (3.9 mile), legs. “H2O”, a 42’ Cabo Rico is consistently faced with friendly competition from GCSC Member Frank Brown on a 47’ Beneteau “DRAGON FLY” - a consistent Boat of the Year 1st place winner, and GCSC Member Brian Lawton’s “Blue Heron” a 35’ Beneteau who always is a top place winner, along with GCSC Member Dan Cornacchia on the 37’ Beneteau with “NO NAME”, and other strong competitors. The “H2O” crew felt the building wind with gusts and commented that today should be our day, especially if the wind will hold in the high teens or 20s. This 32,000 pound Pilot House Cabo Rico loves 20 knot winds! The camaraderie among teams and boats is wonderful. The repeated competition adds a level of excitement that all crews look forward to as they prepare themselves physically and emotionally for these adrenalin pumping events. “

Final Places after 15.6 miles of racing

1st Place and 1st Overall “H2O” 2nd Place “Blue Heron” by 4 minutes 24 seconds 3rd Place “Dragon Fly” by 5 minutes 16 seconds

GCSC Day Sails and Raftups

All Power and Sail Boats Welcome

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Sunday, 1/24/16 - Day Sail and Raft-Up

Saturday, 2/20/16 - Day Sail and Raft-Up

Bob Diamond will take GCSC Members as Crew or Passengers.

Other Club Captains who wish to take GCSC Members onboard, as well as Members looking for a ride, please contact me.

I will try to place as many members on boats as possible.

We will leave at 10:30 AM return by about 4:00 PM

Bring a light lunch, snacks and drinks – preferably your own inflatable life vest - if possible.

Contact Bob Diamond for more info

1 239 404 4844

rmdiamond@aol.com

Cruisers

Join the Fun - Future GCSC Cruises

1> January - MLK Weekend Sat. Sun. Mon. The 16th, 17th, 18th

South to Panther Key/Everglades City Area

2> February - President’s Day Weekend Sat, Sun (Valentine’s Day). Mon. The 13th,14th, 15th

North to Fort Myers Area, Ding Darling, Cabbage Key +++

3> May – Key West Cruise – Bone Island Regatta 19th to the 23th

4> May – Memorial Day Weekend Sat, Sun, Mon 28th 29th 30th.

Destination To Be Announced

5> Spring Cruise in the Bahamas - Lorelei and Bob will once more be there March, April and May – Any boat interested in joining us for any part – please call.

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Please, let me know your thoughts and if you wish to join us for any of these Cruises.

Bob Diamond - rmdiamond@aol.com 1 239 404 4844

RACING

GCSC is hosting four Regattas this season:

The GCSC New Years Cup – Saturday, January 9th 2016

The GCSC Spring Regatta –Towers Race – Saturday, February 27th 2016

The GCSC Avow Charity Regatta – Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd & 3rd

The GCSC 2015 Rendezvous Regatta and Cruise - Labor Day Weekend 2016

Sugden

The Sunday sailing and picnic at Lake Avalon has

been an AWESOME time for those who participated.

It was great to see new club members participating

and new sailors getting free lessons.

Plan to bring your spouse, a friend and your kids. Sail

and Picnic at Lake Avalon, Sugden Park Sailing

Center.

Picnic from 12 to 1 pm, sailing 12:30 to 3:00 pm. The cost is $15 for a single, $25 for a

couple and $30 for a family. Please bring a starter or dessert.

SAVE THESE DATES: Sunday Afternoons, 1/17, 2/7 and 3/6.

Gulf Coast Sailing Club

Safe Boater Seminar and Brunch

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at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club

Dates: Sunday, February 21, 2016

Times: 12:00pm — 4:00pm

Location: Naples Sailing and Yacht Club

Cost: $25 Includes Breakfast Buffet (cash or check, no credit card)

Contact: Jerry Watkins - jwatkins@tee-global.com

This is a great course for any new boater, boaters looking to renew their skills, and mandatory

by Florida Law for everyone operating a boat with an engine in excess of 10 HP that is under

the age of 28 in the year 2016. Being able to take this course in a beautiful Yacht Club with a

great brunch - it does not get much better.

Florida law requires that persons born on or after

January 1, 1988, complete a NASBLA-approved boater

education course prior to operating a vessel powered

by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. The How To

Boat Smart course meets these requirements? The

law requires that persons affected by this legislation

have in their possession a Florida Boating Safety

Education ID Card and Photographic ID while

operating a vessel.

Upon successful completion of the exam offered in this

course, students will receive an approved ID card from

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Volunteers

The Gulf Coast Sailing Club is a volunteer driven organization where ALL MEMBERS are encouraged to contribute their skills and energy in some manner to make sailing a vibrant part of the community of Southwest Florida. There are lots of good things going on right now in the Club and if you would like to be an active part of it we will welcome you with open arms where you can give back to the Club and help make a difference.

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Open Positions: We STILL need Volunteers 2017:– Commodore Open 2016:– Vice Commodore and Future Commodore Open 2016: – Fleet Captain Cruising – Open

2016:– Fleet Capt. Small boats (Sugden) - Open – 2016:– Sailing Instructor on Water and Classroom (Sugden) – Open

2016: – Recruiting New Boat Owning Members – Open

2016: – Race Crew List Coordinator - maintain list & be matchmaker – Open

2016: – Recruiting Race Committee and Mark Boats and Crew - Open GCSC New Years Cup –Saturday January 9th –

GCSC Spring Regatta - Towers –Saturday February 27th

GCSC Avow Charity Regatta –Saturday April 2nd & Sunday April 3rd

2016: –Web Master and Committee – Open

2016: – LuffnLaff Editor and Staff – Open

2016: – Membership Directory Coordinator – Open

2016: – Membership Recruitment and Development Coordination – Open

Contact Moe Scully at :mauricescully@gmail.com for more information

Member’s Nautical Market Place If you wish to Buy or Sell a boat or piece of Nautical equipment, place your free

notice here.

Please Support our GCSC 2015 Avow Regatta Sponsors

See our GCSC Web Page for a link to our Sponsors

Web Pages

www.gulfcoastsailingclub.org

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*** Remember, they supported us.***

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