Nautical Notes - Mariners of PGI

Nautical Notes
Vol. VIII Number 2 A Publication of the Mariners of PGI FEBRUARY 2016
Don Kidwell, Commodore
What a great Change Of Watch…and a
wonderful start to the year. Many
thanks to all those who helped to
create this delightful event. With this
great beginning to build on, we now
need to think about the coming year.
So, what do we want to accomplish this year? I hear new
members talking about expanding their boating skills and
learning to navigate these waters, spouses that would like
to try handling a boat without their spouse volunteering
“useful” comments, cruisers wanting to experience new
destinations, many saying just more of what we have been
doing.
We want your suggestions, so let me or any of the Board
know what you really enjoy or anything you think the
members would enjoy, things you want to know…or things
you need to know. We appreciate your help and will use
your input in determining the activities for the year.
Speaking of experiencing new destinations, one thing I do
know is that many boaters are interested in more
extended cruising. As I write this we have several of our
members sitting out the arrival of a front in Gulfport as
they are working their way back south.
Another member is working on a cruise to Cuba. Having
sailed our boat there in ’98 (a long time ago) we highly
recommend going if you are capable. The visit is like
stepping back in time to the 50’s. Everywhere you look,
Havana is a constant reminder of its former glory. The
officials were very professional and courteous, and even
took off their shoes before boarding. You don’t see that
happen very often in the States. It did take four hours to
clear in since we had four or five different groups inspect
our boat. Likewise, it took several hours to check out. And
when we were there (many years ago, remember) this
process was required each time as you moved from one
port to another in Cuba. This procedure may still be
followed today, so local travel may prove difficult - but it
would be worth the effort.
Continued on Page 4
Keith Feather, Cruise Director
The first month of 2016 cruising
is behind us, and the weather
has been iffy at best. Since last
month’s report, two cruises have
been completed. High winds
and weather could not keep
Dennis and Shirla Cesari from leading six other boats
north for a planned ten day cruise, eventually reaching
Gulfport Marina. Russ and Sue Hills led a well
attended cruise for the January Last Sunday of the
Month Sunset Lake Raft-Up. A total of 13 boats
attended; an incredible number. I am looking forward
to reading write ups for these cruises in the newsletter.
Editor’s Note:
cruises.
Click links below to sign-up for the
At the time of this writing, Roger Black has a Poker Run
cruise coming up February 12 to Burnt Store Marina
with six boats attending. The Last Sunday of the Month
Sunset Lake Raft-Up is coming up February 28.
Three cruises are already planned around the annual
Regatta and cruise to Burnt Store in early April. Sign
Ups are open to all three now. There is a lunch cruise
to the marina the day before the race, the regatta race
itself, and the after party cruise to Boca Grande for two
nights just in case you still aren’t ready to go home.
Frank and Abby Malone are cruise leaders for the lunch
cruise to Burnt Store, Sue and Russ Hills are
coordinating the Regatta again this year, and Sue Krasny
is leading the cruise to Boca Grande after the party.
It’s time to start cruising to meet your Mariner friends
and your cruising goals. By the end of January, 20
Mariners had taken their boats on cruises, right on track
for a good year. If the weather will cooperate, we
should see a similar February. Schedule a cruise soon,
gather your Mariner friends, and get out on the water.
Summer is coming way too soon.
Click here to access the current Cruise calendar.
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 2
Nautical Notes
Mariners of PGI Board of Directors
DON KIDWELL, Commodore
commodore@marinersofpgi.org
CHUCK POHLE, Vice Commodore
vicecommodore@marinersofpgi.org
DEBBIE JONES, Treasurer
treasurer@marinersofpgi.org
DEBBY DEHMEL, Secretary
secretary@marinersofpgi.org
SHIRLA CESARI, Director of Social Activities
social@marinersofpgi.org
JULIE BLACK, Director of Membership
membership@marinersofpgi.org
KEITH FEATHER, Director of Cruises
cruise@marinersofpgi.org
BILL LEACH, Director of Education
education@marinersofpgi.org
MARK MacMAHON, Past Commodore
pastcommodore@marinersofpgi.org
______________________________________________
LYNNE MATTHEWS, Sunshine Committee
sunshine@marinersofpgi.org
DON LEITCH, Webmaster
webmaster@marinersofpgi.org
www.marinersofpgi.org
Meetings
General Membership
PGICA, 2001 Shreve St.
4th Monday at 7 p.m. (except December)
Board
PGICA, 2001 Shreve Street
4th Monday at 9 a.m. All members are welcome.
Newsletter
CHUCK POHLE, Supervising Board Member
vicecommodore@marinersofpgi.org
JOYCE McCANDLESS, Editor
nneditor@marinersofpgi.org
Editor’s Note: I will confirm, via e-mail, receipt of each
NN submission. If you do not receive
confirmation, PLEASE contact me.
PEGGY NORTHRUP, Proofreader
DIANE MABEY, Circulation and Labels
Editor’s Note: direct contact information for all Mariners
is located on the website.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here to view the Cruise Schedule and
Sign-Up!
Click here to view the Social Calendar and
Sign-Up!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
March Birthdays
6 Marlene Musselman
8 Diane Mabey
8 Wayne Sharp
10 Richard Burkin
13 Charlie Popp
14 Jack Burwell
15 Bob Dewire
21 Barbara Kinney
22 Mark Whitcher
23 Janeann Dailey
29 Bill Roemler
30 Diana Miller
31 Lisa Wienecke
31 Susan Hills
FEBRUARY
JANUARY 2016
2013
Page
3
Page 3
Nautical Notes
Tidbits from Social
Shirla Cesari
Did you know that being active socially can help you be healthier both mentally and physically?
Harvard did a study and found people who live into their nineties have good social relationships
with family and/or friends. So our goal is to plan activities to promote those good relationships
and any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Just email me at: shirlagrace@yahoo.com.
Sandy Franzino and her crew treated us to an amazing night of fabulous food, an outstanding
program, and then the smooth sounds of “Latitudes” to dance the night away at the Change of
Watch. Many thanks to everyone who helped her produce this spectacular event. A special
thanks to Barry Franzino for his entertaining role as Master of Ceremonies, helping to keep
everyone laughing and on track.
January was a busy month and over 230 Mariners connecting socially in our Pickle Ball clinic, Kayaking Among the
Manatees, Breakfast With the Gals, Sunset at Ponce and, finally, Change of Watch. Now that’s socializing!!!
February is almost as busy with a Jewelry Workshop, Breakfast With the Gals, Eat Before We Meet, and, finally, a trip
to North Port and the Warm Mineral Springs. The sign up deadline for Eat Before We Meet is February 15, and be sure
to get your checks made out to “Mariners of PGI,” to Tom O’Keefe by February 19 to confirm your reservation. This is
a great way to get acquainted with our new members and we’ll have them seated at a special table for you to greet.
March special activities include another Kayaking Among the Manatees, Hockey Night with the Everblades, Breakfast
With the Gals, Carol Hertz’ amazing Soup Cook Off with an Ugly Tie Contest, and basket weaving with our own Patty
Feather.
Social Calendar Sign-Up; Just click on the event below to access its Sign-Up page
February
17 Breakfast with the Gals
22 Eat Before We Meet
23 Trip to Warm Mineral Springs
Paddle Among the Manatees
March
1 Kayak with the Manatees
2 Hockey Night with the Everblades
13 Soup Cook-Off & Ugliest Tie Contest
24 Basket Weaving
Julie Denny Scharpf
Twenty-one Mariners braved the cool morning temperatures January 24 to go kayaking among the manatees
wintering at Manatee Park in Lee County. They spent an hour or so paddling and floating among dozens of manatees
who reside in the warm waters discharged from the nearby power plant. In the tea-colored water, we saw snouts
poking out to catch breaths, tails flipping as they submerged under water, mamas with their young, and a few of us
were even treated to a surprise bump or two to our kayaks by a friendly manatee.
Afterwards, we gathered under the live oak, where a park docent
educated us all about the manatee, and their history, habits, and
biological makeup. Lunch (and thankfully hot coffee and tea),
followed at The Oasis Restaurant in Fort. Myers. Such fun was had
by all, that another Mariners group is doing it again March 1.
In attendance were: Julie Scharpf, with Keith and Patty Feather
(trip leaders); Sue Hills; Gail Busch; Nancy and Bill Eggert; Joyce
McCandless and Peter Guille; Richard and Peggy Northrup; Jim
Dutcher and Ruth Sines; Bill and Rosie Rissel; Laura and Richard
Burkin; Charlie and Greg Popp; Mitchell Miller; and Debby Lubell.
Editor’s Notes: Click here to view more photos and click here to
learn more about Manatee Park.
FEBRUARY 2016
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Nautical Notes
Membership Notes
Julie Black
Two thousand sixteen is off to a great start with all the dues collected and deposited in the bank. The
January 25 meeting was well attended by 60% of our member families, and many volunteers have
signed up to help at the meetings for the year. Plan your Mariners year so you keep on top of your
requirements for meetings, cruises, and support! We have had prospective members checking out
our group at Happy Hour so please introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.
New Members
Mark and Judi Whitcher live seasonally on a lake in New Hampshire and here in Starboard Point
PGI. They are long time boat enthusiasts and look forward to the Mariner experience! They have
three children and two grandchildren, all residing in NH. Mark grew up in the building supply
business and the two of them established their own lumber yards, selling in the late 80's. While
Mark continued to work in the wholesale market, Judi earned a degree in teaching special needs
children. Since retiring in 2012, they have enjoyed golfing, boating, and the many other
activities Punta Gorda offers.
Mike and Linda Wiens are from central Ohio and purchased their house in PGI four years ago.
Last fall, they sailed their Lord Nelson 41, Fair Wind, from Cedar Point on Lake Erie to Buffalo,
thru the Erie Canal, down the Hudson to NYC and, in a combination of runs off shore and down
the ICW, brought her here. Mike and Linda have been boaters most of their lives on Midwest
inland lakes. The past 20 years they have boated Lake Erie extensively on both sail and power
boats; now it’s time to get a little salty! They hope to expand their horizons with future ports of
call in the Bahamas, the Chesapeake Bay again, and possibly Cuba or even, gasp, Europe. The
Wiens have a daughter and son-in-law who gave them their first grandchild three months ago;
they also have a son who is getting married in May.
Please give a big thank you to Lynne Matthews, who is serving for a second year as the Sunshine Person. Lynne has a
gift for reaching out to those who are in need of encouragement; we are fortunate to have her serve in this capacity.
Commodore’s Message
continued from Page 1
Other members are planning trips to the Bahamas, up the East Coast, Dry Tortugas and the Keys. This looks to be a
great year for extended cruising.
Closer to home, we continue to build on our social activities and local cruises. Our Regatta this year looks outstanding,
and there are many more social and boating opportunities listed on the website. Be sure to check them out and join in
the fun.
And while we all enjoy our club activities, we should also keep in mind the community support activities such as the
canal cleanup and Mariner Welcome Beach cleanup. Our participation is part of what makes this such a wonderful
community in which to live. Let’s go cruising!
FEBRUARY 2016
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Nautical Notes
Breakfast with the Gals at Nino’s Bakery
Audrey Bruning
Wednesday, January 13, a group of 14 intrepid Mariner women made their way through the ice and snow of PG to
have breakfast at Nino's Bakery. With a January Sheep Theme (white for snow and wooly for warmth) and a flock of
sheep to keep them company, the group certainly didn't have a baaaaad time. It was all good, in fact, with lots of hot
coffee and tea, great breakfasts, and non-stop conversation. It's fun to be a Mariner!
Editor’s Note: click here to learn more about Nino’s Bakery.
Fused Glass Jewelry Workshop
Gail Busch
February 8, seven brave Mariners attended a fused glass workshop at Walt
Deptula’s Fused Glass Studio on Taylor Street. Brave, since there was much
breaking of glass involved…on purpose! Participants were encouraged to get
creative as they designed pendants, earrings and other works of art. Since all of
the pieces are still being fired as of this press release, the term “works of art”
may or may not apply! Everyone had a great time a big “Thank You” to Marlene
Jones for organizing this event. Editor’s Note: Click here for more photos.
Sunset at Ponce
The second Mariner celebration of Sun, Sand, Surf, and
Sunset at Ponce Park was held January 19. Twelve Mariner
souls braved the cold and enjoyed the camaraderie, libations,
snacks, and a
beautiful sunset
to boot. A big
thank you to all
for coming, as we
donned
shoes,
gloves and coats!
Thanks, also, to
Lisa Wienecke for
co-hosting with
me.
Peggy Northrup
Click here for more photos
FEBRUARY 2016
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Nautical Notes
2016 North Cruise
Shirla Cesari
For deep draft sailboats Wild Oats-Northrups, Truly Amazing-Wienecke and Aurora-Cesaris, the North Cruise began
January 28, a day early, to ensure getting out Ponce Inlet. After the three anchored at Myakka, Rissels joined them on
their power boat for the evening, but found it impossible to raft up after a rain squall came through, creating rough
seas, and so returned home with their dish to share...very disappointed .
The remainder of the Awesome Venture group: Lena Bea-Sharps, Fair Wind-Wiens, and War Horse-Guille/McCandless
joined the flotilla at the Don Pedro anchorage on the second evening to officially begin the cruise. Next stop, Crow’s
Nest in Venice, where we were lucky enough to be seated in the private dining room for a great dinner. Leaving
northward from Venice on the ICW, four boats docked at the Sarasota Yacht Club and two at Marina Jack in Sarasota.
The Art Festival at St. Armand’s Circle held an unexpected treat of artwork from all over the United States and
Sarasota’s downtown attractions were also enjoyed.
The Vinoy Marina in St. Petersburg was home for the next two days for the “Gang of Six” (our flotilla code for the
bridge tenders). Most cruisers traded boats for Segways on a two-hour tour of the waterfront. With no space in
Clearwater marinas, the next stop was Gulfport for two days, which was perfect timing for the Gulfport First Friday
Art Fair. Lena Bea cut their cruise by a day, leaving Friday to take on company in Venice.
With weather turning cold and windy on Saturday, the next stop for Awesome Venture, now the “Gang of Five” was
Bird Key, Sarasota. North winds and wet skies made the ICW trip a nasty
one, but secure dockage and warm meals helped soothe the weary captains.
Given the weather and pending Boca Grand Bridge Channel closing (starting
Monday), the captains decided to complete the cruise from Bird Key to Ponce
on Sunday. Although the north winds were strong and seas on Charlotte
Harbor rough, the high tide was high enough for all to be safely docked at
home just in time to watch the Superbowl! It was great to have new
members, Mike and Linda Wiens, along on their first Mariner cruise, getting a
good taste of what it’s like to be a “cruising Mariner”.
Editor’s Note: Click here for more great photos.
Last Sunday of the Month Raft-Up
Sue Hills
January 31 started out a bit cool, but by the time the boats were rafted up on Sunset Lake, the sun had come out,
warming things nicely. Cruise leaders Russ and Sue Hills brought the Brunings, Gail Eggers, and Carlo San
Giorgio aboard for an afternoon of fun with fellow Mariners. The 13 Mariner boats that participated were Roger and
Julie Black, Nancy and Bill Eggert, Barry and Sandy Franzino, Lois and Lavern Morrow with the Pohles, Gordons, Don
Leitch and Lynne Matthews aboard; Mike and Debbie Lubbell, John and Susanne Hoder, Bob and Pat Bustard, Bill and
Kate Carney with their five month old puppy and friends, Eric and Diane aboard; Gordon Hadley, Jim Hebeisen and
Dawn Hayworth, Jim Dutcher and Ruth Sines, and Mitch and Diana Miller. There was plenty of food to share and lots of
time to tell stories, and make new memories with some of our wonderful Mariners.
FEBRUARY 2016
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Nautical Notes
Education
Bill Leach
At the January 25 Mariners membership meeting, Hank Bauman reviewed the issue of liability
insurance as it concerns the PGI Mariners. Hank attended the last PGICA President 's meeting and,
after sharing his findings concerning liability with the Mariners board, he agreed to present this
information to the membership.
Many of the members were aware of the limits of liability offered to the Mariners, as a club, under the umbrella of the
PGICA. Basically, we, as PGI Mariners, are covered under the PGICA liability umbrella for all functions held or attended
at the PGICA site; any activity off site is not covered by the PGICA liability insurance policy. Thus, it is the responsibility
of each member to secure insurance to protect against claims off site.
The state of Florida does not require boaters to insure against liability claims. However, most, if not all of us, have
insurance policies covering not only liability but also loss coverage. If your boat is financed, it is highly likely that the
lien holder will require insurance coverage. If you own your boat, you may find it difficult to locate an insurance
company to write only liability coverage. However, many homeowner's policies will extend liability coverage to small
craft. Check with your insurance provider. Hank Bauman will continue to uncover and share any further information
concerning this issue as it is discovered.
2016 Change of Watch
Shirla Cesari
January 23, over 100 Mariners attending the 16th Change of
Watch enjoyed an evening of class and tradition at the
beautiful Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. The night began with
cocktails and exceptional appetizers in the Harbor Room,
then moved to the formal dining room for the COW
ceremony.
First, Mark MacMahon shared his thoughts on the outgoing
board with special recognitions. Next came the swearing in
of the 2016 board: Don Kidwell, Commodore; Chuck Pohle,
Click here for photos
Vice-Commodore; Debbie Jones, Treasurer; Debby Dehmel,
Secretary; Keith Feather, Director of Cruise; Shirla Cesari, Director of Social; Julie Black, Director of Membership; Bill
Leach, Director of Education; and Mark MacMahon, Past Commodore. The program concluded with Commodore
Kidwell sharing his thanks and encouraging words.
An excellent meal followed, prepared and served by the accommodating and professional CHYC staff. Although the
entrees were memorable, the flaming Bananas Foster cheesecake definitely stole the show! Music was provided by
“Latitudes,” gifted musicians who obviously love what they do; they kept us dancing long past Punta Gorda midnight!
What made this Change of Watch so classy? In a word, “Sandy”, She got her committee together, planned early with
detail, and ensured all coordination was done well in advance. She also found a friend who was both classy and an
exceptional Master of Ceremonies, Barry Franzino. Our
hats and hearts go out to this lady who gave up many
hours to make this a spectacular evening for us…thank you
Sandy!
Thanks COW committee: Gail Eggers, Audrey Bruning,
Mary Fleenor, Barb Kinney, Jeanne Hall, Ramona Lanka,
Don Leitch, Diana Miller, Penny Shattuck, and Marilyn
Thorndycraft. Thanks also to Lisa Wienecke for assisting
with gifts for the out-going board, Michele Sharp for
pictures, and Debby and Mike Lubell for greeting.
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 8
Nautical Notes
If you or anyone
you know is ill
or in need of some
Sunshine,
please contact
Lynne Matthews
sunshine@marinersofpgi.org
Nautical Notes, Mariners of PGI
c/o Diane Mabey
3317 Grenada Court
Punta Gorda, FL 33950