You Must Participate, You Must Participate, You Must Participate, You Must Participate, You Must Participate, You Must Participate... The year 2005 is flying by, however, we intend to slow the rotation of the earth with some up and coming exciting events in our CMCS specialties, Racing, Cruising and Social. You must participate, somehow in our last race of the year, the Commodore s Cup Race. The race is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2005. You can race your sailing vessel around the markers off Fort Myers Beach, be a crew person on one of the race boats (attend the Skipper/Crew meeting Thursday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m.) or as a spectator, on the water or off the FMB pier. This is the big race of the year, with plenty of hardware. You must participate, by attending the Commodore s Cup Dinner, scheduled for Saturday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m. The dinner, entitled A Taste Of CMCS Italy, promises to be the most exciting and fun-filled evening of the year. A fantastic Italian dinner, prepared by a fabulous Irish couple, will consist of salad, pasta, meatballs, bread and dessert. This meal will be served to you at a cost of less than $10.00. This is a major event with lots of fun and tons of laughs. You must participate, by attending our annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. Our Fleet Liberty Ashore Chairperson, the beautiful Monica Smith, has great plans for all of us along with wonderful seasonal decorations. We are asking our members to bring a dish to share of hors d oeuvres or dessert (which is easier to spell). Also, as is our tradition, we are also asking our members to bring an unwrapped toy, which will be donated to a children s charity. There will be frolicking and singing (you must know the eleven days of Christmas song). There will be lots of holiday cheer along with the smiles and happy faces of our CMCS members and guests. You must participate in our holiday cruise to Burnt Store Marina and our New Year s Party. This cruise will begin December 27 and end in 2006. The cruise will hit the hurricane hole for a major raft-up, eventually Burt s Bar in Matlacha, and finally, on up to Burnt Store Marina for New Year s Eve. Gordon Coffman, our Holiday Cruise Leader, has reserved a suite of rooms for our annual New Year s Eve Party. If you have not cruised, then we expect to see a gang of you driving up in your land-mobiles for the party. This is a CMCS tradition, and we expect to see you there. You must participate. Are you starting to get the message? We have had 18 club races this year, there were 14 BOTY and Associate Clubs races, there were 18 club cruises, and 15 club socials. We expect to have the same numbers next year. This is the reason we are the best sailing club in southwest Florida. CMCS = racing, cruising and socials. Be there or be square. The best, Russell
Put your dancing shoes on and bring an appetite as we host our annual CMCS Changing of the Guard. Mark your calendar for at the. The Landings is located on McGregor Boulevard, just south of the Cape Coral Bridge in Ft. Myers. When you arrive at the gate, just give your name and the guard will direct you to go straight ahead, turn left, then turn right just after the tennis courts. The Landings Clubhouse will be on the right. A great time was had by all last year, and it was wonderful to see everyone wearing shoes. Festivities and Cocktail Hour begins at 6:00 p.m. with Buffet Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Awards and The Change will take place during dessert. Music by Mr. Deke throughout the evening for your dancing and listening pleasure. The price is $32.00 per person. (Cash Bar)
Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. Please bring a snack or dessert to share will all of Santa s Elves! Also, please bring an unwrapped gift for a child (remember the teens) AND a package or can of non-perishable food for those in need. Don Czech, Past Lieutenant Governor, Division 19 of the Harney s Point Kiwanis Club (Cape Coral) has been designated the recipient of these donations. This Chapter specifically has kids in mind for their fund raising and charitable events. Don and his fellow Kiwanis members are thrilled that CMCS has elected to make their children happy this holiday season with your gifts of toys and food. The traditional CMCS Christmas songs and activities have been pulled out of the attic and the props have been dusted off. So come with your hearts full of glee and merriment for Al Eastman, as he leads the choir in holiday song. All good little boys and girls will receive a gift from Santa and special raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to receive a choice of even bigger and grander presents from his sleigh! Tables will be decorated by CMCS volunteers and your vote will award the winner! So come and vote, not just for the holiday decorations, but the slate of CMCS Officers and Board of Directors for 2006. So come, mingle and rub shoulders with the bearded man in the red suit himself, for if you were indeed a good little boy or girl, he might shimmey down your chimney with a bag full o presents Christmas Eve! Our November LBC meeting was very informative on Women and Health Disease. Thanks so much to Michele Hildebrand, RN-BSN (Mary Lou s niece) and FL Heart Associates for the most up-to-date information as well as the many, many handouts, recipes, and tee shirts. December is month! The will happen at Mary Lou Mullins home this year. Do wear something season-bright and come on in Bring your most delicious snack (probably one you are giving up for New Year s!) to share. don t be timid you are specially invited to come and will be greeted with pleasure. Please bring a $15 wrapped gift (or an appropriate re-gift) for the Yankee Swap. Again, the Pirates Code of Ethics will prevail no mercy. I want to thank everyone who has suggested a program, offered to do a program, be a hostess, bring a treat (liquid, as well) and/or attended Ladies Bridge Club this past year. You are the BEST!! A special thank you to Susan Reekie who will be taking on Ladies Bridge Club next year...a wonderful group with a great leader.
Again this year, our Holiday Cruise will give us a great chance to enjoy our nearby, protected cruising areas for several days right after Christmas, and before everyone goes back to work after the holidays. A brief rundown is: Day Anchorage Tuesday, December 27 - Wednesday, December 28 - Thursday, December 29 Friday, December 30 Saturday, December 31 Sunday, January 1 York Is./Sanibel Bight/Chino Hurricane Hole Hurricane Hole Hurricane Hole / Boca Grande Bayou / Matlacha / Burnt Store Burnt Store Home We'll start by meeting on Dec. 27, close in, at York Island or the Bight of Sanibel or Chino (depending on weather). Some may want to dinghy into St. James City, to the Double Nichol Pub or to the Waterfront Restaurant. Some may not... your choice. Wednesday and Thursday, we'll head north to Hurricane Hole (on the inside of the hook at the south end of Punta Blanca) for a couple of days. For those who haven't been in here, this is a beautiful, all weather anchorage, completely protected from all directions, even in the most blustery weather. The approach is narrow, but even at dead low tide you can carry a draft of up to 6 all the way in. Once inside the basin, the routine will be to put out bow anchors, raft together, and take stern lines ashore. A dinghy is great here. Cabbage Key is nearby for those who want to go; Cayo Costa State Park is right across Pelican Bay; and some will certainly want to head through "the tunnel" to the Gulf beach. Plans for Friday are completely open. Possibilities are: Stay at Hurricane Hole. If it s really great, why change? In past years many have gone to Matalcha. It s a really neat place - the closest of "Old Florida" that we can get to in our boats. Funky little restaurants and bars, various galleries, etc. Unfortunately, the tide does not serve us well this year. I may try to go (depending on the wind) but others may elect to play it safe. Some though, (e.g. Sharon L with 5½ foot draft) think they can go anywhere, anytime; so if I go, I may have company. A third alternative is Boca Grande Bayou. Depending on weather (and on other factors), some may head straight to Burnt Store to stay there for an extra day. We'll see how things turn out! I have notified (warned?) Burnt Store that we again plan to be there for New Year s Eve (Saturday night), and they are expecting 12-15 of us. Several boats have already called or E-mailed me asking that I include them on our list. If you are planning to be there, you can let me know, and I will add you as well. In past years, people have driven up to socialize for the afternoon and/or evening. Besides our get-together, Salty s Restaurant [or whatever they've calling it this year (Latitudes?... Portofino?... Portobello!)] has a big New Year s Eve shebang for those so inclined. We have a room reserved at "The Inn at Burnt Store Marina" (overlooking the marina basin) for "our" New Year s Eve get-together. Usually, people show up for a covered dish supper/social early, then re-appear later for the New Year s Eve goings-on. Please! -- All who don t cruise up on their boats are welcome to drive up and enjoy the evening! Sunday "morning", most of us will be in "mourning" since we have to go home, and to work the following day! If you can come for any or all of the cruise, give me a call (549-0418) and let me know. After the 27th, I will be out on the water; but I will try to remember to leave my radio on (if I can stand the chit-chat traffic), and monitor 16 or 72. IllseeyawhenIseeya! Gordon Coffman
Since we had no races scheduled for November, I took a "holiday" to Australia & New Zealand. No worries, though. We're on track for a BIG last race of the year! SIGN UP NOW! Visit our website & download the entry form for the Annual Commodore's Cup Race at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. Russell Vance, our honorable & unique Commodore may make a surprise appearance. You don't want to miss out on the FUN! Since it's an Italian theme this year (see social section for food details); we are inviting racers to dress in Gondola attire-- horizontal striped shirt & navy or black shorts/pants. This is OPTIONAL; but could be interesting. Remember the Ladies Day Drag Queens? You never know what to expect with our crowd, eh? So, Beginner's Skipper's Meeting is Thursday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m. at our clubhouse (Power Squadron, Cape Coral). Even if you are just THINKING of racing or crewing -- PLEASE come & bring lots of questions. Regular skipper's meeting is 7:30 p.m. on December 8. DEADLINE for entry: 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 7. Racing has been GREAT this year! Do NOT miss out on the FUN! See you on the "start line", Diane Fowler, Rear Commodore of Racing 2005 We have some GREAT (judging by the sales at the last Membership Meeting) new items in the Ship s Store: Collared shirts (with new logo and colors) $25.00 by order only Multi-colored caps $18.00 Henley l.s. shirts $20.00 CMCS t-shirts in new colors $12.00 We have other bargains at the store so come and visit to outfit your boat and person!! Sometimes we need to relay an important event that falls between newsletters and find it necessary to email the entire membership. Please make sure, if you change your address, you let Dee Dee Cheek know (as of January 2006). Her address is: deecheek@msn.com. Then you can be assured of not missing any important event! Thanx, Dee Our infamous Challenge Cup Regatta will be held on December 3-4. This will be a two day regatta. Entry Fee is $25.00, use of club boat is $20. If you need to use a club boat, let me know have four of them taken already!! Schedule as follows: Saturday Skippers Meeting will be at 12:00 noon, with a 1:00 p.m. start; and a 9:30 a.m. start on Sunday. Saturday Dinner and Sunday post-race refreshments included. Hope everyone can make it!! NOR on CMCS Website register at the regatta Saturday morning. John Kremski, CCIM
Saturday, December 10, 2005 Cocktails: 6:00 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. Join us for MENU Salad Italian Bread Baked Pasta Marinara Meatballs Dessert Please mail coupon below with check payable to CMCS by Tuesday, December 6.
The Halloween Cruise to Danger Island was a gigantic success. The following CMCS yachts were in attendance. (Note: Some of our scheduled boats did not make the cruise due to the loss of electrical power and other problems associated with Hurricane Wilma. Shadowfax Ave Del Mar Miller Time Judy Judy Island Time (Sail) Alborada Spindrift Air Supply Kestrel II Katie Kat Passion III Island Time (Trawler) Gopher Baroque Mai Tai Tu Mary and Waite Alexander headed up this great cruise. The cruise began on Friday, October 28 and ended on Sunday, October 30. The weather was beautiful on Friday and cocktails were the bill of fare. The wind picked up late in the afternoon thus requiring some long sleeves for our cookout. Saturday was another beautiful day with consistent winds 15 to 20. The Saturday night cookout, with gourmet dishes to share, was followed by a great big bonfire. (Note: Big bonfire means the fire burnt itself out sometime on Sunday). The Halloween Costume competition was mean and nasty. This uneasiness among the troops is expected every year. However, someone had to win the two fantastic top prizes. The winners of the competition were Russell and Kathleen Vance. Finishing a close second were Debra George and Rick Ragnitt. The prizes were awarded at the November General Membership Meeting to reduce the possiblity of bloodshed on Danger Island. The Sanibel Bight Cruise was another success. following CMCS yachts were in attendance. Shadowfax Kati Kat Island Time Kestrel II IX San Dollar Gopher Baroque The. The cruise began on Friday, November 11 and ended on Sunday, November 13. We expected this cruise to be headed up by Jerry and Petie Lake, however, Jerry had some surgery and rest was required. Jerry has recovered and was smiling at the November Membership Meeting. Friday night was the Skip- Bo card playing semi-championship with the ladies besting the men for the first time. The Skip-Bo championship for 2005 will be held during the Thanksgiving Cruise. The Thanksgiving Cruise, heading to the 10,000 Islands, is scheduled for Wednesday, November 23 through Tuesday, November 28. If you are reading this today, you missed the cruise. Look for the results of the cruise in the January Chowder Chatter. The best, Russell By mid-november, we have received 65-70% of all member renewals and inclusion in the 2006 CMCS Calendar and Roster. For the few stragglers who haven t yet renewed your membership, we want you to stay with us, so please send in your renewal as soon as possible we would hate to seeyouleaveus! If for some unfathomable reason you choose not to renew, January will be your last issue of The Chowder Chatter (someone has to lay down the law on this ship, mateys!)
Don t be shy. Volunteers are always needed in all areas: racing, cruising and socials. There is something for everyone to enjoy doing. Like anyone, we re keener to discuss solutions rather than problems, so before asking why something doesn t work, please consider how YOU could make it work better. Contact any Flag Officer, Board or Committee Member. They ll be thrilled to hear from you!! CMCS Survey Reminder Please send in the CMCS survey that you received in the November Chowder Chatter Dear CMCS Member: The CMCS Membership Survey is designed to give you the opportunity to provide input regarding the three primary areas of activity of the club Social, Racing, Cruising. The survey is your opportunity to comment on the current operation of the club, and to give you an opportunity to suggest changes that you would like to see. Please fill in one form per family (or boat). You may remain anonymous if you wish. Just fill it out, and then either return the filled-out form in the mail by sending to me: Dick Mullins, 5010 SW 11th Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33914 or just place it in a box that I will have at the December 10 Membership Meeting. I would like to have all of the surveys by the end of December. The results of the survey will be communicated to the membership when completed. Your participation in this survey is important! Dick Mullins CMCS Board of Directors
Thanks to T. W. Moon Moonshower, CMCS was once again represented at our local Boat Show. Enthusiasm abounded as our members greeted hundreds of visitors to the CMCS Booth and prospective new members were told of the many planned activities; given our colorful informative brochure, a Chowder Chatter newsletter; membership application, and invited to the next meeting. Thirty-two guests actually signed our guest book and will receive the Chowder Chatter for the next three months andemailedinfooncmcs. Congratulations to Chris Shields of Fort Myers for completing his paid membership application at the show and becoming an instant Chowder head - Welcome Chris!! Thirty-six members assisted at the booth over the four days and received complimentary entrance to see the show. Special thank you to our new members Diane Batchelor, Pat and Mary Neal, Bill Phillips, Sue and Will Purton for joining some of the Old Salts in promoting CMCS. Members Ned Christensen, Paul Perisho, Fran Chapman, John Guzzetta, Dee Vaigl, Ron & Shirley Maddix, Russell & Kathleen Vance, Waite & Mary Alexander, Dick & Mary Lou Mullins and friend Glenn Diedricksen, Jay & Kathy Light, Charles & Judy Tomlins, Peter Welles, Mel Rudd, Russ & Pam Green, Chuck & Doreen Millbrandt, Carol Palumbo, Skip Hyde and Elise Missall for not only staffing the booth, but also answering many of the questions of the new members. Thanks also to Tom Gore and Forrest Banks for the frames photos of their yachts, Tom & Kathy Buckard for the beautifully handmade CMCS burgee, Cecil Hazen for helping set up and Mary Naylor for her fabulous regatta and yacht photos which graced our booth. Thank you for stopping by the CMCS Booth and signing our Guest Log. We are sure you were met with a friendly face and good information about our sailing club s philosophy and many outstanding activities. We hope you will consider joining CMCS. Please feel free to visit one of our membership meetings, held on the third Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape Coral Power Squadron, 917 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral. (Note: There will be NO meeting in January as a Change of Watch Dinner will be held that month.) If you would like more information, please contact any one of the officers or committee members whose articles appear in this issue of the Chowder Chatter. Take a moment to consider nominating a deserving CMCS Member for the Norman Goodacre Memorial Good Samaritan Award. Send Betty Goodacre, 474 Oak Street, Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931, a note/letter describing the event and the person (s) who merit being a Good Samaritan. Betty will need all nominations by the first week of January. The Award will be presented at the Change of Watch Dinner on Friday, January 13, 2006.
We wholeheartedly welcome the following new members: Rusty Batchelor & Diane LaPell 857 Bethany Court N. Ft. Myers, FL 33919 (239) 225-3688 Email: rustybatch2000@yahoo.com Boat: Lancer LOA 28 LWL 24 Beam 8 Draft 2 10 Chris Shields 39 Timberland Circle N Ft. Myers, FL 33919 (239) 994-6012 Email: christophershield@paveselaw.com Catalina 34MKII Beam 12, Mast 47, Draft 4 3 Sandy & Gerald Canning 4908 SW 11th Place Cape Coral, FL 33914-7025 (239) 549-6876 Boat: Catalina 40, RUM DAZE (arriving 12/5) LOA 40 6, LWL 36 6, Beam 13 6, Draft 5 Ginny Price 3446 Marinatown Lane North Ft. Myers, FL 33919 Skip Hyde & Carol Palumbo 16575 Lake Circle Drive / Unit 1114 Ft. Myers, FL 33908 Email: Sailinghydeaway@aol.com Boat: Hunter 340, HYDEAWAY (arrived 11/17) Russ & Pam Green 10827 Little Heron Circle Estero, FL 33928-2458 T. W. & Jackie Moonshower Email: endlessail@yahoo.com The Chowder Chatter offers advertising to CMCS members and commercial establishments. Commercial establishments: Copy scanner ready would be appreciated and be prepaid. Make checks payable to CMCS and mail to Tom Buckard, CMCS Fleet Purser at 911 SE 20th Court, Cape Coral, FL 33990. CMCS Members business card size ads are welcome. Rates: $50 6 months $100 12 months Do you have products or services that sailors want or need? Want to reach a highly targeted audience? Think Chowder Chatter. Email marylou@swfla.rr.com for mechanical specifications and deadlines. AHOY THERE! To make The Chowder Chatter even more nautical, we are changing all times to the 24-hour clock. Don t worry. You will quickly get used to it! The PM times are 1200 plus the hour and minutes (i.e., 2:30 PM is 1430 hours). Just remember the 24- hour clock and you will be on time the nautical way!
9/06