Jan. 31, 2009 Fun Run to Naples Bay Resort, Naples, FL Run has been changed to Sunday Feb 1st. See post # 9 below

Welcome to our 4th fun run of the season. We will assemble at the south side of the Sanibel Bridge departing for Naples at 11:00 AM. We have an exciting new destination, the Yacht Club at Naples Bay Resort. The Yacht Club is a private, however FMO, Inc. secretary, Tom Cullen has arranged for our group to be his guest. Thank you Tom (SO megabyte*3).

If you are able to join us, please post up here on SO on either this thread or e mail me at bobthebuilder(at)rogers.blackberry.net. Also since we are now formally a Club, and this is a sanctioned club event we ask that you complete your membership application by going to www.ftmyersoffshore.org and download the membership form if you have not already done so. You may either mail it in or submit at our lunch at Naples Bay Resort.
If your boat is down for service or repair and you feel like driving to NBR and joining us for lunch, Club members are most welcome to do so. Remember a social membership is only $35.00 and boaters membership is $60 and covers the family. It is always very social and a good time. Please let me know as the Yacht Club at NBR is asking for a head count. The address is: 1500 5th Ave; South, Naples.

This run is a designated fund raising event: FMO is committed to 2 fund raising events per year with the others being “no charge”. We are asking for a “donation” of $50 to $100 per boat at the Captain’s discretion. As a donation, you will be eligible for a tax receipt which will be issued in due coarse. Donations will be collected at the lunch stop. ( Please note that 2008 tax receipts will be e mailed out to everyone by the end of Jan. 2009 )

Route: From the Sanibel Bridge we will run straight shot south for Naples and into Naples Bay via Gordon Pass. While we will spread out on the Gulf, we will need to run single file on Naples Bay. Some areas of the Bay will be idle zone and some will be 30 MPH.
Note to Marco and Naples boats. You are welcome to join me for the run up to the Sanibel Bridge to meet the main group of boats. I will leave Marco at 10 am and pass by Gordon Pass at 10:10 AM on the way north.

Lunch:The Yacht Club is putting on a great lunch buffet in a club room for our exclusive use. Cost is $26.00 per person, and includes 3 entree’s, salads, ice tea / lemonade and desert. Payable directly to the NBR on arrival.

50 / 50 draw: At lunch we will be selling raffle tickets. 100 % of the proceeds will go into the FMO scholarship fund. In October, Ben and Carrie Payne won enough to fill the gas tank on their boat! Our winner at the New Years Day run was Don & Amanda Gardiner where they took home $400.00
Support your Club, and the good work we are trying to do.

After Lunch: While the officially sanctioned run ends at Naples Bay Resort, a number of boats will likely go over to the beach at Keewaydin Island after lunch. All are welcome.

Fuel / Distance: From the Sanibel Bridge to Gordon Pass it is about 30 miles each way. It is about another 8 miles up the Bay to Naples Bay Resort. If going down to Keewaydin Island is in your plans, that is about 15 miles south of NBR.
Most vessels will have sufficient range for this run if they are full of fuel at the start.

Communications: Inter boat communication to be on VHF channel 72. Also My cell is 239-776-0481. Anyone dropping out after the start should let me know so we do not spend time waiting or looking for you. Leave a voice mail if no answer.

Pictures: Jay (SO / FMO Jayboat) will be aboard Team PREDATOR, so make sure you come alongside for some great running shots of your boat as we head south to Naples. They will be posted on the forum and website, after the run.
In addition it is my understanding that Freeze Frame Photography will again be shooting this run from the helicopter.

Tide Info:

Cape Coral ( Bridge): HT- 5:54 AM; LT- 12:38 PM; HT- 6:07 PM
Sanibel Bridge: LT- 9:20 AM; HT- 3:59 PM
Naples Bay (north end) : LT- 9:49 AM; HT- 3:47 PM
Marco Island: LT- 9:52 AM; HT- 4:00 PM

Waypoints:

Sanibel Bridge: N 26 29 00; W 82 00 88

Naples (Gordon Pass): N 26 05 50; W 81 48 67

Weather / Sea Conditions: To be posted 5 days prior to the event and updated daily. Referencing:

NOAA Weather: http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.ph...656&syn=gmz606

The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/outlook/trave...opnav_vacation

Safety: Each boat Captain is required to operate his / her vessel in a safe manner and is responsible for the safety of the crew and their safety. Familiarize yourself with BSAFE ( Boating Safety Association for Events ). Visit www.boatingsafe.org

Contact info: Bob cell: 239-776-0481. E mail: bobthebuilder(at)rogers.blackberry.net