Marathon Sailing Club
.......Founded in 1987
www.marathonsailingclub.org
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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
​                          ______________________________________________________________​           

HOME RC

Welcome to the 2021-22 Season

To All Members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club,


Happy days are here again and we are ready to start our new year with

our first business meeting since COVID hit us so hard.

The meeting will be held on Thursday Feb. 24th at the home of Susan

and Colin

 at 6:30 PM:

328 E. SEAVIEW DR.

DUCK KEY, FL 33050
​
410-404-3093

BRING your ideas, thoughts, desires for the Club and

a hors ​ d’oeuvres would be appreciated.

Wine and beer will be served.

See you then,

Colin Parker, Commodore

Goodbye to Omicron and 2021!





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To All Members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club;


We are going to have an impromptu get together to toast in

the Holidays and offer up a special one for Mike.


We will meet at Margo and Larry’s home on Tuesday,

Dec 21st at 6:00PM. 
​
Pizza, wine and beer will be served.

Hope as many as possible can join us…………………………………Colin



The Murray’s

822 97th Street. Ocean

Marathon, FL 33050
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                                                       Mike Bier​

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November 21, 2021

​​To All members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club;
 
It is with great sorrow that I tell you that our past commodore, fellow sailor and trusted friend,
Mike Bier has Crossed the Bar. He passed peacefully at home surrounded with family
yesterday morning after a four year battle with cancer.
 
I was fortunate to be able to visit with Mike a couple times in the last two weeks. Even though
he was very tired, he wanted to commiserate and joke, showing his same gift of jab, clear mind
and good old sense of humor. He was even asking what’s going on with the Club and what
members I have heard from. He was very surprised and thankful to receive phone calls and
notes from a number of members. It comforted me to see he was being well cared for with
Hospice and round the clock healthcare.
 
Mike has been one of most actively involved members in our Club. Many may not remember or
know that Mike as an Architect, drew up a proposal for a Sailing Center at the Marathon City
Marina, complete with blueprint drawings of a two story building, boat launching and storage,
parking, etc, of which the Marathon Sailing Club would be a major part of. The City of
Marathon was not ready for that, but it was a very forward thinking, impressive proposal.
 
Mike, along with Paul Koisch, started and organized the Splicing Parties at the City Marina to
benefit the National Marine Sanctuary as part of our community outreach every year. He
organized sailing clinics. He helped keep our sunfish fleet sailing and active by always having
loaner boats available. He started our annual Buchannan Keys big boat cruises and the annual
Fiesta Key Land and Sea Cruise. He even got us involved in beach clean-ups and Save-ATurtle
functions all part of his many life long causes he was involved in. What a man! A true
Keys character in the best sense of the word. He will be sorely be missed…….
 
I want to thank all of those members who physically or in any way helped Mike after the
hurricane and when he was diagnosed. Also thank you to all who wrote letters or called or
dropped off goodies. He appreciated it, kept his mind positive and made him feel very good.
 
All of those who talked to Mike know how positive he was.
This is what Mike would have said:
 
“Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.
………………
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho” from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.”
 
(From the poem “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson)
 
                                                Fair winds Mike, on your final journey………………

​                                                                           *****
Obituary

Michael Jason Bier, 75, passed away on November 20, 2021 in Islamorada, Florida following a heroic struggle with lung cancer. He was born July 31, 1946 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Edna and Harry Bier. He had two older siblings, Stephen and Mary.

The love of the Florida Keys was developed at an early age when Mike’s parents moved their young family to Key West in the 1940s where they resided for a short time. Although they eventually moved back to New Jersey and then resettled in Miami in the 1950s, this early experience was important in his life.
 
Mike graduated from North Miami High School in 1964 and then graduated cum laude with a degree in architecture from the University of Florida in 1971.  Mike was active with the American Institute of Architects and served as Miami Chapter President in the early 1980s.  He later opened his own practice and designed one-of-a- kind homes for people throughout South Florida and the Keys.  Mike also taught at Miami Dade College, was a student favorite and remained in contact with many of his former students throughout his life.

Mike and his mother, Edna, moved to the Keys in the early 1980s following the death of his father, Harry.  Mike designed a beautiful home where he resided for the rest of his life.  During his nearly forty years in the Keys, Mike was active and involved with many organizations he cared passionately about including Save-a-Turtle, Florida Keys Gator Club, Marathon Sailing Club, Lower Matecumbe Key Association and Safety Harbor Property Owners Association. 

Mike was an amazing person with many outstanding qualities, but his kindness, sense of humor, empathy, and true interest in others set him apart in so many ways.  Mike was an integral part of a loving family who also created a vast network of friends who became his family.  He was genuinely interested in and supportive of them.  He loved sailing, exploring, eating, laughing, talking – preferably all happening at the same time! Mike was also an animal lover and was devoted to his cats, Muffin, Ringo and Jasmine.

Mike lived life on his own terms and he proclaimed on many occasions to friends and family that he could not have had a better life. 

Mike is survived by his sister, Mary Bier Wilson, nephews, Stephen Bier, Jr., Jeff Wilson and William “Billy” Bier and niece Jennifer Wilson.  He is also survived by six grand-nieces, two grand-nephews, and one great grand-niece and a plethora of wonderful friends who were like family to him.  Mike was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Harry & Edna, and older brother Stephen. 
A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held at a later date.
​
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in his name:
Save-A-Turtle (Jensen Endowment)
Florida Keys Gator Club (Scholarship Fund)

                                                                         *****

2020-2021


Greetings to all during this time of uncertainty for the 2020-21 season. This is a season of hope with the vaccine around the corner. As sailors, the present time offers an opportunity to watch and armchair quarterback if you will, some amazing sailing going on now around the world.

Check out the America’s Cup with races starting this December. Also The Vendee Globe around the world singlehanded race in progress as we speak! Both venues offer fantastic state of the art boats and world class sailors competing and we can sit back and enjoy these on our computers and TVs.
 
Speaking of world class sailors, some of us will start RC sailing socially distanced at Valhalla Quarry starting in January. Hopefully other activities will be happening as well in the new year.

​Colin Parker, Commodore
Feb 21: ITALY WINS PRADA CUP....

WILL RACE AGINST NEW ZEALAND IN ​THE AMERIC'S CUP MATCH RACE MARCH 5th
​
*****


36th America's Cup Races

For details, videos, links, TV schedules, etc. click on: MSC's  America's Cup page


USA BOAT FLIPS: VIDEO
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Prada Americas Cup World Series- Videos (January 2021)

Day 1, Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=A3fkbIb1V-o


Day 2, Race 2 Onboard Moments
https: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CFLSEsZWlE

Day 2, Race 3 Onboard Moments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=HBmHLk8HRHQ//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CFLSEsZWlE

Jan 18: Saving Patriot: SAVING​

​
Jan 22: US unable to compete in Round Robin 3 & 4 races. Will next race Jan 29th. Click: READ

Jan 23: UK  Wins Prada Cup Round Robins: Click UK WINSF

Feb 22: Italy wins Prada Cup.
Feb 21, 2021
*****
----2020 Highlights ----
SPLICING PARTY CANCELLED................To All Members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club......The Meeting, March 23d at Tom and Sue Reese's home has been cancelled.............. .............Also, new members are always welcomed.....Just contact Colin Parker, see below for details.......Commodore............Captcparker@yahoo.com...................
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The SPLICING PARTY scheduled for tonight,

March 12th has been CANCELLED!



The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has

determined to cancel this event as a precaution.

*****
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​MARATHON SAILING CLUB
MARCH 2, 2020
MINUTES
​

The postponed February meeting was held on March 2nd at the home of Colin and
Susan. Present were Margo and Larry, Ted and Carol Reinhold, Sue and Tom Reese,
Susan and Colin and Colin’s guests his stepdaughter Robin and her partner Jeff. Susan
put out a fabulous spread of Chili, Cole slaw, cornbread muffins and cake. After filling
up the meeting commenced at 8PM.

The minutes were accepted and Colin gave a brief report about overhead power lines
at the 33rd Street boat ramp which is used by Middle Keys Sailing to launch their boats
as well as the general public. This situation created by the City of Marathon, is a
serious hazard to all using the ramp as well as being a violation of all guidelines.
 
The Treasurer’s Report was given by Larry. The Club remains in strong financial
condition as dues are being collected now. If you have not done so, please mail your
dues check to:
Marathon Sailing Club
PO BOX 522746
Marathon Shores, FL 33052
 
Under Committee reports, Colin reported that Mike has arranged for the Splicing Party
to take place on: Thursday, March 12, 2020, City Marina, 6:30PM
 
Thank you Mike for taking care of that. Hope to see you all there to support the Club.
Also Susan discussed a cruise on the Appledore out of Key West. A 2PM afternoon
cruise was thought to be best so folks could get home early. Sue will be looking in to
picking a day.
 
Under Old Business, Colin discussed the major fund raiser for Middle Keys Youth
Sailing will be the Sunset Party at the Yacht Club on Sunday, MARCH 22,2020. The
tickets are $65 not $85 and a portion is Tax deductible. It will start around 5PM. There
will be a dinner, live auction, silent auction, music and possibly some RC sailing in the
pool. Should be a lot of fun and for a good cause
 
Under New Business, RC sailing has been going on every Wednesday at the Quarry.
We have been meeting at 1PM usually finish up around 3. All are welcome to
participate or watch.
 
Tom Reese has offered his trimaran for a day trip and we have picked a date;
​
MONDAY, MARCH 23RD AT 1:00PM WEATHER PERMITTING!!
Sue and Tom Reese
227 Anglers DR.
Unit 404
Marathon, FL 33050
716-523-6475

The next meeting will also be at the Sue and Tom Reese’s home. on the same day as
our afternoon cruise——--MARCH 23, 2020 @6:30PM
 
Many thanks to Sue Ruck for a great dinner spread!
 
The meeting adjourned at 8:45PM.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Colin Parker, Commodore
​
*****

MARATHON SAILING CLUB

JANUARY 22, 2020
MINUTES
The January meeting was held at the home of Margo and Larry Murray. Present were
Margo and Larry, Jeanette Holy and guest Don, Carol and Ted Reinhold, Carol Anderson and Woody Sapp, Paulla and Dean Martin, Sue and Tom Reese, Mike Bier,Colin and Sue and welcoming back Bob Cooley. After some great hors d’oeuvres the meeting commenced at 7:30PM.
 
The minutes were accepted and Larry gave his Treasurer’s report. The Club is in strong
financial condition. There were no expenditures over the summer. Colin gave Larry the
bill for the yearly Corporation fee of $61.25. The annual dues for 2020 of $50 for an individual and $75 for a couple are now due. They can be given to Larry or sent to
 
MARATHON SAILING CLUB
PO BOX 522746
MARATHON SHORES, FL 33052
 
The first order of business was the election of officers of the Club. Colin opened up nominations from the floor. None were herd so Sue Ruck made the motion to accept the present officers. The motion was seconded by Jeanette Holy and was passed unanimously.
 
Under committee reports, it was agreed that we should pursue having the Splicing Party and that we would try for the 2nd week in March. Mike will be working on that. Thank you Mike for taking that on. Colin announced that the annual MYCEF Benefit Bash will be March 22 at the Yacht Club. The kids will be having a regatta earlier in the day with awards to be given out at the party. Members of the Sailing Club are going to try to do a RC sailing demo in the pool which should be fun. Of course, there will be music, dinner and a silent auction. All in all a great evening! Ticket information will be coming out soon.
 
Under Old Business, we shared some of our glorious and harrowing experiences we had over the summer and we are all glad that Jeanette got her bottom cleaned!!
 
Under New Business, we discussed many activity plans for the year. We are going to set up a date in the first weeks of February to kayak at Jeanette’s ocean location and also at Curry Hammock later. RC sailing is starting at the Quarry on Wednesdays at 1:00PM. Jeanette has completed building her Victoria and will be out on the water with us. Congrats Jeanette! The more the merrier. Come on down and try it out or just watch us.
We will try to coordinate people and boats to get some Sunfish dates as soon as the
weather settles down.
 
We have number of proposals for Day Trips. Sue Ruck has investigated The Schooner Appledore out of Key West. The price is $39 pp and was the most reasonable. Sue will
try to get a date where we can get the greatest participation. Thanks Sue for your work
on this. Tom Reese has once again offered his trimaran for a daysail which sounds great. A date will be picked at our February meeting.
 
A huge thank you goes out to Margo and Larry for hosting our meeting one again. We
all appreciate it and had a great time. The next meet will at Colin and Sue’s house on Duck Key on February 12th.
 
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Colin Parker, Commodore
​
*****​
​
To All Members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club

Happy New Year to all and I am especially happy to announce our first Club meeting of the season, year and decade. It will be held:

    Wednesday, January 22, 2020
6:30PM
at the home of
Margo and Larry Murray



If you can bring a hors d’oeuvre to share that would be great.

It will be great to see everybody again and welcome in a new year of sailing and comradeship.
​ Fair winds and good sailing…………………………..Colin

*****

To all members and Friends of the Marathon Sailing Club;

Well it is time for the Snowbirds to be thinking of heading south. The first frost is predicted in the Northeast this weekend, so we are hopping on the southbound Amtrak Saturday.

I hope everybody had a wonderful and fruitful summer. No hurricanes!! Yea! We hope Ruth and Steve are safe from the devastating fires in California.

Watch for an announcement of our first meeting of the season.  

Looking forward to seeing you all.


Fair winds and good sailing.

Colin


*****

Events from the Last Season

2019 Dates to Remember

To All Members and Friends of the
Marathon Sailing Club


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


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                                               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 
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​    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

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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

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

-----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.​
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 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!
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​DATES TO REMEMBER

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

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

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