Marathon Sailing Club

Welcome to the Marathon Sailing Club

We are a club of sailors who enjoy the warm waters of the Marathon area from December thru May.  We sail a variety of boats. These include Sunfish sailing at various locations around the Keys and match racing. We race radio controlled Victorias and one design CR-914 sailboats. Each year we hold an invitational CR-914 regatta. Occasionally we day-cruise on 20-40ft. boats. Each season, we take kayaking trips through the nearby Keys and mangroves. Of course, we also have the occasional cocktail party and as well as special social events.
Our members are a combination of fulltime residents of the Keys and "Snowbird" sailors that enjoy sailing and friendships during the cooler months. Some of our members have their own boats and the club also has boats to share. To see what is happening this season, check the 2019 "Dates to Remember" below.

To learn more about joining us, please play our videos to learn about us and go to the website's "About Our Club" page.
Always feel free to contact me.....Colin Parker, Commodore,  Captcparker@yahoo.com
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2019 Dates to Remember

To All Members and Friends of the
Marathon Sailing Club

See you next season starting in December.
Enjoy the Summer.

   MARATHON SAILING CLUB
   MAY 16, 2019
   MINUTES

The Marathon Sailing Club had its last meeting/party of the season at the home of Colin Parker and Susan Ruck on Wednesday, May 15th. Present were Sue and Tom Reese, Woody and Carol, Margo, Mike and Susan and Colin. Our esteemed Treasurer is still convalescing from broken ribs and could not make it, but he did provide a report via Margo and we appreciate that. We are in excellent financial standing, with all of our dues in and accounted for. Thanks Larry and speedy recovery.

After Pain Killers, other libations and appetizers, we enjoyed fried yellowtail and mangrove snapper and grilled dolphin as well as all the accompaniments. We feasted on some specialty desserts contributed and on top of that, Susan brought out a special cake which had our favorite quote on it, “Fair Winds” which we wish to all our Club!

Have a happy and safe summer, fair winds and good sailing………………….Colin

MARATHON SAILING CLUB
APRIL 10, 2019
MINUTES

The April meeting was held at the home of Margo and Larry Murray. Present were
Margo and Larry, Susan and Al Simmons, Mike Bier, Colin, Jeanette Holy and guest
Don Anderson. After delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks the meeting commenced at 7:30PM.

The minutes were accepted and Larry gave his Treasurer’s Report. The Club is in
strong financial condition. The remainder of dues is expected soon and they should
cover the Splicing Party expenses.

Under Committee Reports, Mike reported that the Splicing Party was a huge success
with a large contingent from the Boot Key Harbor boats. Thank you Mike for organizingthis very important community outreach program.

Under Old Business, Colin reported that the MYCEF fund raiser bash was very
successful, netting over $30,000.00, which will keep the youth sailing program running and growing. The nautical antiques that our own Paul Koisch donated brought in a lot of cash and helped tremendously toward our goal.

Two weeks ago, our Youth Sailing kids participated in a regatta with the Key West
Community Sailing Club and the Upper Keys Sailing Club in Key West. We came in first in Lasers, First in Sunfish and First in the Juniors. We are very proud of their
accomplishments, how they are improving, and the value of our Middle Keys Sailing
Program.

Under New Business, the Full Moon Kayak in Big Pine will be next Wednesday, April
17th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Sue and I and Woody and Carol are intending to go.
$25 pp. includes kayak, gear and a guide. Please call Capt. Bill at 305-872-7474 to
make a reservation.

RC sailing will start next week at the quarry. I will send out a text to those interested on the appropriate days.

Sunfish sailing will be announced since the last planned outing had to be cancelled
due to high winds.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45PM and the next meeting was set for May 15th at Colin and Sue’s home.

Respectfully submitted by, Colin Parker, Commodore, Marathon Sailing Club

*****

MARATHON SAILING CLUB
April 8, 2019 MINUTES

To All Members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club:

Our Annual Splicing Party last week was a huge success. As you can see we had a large group of enthusiastic folks to splice with great representation from Boot Key Harbor.

A special thanks goes out to Mike Bier for putting this event together and to Sue Ruck, Margo and Larry Murray arranged for the food and helped out. Thank you all!

OUR NEXT MEETING IS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10TH @6:30PM
MARGO AND LARRY MURRAY’S HOME
822 97TH ST. OCEAN
MARATHON, FL 33050

If possible please bring an hors d’oeuvres to share.

Thanks, Colin Parker, Commodore, Marathon Sailing Club

 MARATHON SAILING CLUB
MARCH 6, 2019 MINUTES

The March meeting was held at the home of Colin and Sue. Present were Mike Bier, Carol and Ted Reinhold, Sue and Tom Reese, Woody Sapp and Carol Anderson, Margo and Larry Murray, Sue and Colin. After pizza (thank you Margo & Larry for picking up the pizza), hors d’oeuvres and drinks the meeting commenced at 7:15PM. The minutes of the February meeting were accepted and Larry gave his Treasurer’s Report. The Club is in good financial standing especially with dues coming in. Thank you everybody for getting your dues in. Our US Post Office fees and State Incorporation fees have been paid.

Under Committee Reports, there is new news as of today about the Splicing Party.Mike heard from them today and there is a possibility we will be able to schedule it. More news to follow. I reported on the MYCEF Benefit Bash. It will be held at the MYC on March 30th from 5 to 8PM. It will be a pig roast dinner, with music by Howard Livingston, silent and live auction items, all for $85pp of which $60 is tax deductible. This is the major fund raising event for the Foundation and without it we would not have a youth sailing program. Tickets are available at the Yacht Club.

Under Old Business, Mike and Colin reported that the sail to Fiesta Key and the lunch was great. Mike and Colin sailed over in Mike’s Bandit and Sue, Margo and Larry drove and met us. We had a little adventure coming back when the Bandit started taking on water and we had to sail back, just making it to the ramp! Sue came back and got us. We drove back to get the trailer, hauled the boat, got the water out and drove home. By the way, Mike’s boat is for sale!!

Tom Reese reported on the regatta he brought his Trimaran to in Charolette harbor. It was around the buoy racing which did not favor his boat. He still had respectable finishes except for a break down on the last day. Well done Tom! Also, RC boating has been happening on a regular basis, usually on Wed. or Thurs. at Valhalla Quarry at 1:00PM. Under New Business, the next Full Moon Kayak will be on Monday, March 18th 6-8PM in Big Pine. The contact # is Capt.Bill at 305-872-7474. April’s will be on Wed. April 17th 6:30-8:30PM.

Because of a conflict on my part, we moved the Sunfish racing at Cocoplum Beach to March 24th. Announcements to follow. Woody brought up the possibility of a Sunset Cruise on the When and If out of Stock Island as a good activity. I will check into the particulars to see if that is something the Club would like to do.
Tom Reese has also offered his 32’ trimaran for a sunset cruise. We have set a tentative date of March 27th, weather permitting. So mark your calendars, this will be a fun outing. Thanks Tom!!

Our meet adjourned at 9:15PM and our next meeting will be at the Murray’s on April 10th. Thank you Sue Ruck for providing the Pizza. It was great!
Respectfully submitted;
Colin Parker, Commodore, Marathon Sailing Club

Marathon Sailing Club
February 6, 2019
MINUTES
The February meeting was held at the home of Susan and Al Simmons. Present were Ted and Carol Reinhold, Dean and Paulla, Tom Reese, Mike, Al and Susan Simmons, Sue Ruck and Colin. After pizza, hors d’oeuvres and drinks the meeting commenced at 7:00PM. Larry Murray was a little under the weather and could not make the meeting but he did want me to pass the word that 2019 dues are due and can be sent to:
MARATHON SAILING CLUB PO BOX 5227, 46 MARATHON SHORES, FL 33052
Under Committee Reports, Mike reported that he has not heard from the Marine Sanctuary yet on our proposed date of March 14th for the Splicing Party. Colin reported that Middle Keys Youth Sailing has acquired another Flying Scott sailboat that he picked up in Bradenton, FL and delivered to Marathon. Also, the Annual Fund Raiser for the Sailing Foundation will be on March 30th and we are hoping for as much support as possible.

Under Old Business Sue reported the Sunset Cruise on the Sirius was a great success. There were 10 members who attended and were treated to a wonderful sail, mild conditions and a nice sunset. We had a great time and will do it again. Also, it was a great day for a kayak today and Sue and Colin enjoyed the mangrove tunnels at Curry Hammock.

Under New Business RC sailing has been active on Wednesdays or Thursdays down at the Quarry. Come join us to watch or participate. The Fiesta Key Land and Sea Cruise will be on Sat. Feb 23rd for Sunfish and other small boats. We will meet at Mike’s house around 10AM to launch and then sail over to Fiesta Key. Those who don’t want to sail can meet us there by car and have lunch probably meeting around 1:00pm. If you would like to borrow a Sunfish, let us know. Sunfish Race date is set for Sat. March 23rd at Coco Plum Beach. More info will be forthcoming. We have at least 3 boats and would love to have more. Kayaking dates coming up at Big Pine for the Full Moon Kayaks are: Feb. 17th, 5 to 7PM and March 18th 6 to 8PM. Call 305-731-6362 for reservations.

The next meeting will be held and Colin and Sue's home on Duck Key on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Colin Parker, Commodore

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-----Highlights from the 2107-18 Season------

To All Members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club

The Fiesta Key Cruise was a great success this year. Participating were Margo and Larry Murray, Kerry Willis, and Susan Ruck who arrived by car and Mike and Colin who arrived by boat. The weather was very threatening all night and early morning but broke to a beautiful rainbow and perfect winds and blue skies.

Mike and I had one of the better sailing days in a long time. We enjoyed very good food and drinks at their Lobster Crawl Restaurant. The only thing missing were more friends and boats but a good time was had by all. Fair winds and good sailing…………………….Colin

The SPLICING PARTY at the City Marina was very successful. Many folks from boats in the harbor plus our own members and friends showed up to splice pennants for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. A special thanks goes to Mike Bier who organized the party and to Sue Ruck who arranged for the food. Thanks to all who came! it was a great event!

DATES TO REMEMBER

APRIL 27: full moon kayaking in Big Pine
May 5: Fiesta Key Land and Sea Cruise
May 26: Boot Key kayaking

FOR KEY WEST SUNSET SAIL PICTURES, CLICK BUTTON

MARATHON SAILING CLUB
April 18, 2018
MINUTES
Our April meeting was held at the home of Margo and Larry Murray. Present were Margo and Larry, Mike Bier, Colin and guest Kerry Willis. After great hors d’oeuvres and drinks the meeting started at 7:30PM.

The last meeting’s minutes were accepted as presented. Larry gave the Treasurer’s report. There was one glitch in our statement but Larry wason top of the problem which was a bank error. With that problem taken care of, we are in good financial condition. We received a letter from KAIR acknowledging our contribution at Christmas time.

Under Committee reports, Mike reported that our Splicing Party was very successful. The City Marina was filled with many folks from the harbor as well as our members and friends. Great job in heading that up, Mike.

Colin reported on the MYCEF Youth Sailing Program 4 day Learn to Race Clinic and the Benefit Bash fund raiser. 14 local boys and girls participated in the clinic run by Professional sailor and instructor Bobby Brooks and our Instructor Matt Gamel. By the end of the 4 days the students were able to start and go around a designated course and finish races. Their progress was very noticeable and amazing. Awards were given out to the top racers and all were awarded t-shirts for participating. I worked on boat prep and launching all 4 days and Mike helped me out on Saturday getting boats and kids ready for racing. In all it was an extremely successful program. The last day of racing was followed by the Benefit Bash held at the Yacht Club outside around the pool. It was a beautiful evening, with music and a full buffet dinner and Pusser’s rum drinks. There was a live auction and a silent auction with lots of fun and action. The Foundation raised $30,000 for the sailing program!!

Under New Business:
April 21: On Saturday, April 21, we are kayaking at Curry Hammock State Park. The Park is in full operation and has kayaks to rent. If you care to join us, we are meeting there at 1:00PM.

APRIL 27: April 27 at 6:30PM there is a full moon kayak in Big Pine. Call 305-872-7274

May 5: The Fiesta Key Land and Sea Cruise is scheduled to take place on May 5th. Sailors will meet at Mike’s house at 10:00AM, launch our boats and sail over to Fiesta Key for lunch. We will meet up with those coming by car at 12:30 — 1:00PM .

May 26: Boot Key kayaking. We will meet at Sombrero Beach at 10:00AM and kayak the trails in Boot Key.

Our next formal meeting will take place on November 14th at the Murrays. The meeting adjourned at 9PM with much thanks to the Murray’s for their hospitality.

Respectfully submitted, Colin Parker, Commodore

Sunset Sail Pictures

2017 Season Highlights

2017 Vahalla Regatta

Weather

Tides

Activities