March 2023

SPYC were great hosts as usual, John and Chase at the marina are always very helpful. They were amazing at how little help our fleet needed in getting docked. Most times the boats were backing into slips and securing lines before they could even get down the dock. They said our fleet was the most self-sufficient they’d ever hosted! We had docktails Friday night from 5-7 at the marina. Then everyone went off on their own to sample all the great restaurants and activists St. Pete has to offer. Some ate at SPYC and discovered John in the piano bar was able to play any song requested. Others went to the seafood and music festival and feasted on Cajun delights, fantastic gyros, great local shrimp, and other seafood. The fried Oreos were a delicious surprise that delighted the people who tried them for the first time. The bands were great and dancing under the stars was a blast!

Saturday saw the fleet head out to the Saturday market, the Pier, the seafood festival, and the tiki bar and pool at the Club. Cards and naps were on tap for the afternoon. Everyone got together for cocktails again before setting off on independent adventures. We had some visitors that arrived by land to enjoy dinner at SPYC Saturday night Followed by a concert at the Mahaffy.

Dogs were also welcome on the trip. Yogi, Lucy, "Brad" Paisley, "Jimmy" Fallon, and Lou Lou Belle were all in attendance and behaved perfectly!

I’m not sure about the sail home but I hope the cruisers were all able to hoist their sails on the way back to Tampa. It was a very casual and relaxed weekend, and we all had a good time getting to know each other better.

Our next adventure is Fantasy Island hosted by Joel and Mayrelis Hutson, this is always a fun event and so close to DIYC, be sure to join the fun and bring a dish to share March 10-12, 2023! Don’t forget to wear your Island Wear!

ext is our Spring Cayo Costa Cruise hosted by Martha Bone and Bob Touton! They have loads of fun planned, including Cabbage Key, Captiva, Mar Vista, and more April 1-8, 2023!

Our Tall Ship Cruise to the Caribbean December 2-9, 2023, is filling up fast, the boat is almost out of cabins! With two Yacht Club Cruising Fleets attending, we will have plenty of sailors on board! If you want to join, now is the time!

Remember, if you want to join the Cruising Fleet, email CruisingFleet@DIYC.org.