The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.

CCCC May Cruise to Sarasota

By Capt. Doug Rhees

Early in the year the CCCC cruise chairman made plans for the May Club cruise to take the Okeechobee Waterway, Caloosahatchee River, east to Lake Okeechobee, cross it and continue on east on the St. Lucie River to Stuart Fl. One of the Club members had made arrangements for 10 boats at Sunset Bay and Marina. As cruise time neared reports of shallow water east of Clewiston in the Lake had several members quite concerned about running aground.

This concern prompted a change in the May20 to 26 cruising dates as the safety of our members and their boats is paramount. We were able to obtain good dock space along with welcoming staff at both Marina Jack and Longboat Key Club in Sarasota. Because of the destination uncertainty and the late date change in venues, our numbers dwindled to just four boats. The trip up from Charlotte Harbor May 20 was pleasant as most boaters chose to run outside in the Gulf. The boat that came up the ICW found a pleasant ride as well with no bridge delays. Once all were docked Happy Hour was enjoyed by all at dockside.

Tuesday saw most members spending some time on boat projects prior to a group dinner at the Marina Jack upper level restaurant. Wednesday we all walked to the shopping area sightseeing and enjoyed a lunch at the Whole Foods store. We had an early group dinner at Owens Fish Camp (a local favorite and quite a unique spot). If you don’t get there early the wait can be very long.

Thursday we departed Marina Jack for a short 5 mile run up Sarasota Bay to the Long Boat Key Club to enjoy their pool and many amenities including the resort’s beach. Some of our group went via Marina shuttle to St. Armands Circle to shop. On day two the group spent time at the pool meeting new friends, and viewing the many large boats slipped at this beautiful facility. The evening meal was a group cookout using grills provided by the Marina.

As happens with most cruises the final day comes too soon and it was time to slip lines and shove off for home. Although some planned to head south on the outside for a faster return time, reports of an increasing south wind kept everyone in the ICW. It was crowded and slower but made for a safe ride home. Even a small group can and did have a great time. Hopefully a run to the east coast will be in the works for 2020.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and

reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at

239-541-0236. See additional Club information on its website, www.ourgrouponline.org/CapeCoralCruiseClub

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings

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