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Gulf Coast Sailing Club

Keep Sailing Fun

Date: 5/5/2026
Subject: ⛵GCSC - May 2026 News for Friends
From: Gulf Coast Sailing Club




May 2026 News
For GCSC Friends ⛵
Please add our email to your Contacts so you never miss our updates!

If you have a question and don't know who to ask, just reply to this email and we'll forward your question/comment to to the right sailors!


 

Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Mission:

As Naples and Southwest Florida’s leading volunteer sailing club, we support inter-club racing, cruising, day sailing, social events, and boating education for the benefit of sailors and their families. Let’s keep it fun.

 
 
From The Commodore:
The Commodore shall be the senior officer of the Club
 
...

Trudell Kolpack

Summer is almost here!
 
We wrapped up the Regatta season with the Messmer Cup and the Tequila series of pursuit races starts soon. 
 
Don't forget our members get a discount at Island Sailing charters so grab your friends and go for a sail with one of their Captains!  sailnaples.com 
 
We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting May 13!
 
 
 
 
Cheers,

Trudell Kolpack
Commodore
 

480-310-2330
 


 
From The Vice Commodore:
The Vice Commodore is responsible for Membership, Communications, and Volunteer Coordination activities for the Club.

 

Laurie Conrod

Greetings Sailors,
 
We want to thank Larry Murray, David Gross and Jon Kaplan for volunteering and being elected last month as Directors on the GCSC Board! Their term starts July 1 and we look forward to their service!
 
We want to Thank Jon Kaplan for volunteering to help with Membership! 
 
A big Thank you to Lora Donia for scheduling speakers for our meetings!

RSVP Now for the May meeting! We'll have an interesting game to help everyone get to know each other better! 
 


 
Please Welcome our Newest Members!

Active Memberships: 128  
Active Members: 210  
Pending Members: 5  
 

Gulf Coast Sailing Club welcomes the New Members who joined GCSC in April:
 
Sara Kahn recently joined the Club and is eager to learn and participate in the activities the club provides. Welcome, Sara, and thank you, Ron, for encouraging her to venture out to sea!
 
We also welcome Jean and Mark Mastrangelo, who are experienced sailors looking forward to cruising and joining as crew. 

 
WELCOME TO GCSC! Any members (especially New Members) are invited join the ORIENTATION TABLE at our monthly member meetings.
 
Starting at 6pm, join a Director and/or Flag officers at the ORIENTATION TABLE to get acquainted, get your questions answered, and have an informal overview of everything the Club offers. Then the meeting starts at 7pm!
 
Questions about Membership? Contact Denise Brown, GCSC Membership Manager at membership@gulfcoastsailingclub.org
 
 
From The Rear Commodore:
The Rear Commodore is responsible for the On The Water activities for the Club.
 
...

Bob Andreini

 
Greetings Fellow Sailors - 
 
Hope you've been enjoying the primarily dry season and winds filling in nicely in the afternoons and evenings.  We have found going out later in the afternoon has been excellent with 10-15 kts wind, perfect for a few hours doing doughnuts in the Gulf.  
 
Our racing and cruising committees are working to get the Boat of the Year (BOTY) and our annual cruising schedule completed and published well in advance of the events.  Last year attendance was down compared to recent years possibly due to the schedule being finalized and published later than normal.  This year we aim to set the dates so you can put them in your calendars and have the ability to plan around the events you want to participate in.  
 
As you can see below, we do have one day sailing date coming up in June.  The last event, while small, was a nice success.  Feedback was - let's do it again and get as many boats and people out as possible!  If you're interested let us know asap! 
Stay tuned, read your newsletters, visit the club website, and if you are interested in getting involved in any of these activities, please reach out to me via the email below.
 
Cheers,
Bob Andreini
Rear Commodore
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Sign up for the GCSC Crew Board - For GCSC Members Only
 

Click to see the Crew List

Click here for instructions:

 
RACING: Racing Calendar
 
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Messmer Cup Regatta

 

Was Friday April 17 - 19, 2026



As we only had 5 boats sign up, the regatta was changed to a fun pursuit race.  The race committee did drop one mark so they could do a reach / reach up to Dr's pass and back. 

 
Standings are:
  1. Island Time - Joe Barrett
  2. Synchronicity - Peter Russo
  3. Dragon Fly Plus - Ulrich Rohde
Over 25 people attend the Sunday brunch and awards at NSYC.  Several of the attendees were not racing but were able to join in the camaraderie with racers.  
 
 
 
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CRUISING: Cruising Calendar 
 
 

Dry Tortugas Flotilla

July 8 - 14, 2026


This is an opportunity to cruise on your own boat with Island Sailing who is taking passengers on both of their charter boats (Island Dreams and Island Time).  Sailing directly to Dry Tortugas and there for a few days, then on to Key West for refuel, water and dinner before sailing up to Marathon and then back home.
 
There is no cost to other boats (except your own slip fees where applicable) - just some fun and camaraderie. 
 
The flotilla is excellent for anyone who has wanted to make the trip but would prefer to plan and buddy boat with experienced captains and other members of GCSC.
 

7/8

Wednesday

To Dry Tortugas

Depart at 10 am 121 NM. Island Dreams leave earlier.

7/9

Thursday

Dry Tortugas

Arrive around sunrise. Tour the fort after lunch, relax on the beach

7/10

Friday

Dry Tortugas

Explore Loggerhead key, snorkeling

7/11

Saturday

Dry Tortugas

Main island, relax, swim

7/12

Sunday

Sail to Key West

Depart before sunrise. 61 NM. Arrive mid-to-late afternoon. Fuel and water. Dinner ashore.

7/13

Monday

Marathon

Morning sail up to Looe Key for snorkeling and on to Marathon. Dinner at Key's Fisheries then sail into the sunset.

7/14

Tuesday

Sail to Naples

Arrive Naples mid-morning.


If you are interested, send an email to cruising@gulfcoastsailingclub.org.
 

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DAY SAILING

 
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Day Sailing Open Event

 

Saturday June 6, 2026


 Attention Skippers:


Get your boats out on the water with other club members for a day sail. Head out to the Gulf around 10:00am for a meet up with other sailboats. Maybe do a raft up in Champany Bay or just cruise for a few hours.

Skippers you don't need to register, but please send an email to: daysailing@gulfcoastsailingclub.org and let us know you are attending and how many members you are able to host on your boat.

 

Attention Members:

 

Anyone interested in sailing on a club member boat should register using the link below.  Skippers will be asked to review the registrations and ask members to join them.  Be sure to update your profile to include your information and sailing resume in the Biography section.  See the club page on Crew Board for more details.

 

Note: It's the decision of each skipper who they would like to invite on their boat for the event.

 
 


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SMALL BOATS
  
 
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SUGDEN SUNDAY SAILING BY GCSC

 
Lake Avalon is still closed until further notice!
 

The rest of the season is unfortunately cancelled.  We hope to bring this program back next season.

 

Doug Foss

Small Boat Fleet Captain

630-464-0505

 

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...

 

Member Meeting May 13 at 6pm

(Always the 2nd Wed. of the month)

🙋‍♂️ Join us! 🙋‍♀️

    
 
PLEASE RSVP! WE NEED TO SET UP AND HAVE FOOD FOR EVERYONE!
 
Do you need help renewing online or logging in to the website?
We'll have a computer and someone to help you at the meetings!
 
🏨 Location:  Moss Hall  at Moorings Presbyterian 791 Harbour Dr. Naples (Signs are posted)
 
👨‍🏫 Speaker: TBD
 
🍴 Serving: Pizza and Salad Bar
  
🍪🍰 Please bring a dessert to share 
 
 🍺 🍷BYOB (Water and Iced Tea provided) 
  
    
So we can plan!
 
Please Note: Non-Members and Guests are $15 each, payable at the meeting. Thank you!
Non-Members and Guests will be credited the $15 if they join the club at the meeting!
Non-members may be a guest 2 times before membership is required.
 
Everyone who RSVP's, and guests, will get a blue dinner ticket.

Non-RSVP's will get a red ticket. Blue tickets will be served first.
 
To help you RSVP,  watch this quick video here or click the image below to learn how to RSVP online. 
 
 
If all else fails, just reply to this email and we'll add you so you get a blue ticket!
 
Thank you!!
...
 
Join the Club!
 

 
Join Or RENEW Now! The annual membership dues are $115 and will cover a new membership for 12 full months for new members. Members that joined before August 1 2024 have a June 30 renewal date. 
 
Don't Miss Out!
 
✅ When your membership expires, you will no longer be able to login to the Club website, and no longer have access to members only content. 
 
✅ The Club Luff 'N Laff will be sent to active members only, and general information will be sent to non-members.
 
✅ The Port32 Marina/Wahoo membership is available to active members only.
 
✅ Some Club events will be available to members only, so keep/start your membership!
 
Plus, we'll miss you if you let your membership expire!
 
Renew or Join Now! 
The annual membership dues are $115 and will cover a new membership for 12 full months for new members. Members that joined before August 1 2024 have a June 30 renewal date each year. 
 
Club dues allow the Club to provide:
 Port32/Wahoo membership for $99 (Savings of $300)
 Races & Cruises planned and put on
⛵ Day Sailing events planned and put on
⛵ Raft-Ups planned and put on
⛵ Charters planned and put on
⛵ Small Boats Events planned and put on
 Sugden Sunday Fun Day's  🏊🍔 planned and put on
👩‍🏫 Monthly meetings planned with activities for engagement, fun, food, and occasional speakers
🎉 Parties with food
😋 Comradery with your fellow sailors
🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️Unlimited volunteer opportunities
 
 
You can complete the payment process online with credit card.  
 
If you prefer, you can mail a check for $115 to Gulf Coast Sailing Club, P.O. Box 2121, Naples, FL 34106 and your membership will be manually renewed. Please renew online first, and then mail in the check. Thanks! Please include any changes to your contact information.
 
Please contact Denise Brown at membership@gulfcoastsailingclub.org if you have any questions. Thanks for your membership renewal!
 
We look forward to seeing you at events, on committees, and on the water!
 
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Classified Ads 
 
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Boat For Sale!

 

1988 23’ Precision Sailboat

Electric Winch on Gin pole for lowering and raising mast. Solid trailer with new tires. Alcohol stove and porta potty. Sleeps 3-4. Solid boat. Draws 1’11” with the keel up and 5’ with the keel down. Carbon fiber jib and Dacron main. 4 HP Tohatsu on the boat and a spare 6 HP Yamaha comes with it. Complete cover for the boat and a spare Dacron jib.

New Price: $6,000

 
Captain Seaby 630-327-9772
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Boat For Sale!

Very well maintained 1995 Catalina 320 hull number 206 for sale.

Naples, Florida, United States Beta Wave

More Yacht Details and Pictures

Beta Wave is a 1995 Catalina 320 sloop, hull #206, purchased new in St Louis in October 1994 by the current and original owner. She spent the first 20 years of her life being gently used on Carlyle Lake in southern Illinois.
 
And In fall of 2015, she was trucked to Naples Boat Yard where she was refitted with new speed and depth transducers, LED anchor, steaming and deck lights and a new VHF antenna. All mast wiring was renewed and run without a junction box to end points in the boat. 
 
Plenty of wiring slack was left in the bilge to accommodate future mast stepping and addition of junction box. She’s been living and sailing in Naples Florida since she was moved in 2015.
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BOAT SLIP FOR SALE 38’ x 24’ 

 

Deeded slip located at SouthPointe Yacht Club in Windstar on Naples Bay.

PROTECTED Harbor on Gordan River.  EASY ACCESS TO THE GULF!

Contact:

John & Vi Cochran

C:   219-671-1015

Vlanis@att.net
Cochran slip at Windstar
Catamaran For Sale
 2014 catamaran — 35’ Gemini. The boat is at our slip in SouthPointe Yacht Club Marina in Naples.  If there is interest, ⛵️⛵️⛵️Many Thanks—John & Vi Cochran  C:  260-403-5314 Vlanis@att.net
 
Sailboat For Sale!
Wings
 

Please contact Rick & Candice Thiele:
239-292-6472 
..
 
GCSC - Who We Are
 

Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Mission

As Naples and Southwest Florida’s leading volunteer sailing club, we support inter-club racing, cruising, day sailing, social events, and boating education for the benefit of sailors and their families. Let’s keep it fun.

 

Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Strategy

· Be an innovative volunteer and non-profit organization of beginner, intermediate and experienced sailors.

· Provide year-round on-the-water and land-based activities for our members, their families, and their guests.

· Build a robust sailing program by interfacing with all southwest Florida sailing clubs and coordinating interclub activities.

· Build community outreach through supporting local boating programs and marine industries.

· Actively support sailing and seamanship education programs.

 

Our Gulf Coast Sailing Club Core Values

· Maintain a welcoming and friendly environment for all.

· Respect all levels of experience and interest.

· Exhibit leadership, Integrity, and honesty.

· Have fun!

 
 
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
 
Would you like to advertise your business on our website and this newsletter? Tell your fellow sailors what you do and let them get to know you better! All the details are on our Sponsors page here:  Sponsors Page


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laurie@LCAssetManagement.com   
PH: 239-785-2711 
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www.youtube.com/@GulfCoastSailingClub