Waypoints Naples Yacht Club 2019-2020

Essential Club Information

SEASON HOURS

November 1 through April 30

Sunday Breakfast/Brunch

Every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Boaters’ Grille

Lunch

Daily, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Boaters’ Grille (excluding Sunday)

Happy Hour

Daily, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the Boaters’ Lounge

Dinner

Daily, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Boaters’ Grille (Dinner specials posted on the website and in The Rudder)

Closed on Wednesdays

WEEKLY SPECIALTY DINING

Sunday: Gourmet Burger Night and Comfort Foods

Monday: Boaters’ Lunch (Buffet in season)

Friday: Lobster Dinner Special

Saturday: Prime Rib Dinner Special (À la carte dining is available on these days.)

SUMMER HOURS

May 1 through October 31

Brunch

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Boaters’ Grille (Served until Mother’s Day)

Lunch

Daily, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Boaters’ Grille, except Sundays

Dinner

Daily, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the Boaters’ Grille

EXCEPTIONS TO SUMMER HOURS

June, July, and September: Club is closed for dining on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

August: Club is closed for dining throughout the month

DRESS CODE

Club casual: Collared shirt and shorts or slacks; no blue denim

Reservations: (239) 262-6647 I Toll-free: (888) 439-2588

Naplesyc.com

Naples Yacht Club App

MICHAEL CARONCHI

From the Commodore’s Bridge

Welcome to a season of both celebration and thanks! We’re celebrating the completion of an extraordinary new clubhouse while, at the same time, extending heartfelt thanks to the many Club members whose endless hours of dedicated effort made it all happen. The support of Club members during this challenging project is greatly appreciated.

This issue of Waypoints contains the schedules for the 2019-2020 season. You will find the complete cruise schedule, the dates and details for both the Speaker Dinner Series and the Ladies Book Club, and this year’s entertainment events. We have a very exciting year planned, so mark your calendar now so that you don’t miss anything.

The 2020 season will be a season of change. With the completion of our clubhouse construction, we will all be adjusting to new spaces and new locations. We will have two entrances, North and South. With both parking lots available, the parking issues of last season should be resolved. The South entrance will provide access to the Boaters’ Grille and Yardarm, while the North entrance will be used for events. As you pass through the North entrance doors, please note the painting on the left side. The painting depicts the original Naples Yacht Club clubhouse and it was donated to the Club by Mary and Steve Smith. Our staff will no longer be located under the stairwell or in the crowded accounting office. All staff offices will be at the North side of the clubhouse. The membership, cruise, publication, and general manager’s offices will be on the first floor near the North entrance. Catering, accounting, human resources, and the clubhouse manager will be on the second floor of the North building, accessible by elevator or stairs across from the Main Brace. Please notice the relocated Paul Arsenault mural. In the fall, Monday Men’s Boaters’ Lunch will be back in the remodeled Briggs Room with the Ladies’ Monday Boaters’ Lunch location TBD.

Our new South Lawn is ready for bocce. The grass has been cut shorter and the playing field is level. There will be practice bocce on Tuesday evenings for members who want to improve their skills, and competitive bocce will be held on Friday evenings. Members are encouraged to attend dinner in the Boaters’ Grille after bocce, or if you are not a player, have a cocktail and watch bocce from the terrace outside the Boaters’ Lounge.

This season, we will be able to accommodate our full membership for all events! The Commodores’ Ball will be back at Naples Yacht Club and our members will enjoy the expanded dance floor. The larger Main Brace—with spectacular views of the harbor—will be the pre-event gathering area. The Speaker Dinner Series will be in the Ballroom, and members will be seated at round tables that will be set for dinner. We will gather in the Main Brace before being seated.

A great deal of attention has been focused on acoustical features to provide real benefit to our members. The entire inside of the new facility has acoustical features to minimize the noise level. There is acoustical cloth on the walls, ceilings, and even between the wood slats on the ceiling. The furniture has cloth seats and backs, and much of the building is carpeted.

In January 2020, we will be asking members to participate in another survey. Your Board wants to know if the new addition and the changes meet your expectations. Members and spouses are both encouraged to provide feedback.

This is your Club, so come often and enjoy it!

Jim Lozelle Commodore

Table of Contents

On the Cover:

FEATURES

6 Renovation Raises the Bar

The clubhouse maintains its classic character while maximizing bay views and reaching new heights.

14 Clubs Within the Club

Meet new friends who share your pastimes and passions.

20 Departures & Ports of Call

Club cruises guarantee memorable adventures. Explore highlights from recent voyages and check out this season’s scheduled cruises.

28 Dining through the Day

Take a tour of culinary delights with Chef Jan Hoffman and learn about the Community Table, where members break bread together.

Photo by Michael Caronchi/Caronchi Photography

SALLY SCHWEITZER

SALLY SCHWEITZER

40 A Tradition of Excellence

Members of the Naples Yacht Club— established before Naples was incorporated as a city—have influenced the community’s progress through the decades.

DEPARTMENTS

1 From the Commodore’s Bridge Commodore Jim Lozelle on the new and noteworthy

4 Welcome Home

Step inside Naples’ newest, oldest Club.

44 Member Services

Premier dock services, recreational amenities, reciprocal benefits at yacht clubs near and far, and a whole lot more

50 Social Calendar

Calendar of events for 2019-2020

56 Social Scene

A pictorial celebration of members and events

61 Welcome Aboard

Meet the newest members.

62 Honoring Our Past Commodores

A portrait gallery of NYC’s past leaders

64 Vintage Vignette

The story behind the 1968 NYC oil painting by Emile A. Gruppé

NAPLES YACHT CLUB

NAPLES YACHT CLUB

Welcome Home to Naples’ Newest, Oldest Club

Welcome back! All I can say is “whew!” It’s DONE. We’ve moved in. Our clubhouse is so nice—Naples’ oldest Club is now Naples’ newest Club.

The renovation has truly transformed our special place. Dear member: What’s your favorite highlight? Let me think about mine…

The Ballroom? Briggs Room? Maybe the new red wine displays with member-owned vaults, and the battery of Sub-Zeros with all of the Club’s white wine? Perhaps the Main Brace, with the beautiful replica of the old standup bar with the neat countertop you can comfortably lean on? Wait: It’s the Founders’ Room with the Paul Arsenault mural. Or is it?

My favorite highlight is really simple: my new office right inside the clubhouse entrance featuring the compass rose… with a window! The natural light is truly awesome.

Seriously, we have so many things to be excited about, and with the 2020 season unfurling its sails, it’s going to be the best ever. The events planned this year are remarkable—the Speaker Dinner Series, dances, wine dinners and tastings, and, of course, our traditional Fleet Review, Commodores’ Ball, and all the rest. It will be a season of firsts and bests for our community at the Naples Yacht Club— the first (and still) the best.

Brenda O’Connor Executive Director, Membership

Mike Mooney, CCM, CCE General Manager

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Renovation Raises the Bar— and the Roof

Clubhouse maintains classic character while maximizing bay views and reaching new heights

Members and guests are greeted at the newly renovated clubhouse by the grand entrance, opening to high ceilings and sweeping views of Naples Bay. Maximizing these views was a major goal of the $10 million project, the third phase of a master plan envisioned more than a decade ago.

The building’s foundation was lifted more than two feet and ceilings were raised to nearly 16 feet as copious windows and glass doors were added to highlight the most stellar feature of Naples’ oldest private club—its location on Naples Bay to the east. “It’s all about the view. It’s all about the vista,” says project architect Adrian Karapici, of Peacock+Lewis Architects and Planners, a Naples firm recognized for its work with prestigious clubs.

The last vestiges of the original 1960 building were removed in April 2018, and, during the following year, a new clubhouse with all-new amenities and a familiar, comfortable feel took shape in its place, says NYC Executive Director of Membership Brenda O’Connor.

Much of the design is based on two features: the panorama and the Naples Bay mural painted by locally renowned artist Paul Arsenault, illustrating the 1960s waterfront. “It’s like looking in the history books when looking into that painting,” says Peacock+Lewis interior designer Migena Gace.

Arsenault’s mural was completed in 2007 as part of an earlier reconstruction phase, which included the addition of the secondstory Yardarm, where the mural was installed. Dividing the 72foot mural into three sections to maximize its exposure in main level areas became central to the recent redesign project. “We rearranged the floor plan, architecture, and interior design to accommodate the art,” adds Karapici.

Throughout the clubhouse, much of the hand-scraped hickory hardwood flooring remains. High-vaulted, tongue-and-groove wood ceilings add texture and interest throughout. The carpets, traditional colors, and textures are also generally uniform: predominant shades of navy blue and white, and dark-stained woods. Subtle splashes of color are drawn from the Arsenault painting, with soft blues and greens from the water and sky.

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Founders’ Room

Main Brace

D. Garrett Construction was the general contractor for the project that increased square footage from 28,000 to 35,000 square feet and transformed the clubhouse into an elegant, inviting gathering place. “When you see people’s faces, their reactions when they come in and see this place for the first time— that is the moment we’ve been working toward,” says Karapici.

Exterior and Grand Entry

Members will note that the exterior has stayed much the same, maintaining its Old Florida architecture, cheery yellow stucco concrete walls, and white aluminum railings. The front façade and porte-cochere were lifted up and redesigned to provide better access for emergency vehicles and to reflect the design of the south side, which gained a second level when the Yardarm was added.

The grand entrance—the portal between the outside and the inside—extends a regal welcome with solid mahogany front doors. The foyer is now an open and airy place since low ceilings were removed and the formerly narrow space was widened. The Ship Store was removed, allowing more space for visitors. (Club merchandise is available at the Dockmaster’s office or online.) “We created a more defined, formal entrance for the Club,” says Karapici.

Living Room

Welcoming guests to the right of the expanded entry is a new Living Room, created for members to meet their guests as they arrive. This is where the first of three portions of the Arsenault mural can be viewed. “This is the ideal place to meet and greet people with comfortable furnishings,” says NYC General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Michael Mooney.

On the other side are administrative offices and completely revamped restrooms, bringing in nautical themes with details such as wallpaper called “The Knots” in the men’s room, ropelike wood trim on vanities, and mirrors hung from ropes.

The Main Brace

The replica of the Club’s original curved, cypress wood bar is the highlight of the Main Brace, the Club’s historical anchor, which is now more centrally located. Model ships line a wall behind the bar, and cabinetry with porthole-shaped accents completes the nautical feel.

Expansive windows and doors lead from the indoors to outdoor covered dining, with views of the docks and bay beyond. “We brought this room closer to the bay, closer to the seawall,” says Karapici.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring architectural feature is the clerestory with round porthole windows that lend a below-deck ambience with natural light streaming in from above. “It’s a neat feature,” Mooney says. “I remember the day we looked up and said, ‘Wow! This is going to be really cool!’”

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Ballroom and Briggs Room

To the south of the Main Brace is the Ballroom, featuring an expanded wood dance floor at the center. The dance floor, now measuring 900 square feet, is 20 percent larger.

The pool also was removed to create more space. This dualpurpose space was endowed with generous amounts of natural light and higher ceilings, and larger windows and glass doors— and most of all, that bay view.

Connectivity between the Ballroom and the Briggs Room became seamless with the elimination of the pillars. The largest section of the Arsenault mural, approximately 42 feet, is now located in the Briggs Room.

Together, the Ballroom and Briggs Room create a main dining area accommodating more than 250 people, says Mooney.

Wine Rooms

Two temperature-controlled red wine rooms, along with four Sub-Zero units for white wines, offer an opportunity to get a glimpse of the wine inventory. This new amenity is located between the Briggs’ side of the main dining room and Boaters’ Grille. With approximately 550 members and the introduction of the new Wine Society, there will be a lottery for use of additional private wine vaults by members. (See Wine Society details on page 15.)

MICHAEL CARONCHI

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Ballroom and Briggs Room

Boaters’ Grille Lounge

Founders’ Room

To the west of the Ballroom is the brand-new, private Founders’ Room, which offers exclusive seating for 16 to 18 people and a window into the kitchen to watch food preparation and cooking demonstrations. Other features include videoconferencing capabilities, nautical light fixtures, and a segment of the Arsenault mural.

Boaters’ Grille and Lounge

Members and guests have already enjoyed a full winter’s season of the remodeled Boaters’ Grille Restaurant and Lounge, connected by a cypress wood bar.

A folding glass wall system can completely open to an expanded terrace with covered outdoor seats and roll-down screens. “This restaurant is one of the most desired places for waterside dining in Naples,” notes Mooney.

A highlight of the Lounge is a wall of framed burgees from the members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs; Naples Yacht Club is one of the 13 original members. When member Lynne Shotwell comments, “It just feels like it’s been here forever,” O’Connor smiles approvingly and responds, “That’s what we were going for.”

Complementing the colorful flags on the west wall is the north wall display of historical photos. A photo of the Mangrove King, a unique vessel complete with palm trees, represents how far NYC has come since its first gathering place.

Round tables and large comfortable chairs and booths provide about 35 seats, popular for watching major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby, Mooney says. Just outside, the South Lawn is the hotspot for playing or watching exciting bocce matches.

Bayview Terraces

Goodbye old, welcome view! The bayside of the clubhouse has more outdoor seating than ever before with the terraces off the Main Brace, Ballroom, and Boaters’ Grille.

The covered terraces form one long expanse from the northernmost reaches to the south side of Boaters’ Grille, spanning the entirety of the building’s east side. The terraces expand seating by 65 more seats, Mooney says.

The doors can completely disappear, offering seamless indoor-outdoor dining. Roll-down screens and porcelain floors with the look of wood evoke the mood of a classic coastal porch, says O’Connor.

An old fire escape that obstructed views was removed. “The day that fire escape came down, that was a great day,” recalls Mooney. “You have this whole vista now.” 

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Clubs within the Club

Whether you’re an expert or a novice, newcomer or old salt, meet new friends who share your interests

At the Naples Yacht Club, you’re sure to meet people who share your pastimes and passions through our “Clubs within the Club.” Learn fresh tricks and tips to expand your expertise, discover unexpected locales in the region, and share in new experiences. When you join a social club, you are sure to make new friends and create more indelible Club memories.

Car Club

Revvin’ it up

A couple years ago, a small group of members with an interest in cars thought it would be fun to arrange activities to bring together members with similar interests. It led to visits to local car collections, driving trips to local points of interest, discussion meetings, visits to car events, and, of course, our very own car show at the Club.

Our first car show in 2018 was a big hit. Members had an enjoyable time mingling among the cars lined up in our parking lot and were treated to a great lunch grilled outdoors.

Our 2019 show was even more popular, despite challenges posed by the clubhouse construction project. We had about 30 cars on display and an impressive turnout of members—many with family and friends. A terrific lunch featured a variety of foods prepared for the car exhibitors.

This season, we plan to have another car show at the Club in March. Our members have plenty of sweet collector cars to exhibit, so the show will include cars that were not included in the 2019 show—for a fresh, exciting grouping. We are also planning a number of activities: trips to car shows, the track at Sebring, the Grand Concours at Amelia Island, and visits to local collections.

The Car Club is a very informal group that is open to all members. You need not be a collector to participate. All you need is an interest in things automotive and a desire to meet and do things with your fellow members.

If you are interested, call the Club for more information and plan to join us. Also, be on the lookout for future announcements.

Wine Society

Perfect pairings, personal collections

The Naples Yacht Club Wine Society’s mission is to promote the discovery and enjoyment of wine, food, and the art of the table through education, fellowship, and tasting experiences catered to members’ level of wine expertise.

The Wine Society is designed to be a friendly and unassuming experience that’s fluid in nature

to ensure that it continually evolves, as the NYC has since 1947. It also is intended to be a valueadded bonus to our membership when dining at the Club. The wine list represents our dedication to delivering a diverse, easily navigable, and value-driven wine selection.

Our pricing structure is a one-time markup, which makes us one of the most reasonably and competitively priced lists in the area. Any bottle in the $100-plus range is marked up at an even lower percentage. This makes some of our higher-end wines a phenomenal value. In most cases, we are well below the Naples market and other membership clubs.

Only Wine Society members can rent personal wine vaults that come with great value when purchasing wines from the Club. We have conditioned storage for approximately 1,500 red and white bottles, in addition to space reserved for bulk and house wines. Please contact Clubhouse Manager Brian Becotte at (239) 262-6648, ext. 2004, for details.

Wine BenefitsSociety

• Membership is $100 annually

• Discount at wine dinners

• Preferred reservations for wine dinners

• BYOB: Wines that are not on the Club’s current list are permitted

• Reduced corkage fee for wine brought into the Club

• Ability to rent personal wine vaults (lockers)

Personal Wine Vaults

• Membership is $125 annually

• Initial allocation for 45 lockers is by lottery

• Lockers store wine purchased through the Club

• Purchase wines from events at cost + 20 percent

• No corkage fee

• Security: Only management has access, and member signs out wine

Bridge and Mahjong

Not an expert? No problem.

If you are a bridge or mahjong player, head over to the clubhouse on Monday afternoons for lunch followed by spirited games. Not an expert? No problem. Throughout the season, well-known bridge and mahjong instructors host educational seminars and workshops. In addition, there are duplicate bridge games and dinner on alternate Sunday nights. Ladies and gentlemen are invited to participate. Please refer to The Rudder and email blasts for upcoming dates and times.

To reserve a table for bridge or mahjong, please contact our reservationist at (239) 262-6647 or reservations@naplesyc.com.

Women on the Water (WOW)

Get outside

How does spending a morning on the water with like-minded female friends sound? How about guided fishing? If this is up your alley, you’ll want to join WOW. Throughout the season, the group hosts fun activities, such as guided fishing trips, kayaking adventures, and educational workshops for women of the Club and their guests. Ladies, mark your calendar for Monday, January 13, when Captain Amber Moore will present a safety seminar for WOW.

Most activities typically take place in the morning and are followed by lunch at the Club or a nearby restaurant, where participants often share photos and sightings from the trip.

Bocce

A timeless tradition

Bocce is more popular than ever in Southwest Florida, with many clubs and communities of-

fering league and social play. The beauty of bocce is that anyone can play regardless of athletic skill level, gender, or age.

Bocce is a great way to socialize and to meet Club members. Games can be played as singles or couples. One reason this ancient game of skill and strategy has been passed through the ages is due to its simplicity. All you need is a court to play on, something to sip and nibble, and a bocce ball.

We hope to have our opening bocce event before Thanksgiving to discuss the games for the upcoming season and play a little bocce. Practice bocce will be held on Tuesday evenings, and competitive bocce will be held on Friday evenings. Bocce is not just a great game to play with friends, it is a tradition—one that will likely continue to thrive at Naples Yacht Club.

Sailing (Catalina Racing) Seasonal competition

During the winter, NYC’s fleet of Catalina sailboats take to Naples Bay for an annual race. Typically, 12 to 14 members sail out for some serious—but friendly—competition every Monday following the Boaters’ Lunch.

Stay in the Know

There are many ways to get the latest information on Club events:

The Rudder

Weekly email blasts

Online calendar: naplesyc.com

Naples Yacht Club App

Register:

Register online for some events or contact: (239) 262-6647

reservations@naplesyc.com

Fishing

Drop a line

The Club’s fishing enthusiasts will find several opportunities throughout the season to take guided fishing trips with fellow members. Past destinations have been as close as Pine Island Sound and as far as Ninilchik, Alaska.

Cruising

Explore, dine, shop, and relax

Club cruises are an integral part of our social life at NYC. Cruise Captains put together an extensive itinerary of activities, excursions, and dining events. Don’t own a boat? Consider joining the group anyway; many destinations can be reached overland.

Sign-up is easy. Visit the Naples Yacht Club website, log in, and click on the cruising tab. This is the main hub of information for cruisers to sign up, view itineraries, and make meal and activity selections—all in one convenient location.

See page 26 for the Cruising Calendar for more details on overnight and lunch cruises.

Types of Cruises

Lunch Cruise: Spend a morning on the water, followed by lunch at a local yacht club or restaurant with slip availability.

Cruise Lite: These are one-night cruises, rather than the longer Overnight Cruises that last two or three days. Many who are new to cruising start out with a Cruise Lite to experience the group cruising concept.

Overnight Cruise: Pack your bags for a short getaway to a fun, regional destination, such as Miami Beach, Key West, or St. Petersburg. Trips include time to relax, explore landmarks or attractions, dine, and shop.

International Cruise: This year’s destination is the Dalmatian Coast and Venice, Italy, in partnership with Preferred Travel of Naples. The 10day, round-trip cruise aboard Silversea’s brandnew Silver Moon departs and returns from

Venice on Oct. 2-Oct. 12, 2020. Wend along the coasts of Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and Italy with several ports of call highlighting the region’s unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, ranging from $7,100 to $12,900; other categories and single rates available on request. Roundtrip coach airfare from select cities included in pricing. Make your reservations with Karen Kelley at (239) 261-1177 or Karen@preferrednaples.com. 

Ladies Book Club

Celebrating Our 10th Season

The Ladies Book Club will kick off our 10th season with a special presentation of the best-selling Bad Blood, one of the most-talked-about books of the season. For this meeting only, we are inviting the men of NYC to join us and participate in what’s sure to be a very lively introduction and discussion.

The Ladies Book Club is a special time for NYC ladies to gather in an informal setting to enjoy the company of other book lovers and discuss interesting titles over a specially prepared luncheon from Chef Jan Hoffman and his team.

If you’ve joined us before, we welcome you back. If you’ve never attended, you will become part of one of the most popular activities at NYC. Each meeting is open seating and guests are always welcome. The small table format is friendly and relaxed. Please come prepared for the discussion, and plan to arrive by 11:15 a.m. Reservations are a must!

We look forward to another great season and many thanks for your participation and support.

November 15, 2019

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

by John Carreyrou

The national best-seller by an awardwinning journalist, Bad Blood tells the story of the breathtaking rise and shocking collapse of Theranos, the multibillion-dollar biotech company started by Elizabeth Holmes and supported by many well-known and powerful individuals. Deceit, lies, and federal indictments are only part of the unfolding story. (Please note: NYC gentlemen are invited to join this book club meeting.)

January 17, 2020

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

by Robert Dugoni

Sam Hell always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” by his classmates, but “God’s will” is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort to the sensitive child, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother’s devout faith, his father’s practical wisdom, and his two misfit friends.

February 21, 2020

Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of their Slave, Ona Judge

by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

An exceptionally well-researched look

into America’s First Family, Never Caught is the powerful narrative of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington’s runaway slave, who risked it all to escape the nation’s capital, and her owners, to reach freedom.

March 20, 2020

Next Year in Havana

by Chanel Cleeton

After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity and unearths a family secret hidden since the 1959 Revolution.

April 17, 2020

Meet Me at the Museum

by Anne Youngson

Professor Anders Larsen, an urbane man of facts, has lost his wife, along with his hopes and dreams for the future. He does not know that a query from a Mrs. Tina Hopgood about a world-famous antiquity in his museum in Denmark is about to alter the course of both their lives.

May 8, 2020

Title to be announced

—The Ladies Book Club Committee

2020 Speaker Dinner Series

The Naples Yacht Club is offering another thought-provoking lineup of speakers in a new format. This season, plan on arriving at the Ballroom at 5:30 p.m. for a cocktail reception with the speaker. At 6 p.m., dinner will be served, and the speaker will take the podium. Dinner is now included in the format, rather than optional. We look forward to seeing you at one—or all—of these special speaking events.

January 23

Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr.

Ambassador Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr., is a Distinguished Fellow and Chairman Emeritus at the Stimson Center, a nonpartisan policy research center in Washington, D.C. Bloomfield has served as a national security official in the administrations of former Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. He is a former U.S. Special Envoy, serving at the rank of Ambassador, and Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs. Bloomfield is founder and president of Palmer Coates LLC, an international business advisory company working with startups developing innovative sustainable energy and transportation technologies, among others.

February 18

U.S. Senator Rick Scott

U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) was elected to the senate in 2018 after serving two terms as the 45th governor of Florida. Scott served in the U. S. Navy, then became the partner of a Texas law firm after earning his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He later cofounded and served as CEO of Columbia/HCA, which became the nation’s largest private for-profit healthcare company. The long-time Naples resident has been a venture capitalist since his departure from the healthcare company in 1997.

March 3

Kay Cole James

Kay Cole James is president of The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank which formulates and promotes public policy based on free enterprise, limited government, and a strong national defense. She has an extensive background in crafting public policy and in leading nearly every sector of America’s economy, and has worked at the local, state, and federal levels of government. James was the founder and president of The Gloucester Institute, an organization dedicated to training and nurturing leaders in minority communities.

March 19

Steve Miller

Robert Steven “Steve” Miller, Jr., who calls himself “The Turnaround Kid,” has spent his career leading and restructuring low-performing companies, including Delphi Corp., Bethlehem Steel Corporation, AIG, and Chrysler Corp. He currently serves as the chairman of Purdue Pharma.

April 2

Rob Moher

As president/CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Rob Moher is establishing cooperative partnerships with local individuals, businesses, and governmental and non-governmental institutions to protect Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem and its future. He previously served as the nonprofit’s vice president of development and marketing, when he led the Conservancy’s successful “Saving Southwest Florida” Capital Campaign, which raised $38.8 million.

Departures

Rain or shine, Club cruises guarantee memorable adventures

Members were off to a chilly start at the beginning of the 2018-2019 cruise season during the Montreal to New York cruise. The group persevered through “less than tropical” conditions that included ice-cold rain and wind. Little did they know that they would be dodging Mother Nature for the remainder of their season.

Despite the poor weather, all of the cruising participants managed to retain their good spirits and continue to enjoy themselves—though they were obviously grateful to return to Southwest Florida’s temperate climate.

The ever-popular South Seas Plantation cruise commenced with a journey across flat, crystal-blue water with the sun shining down on the fleet. By the next morning, a cold front had moved through the area and brought with it rain that would last for the majority of the day. Members took the weather in stride and opted to relax with a good book in the cabin of their boats. Others turned to indoor games with bloody marys and mimosas or bravely ventured into the storm for a day of shopping and island exploration.

Many members—hopeful that they had paid their badweather dues—tackled the cruise to the Ocean Reef Club. The Key Largo resort with every amenity imaginable appealed to all. Unfortunately, luck was not on their side. Threatening rain and wind forced the group to relocate dining venues and reschedule outdoor activities. Still, their spirits weren’t dampened. Instead, cruisers conserved the energy that they would have expended on kayak tours and competitive bocce tournaments for long nights of dancing and a well-deserved dessert buffet on the beach.

Surely after a season filled with rain, wind, and cool weather, the 2019-2020 cruise season just might be “showered” with the most spectacular conditions in the history of NYC cruises. If not, all will still have fun, meet new friends, and gather with old companions. After all, that is what cruising at Naples Yacht Club is all about.

Just keep in mind that oh-so-true saying by the actor Jimmy Dean: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Friendships made on cruises are guaranteed to last the season, and for years to come. Cruises are excellent opportunities to forge relationships that carry over to Club events and offseason activities.

Rendezvous Dinner

Wrapping up the cruise season, members gather together for the Rendezvous Dinner held annually at the Club to reminisce about the good times shared on the cruises.

Members enjoy the adventurous side of cruising, facing rough seas, torrential rain, and creepy-crawly lobsters head-on.

Montreal to New York

A big departure from the beautiful weather in Southwest Florida, members enjoyed a cruise from Montreal to New York and everywhere in between. Everyone retained their good spirits despite lessthan-perfect conditions.

Welcome Aboard is not possible without members who volunteer to open their boats up for tours. NYC is always grateful for our members’ hospitality and willingness to participate at Club events.

Thank you to all who have volunteered in the past and plan to do so in the future!

Welcome Aboard

A fun and carefree tradition, Welcome Aboard has become a favorite among boating and non-boating members. The event begins with complimentary wine and tours of members’ yachts and ends with a themed buffet and dancing the night away.

Ladies Who Lunch Cruise

Expand your social network at NYC through cruising. Did you know that many of our cruising members are also chairs for NYC social committees? Cruises are a great way to get involved in other aspects of the Club.

Lunch Cruises

Take a mini vacation in the middle of the week and be home for dinner! NYC’s lunch cruise program invites members to dip their toes into the cruising community. They are the perfect way for “land cruisers” to visit private clubs and venues within a short distance of NYC. You’ll be glad you did!

Overnight Cruises

NYC’s overnight cruises include sunset docktails, rousing bocce tournaments, late-night dancing, golf, kayaking, and much more!

Ports of Call

2019-2020 Cruise Season

‘Tween Waters

Oct. 15-17, 2019

The first cruise of the season takes our members to the renowned islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Spend your time relaxing at the resort or exploring all that Captiva has to offer. These shorelines are among the best in the world for finding unique shells and seeing wading birds.

Boca Grande

Nov. 12-14, 2019

A member favorite, this cruise is always in high demand. A small community on Gasparilla Island, located between Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, Boca Grande is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys fishing, beach recreation, and expansive Gulf views.

Marco Island Yacht Club

Jan. 15, 2020

This is the perfect opportunity for a scenic cruise through Port Royal before docking at our fellow FCYC destination for a great lunch. Just dipping your toes into cruising and want to see what it is all about? This is the cruise for you. No boat, no problem. “Land cruise” down to Marco Island Yacht Club and dine with your friends.

Pink Shell Marina

Jan. 21-22, 2020

This cruise could almost be considered a “staycation” as Pink Shell Marina & Resort is only a short boat or car ride away. Pink Shell is rated one of the Top 25 “Best Places to Tie Up in North America,” so this jaunt is sure to be a fun getaway.

Legacy Harbor

Jan. 28-30, 2020

Let’s head back up the coast to Legacy Harbor Marina in downtown Fort Myers, located a short distance from Naples on the Caloosahatchee River. Explore the Fort Myers River District’s nightlife, galleries, and boutiques.

Esplanade Marco Island

Feb. 5, 2020

Join this classic NYC cruise to Esplanade Marina, just around the corner from Gordon Pass, for lunch. Enjoy this scenic cruise in your own backyard or come by car.

South Seas Island Resort

Feb. 11-13, 2020

Travel north to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Play a round of golf on the resort’s stunning course overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or join in the bocce tournament and take the gold with your partner. This cruise has so much to offer— and it’s a great way to meet new friends.

Useppa Island

Feb. 25-26, 2020

Venture to this 100-acre, bridgeless private island club in Pine Island Sound. In this truly secluded paradise, it will be impossible not to relax and enjoy yourself.

Salty Sam’s

March 4, 2020

Enjoy people watching and a delicious lunch on Fort Myers Beach.

All Aboard

Naples Yacht Club Cruise Captains have an excellent reputation for creating interesting itineraries for the season’s cruises. And they want to make one thing clear: All members are welcome. If you don’t own a boat, don’t let that hold you back from participating. Many cruise destinations can be reached by car.

Joining in the fun is easy. Visit the Naples Yacht Club website, log in, and click on the cruising tab. This is the main hub of cruising information: for signing up, viewing itineraries, and making meal and activity selections.

Registration for overnight cruises begins 120 days prior to the departure date. Check the Tuesday Cruise Day emails for registration notifications.

Cruise the Beautiful Dalmatian Coast, A unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty

Roundtrip

Date Port

Fri, Oct 2 Venice, Italy

Sat, Oct 3 Rijeka, Croatia

Sun, Oct 4 Split, Croatia

Mon, Oct 5 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tue, Oct 6 Corfu, Greece

Wed, Oct 7 Gallipoli, Italy

Thu, Oct 8 Kotor, Montenegro

Fri, Oct 9 Kotor, Montenegro

Sat, Oct 10 Zadar, Croatia

Sun, Oct 11 Trieste, Italy

Mon, Oct 12 Venice, Italy

(Based on Double Occupancy)

Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and include fees and taxes. Fares are capacity controlled and subject to change at any time. Other restrictions apply. Other categories and single rates available on request. Pre and post hotel stays will be available.

Roundtrip coach airfare from select cities included in pricing. Business Class is available at an additional $1398 per person. Air promotion may change at any time and is subject to availability.

25% deposit required to confirm suite.

Travel protection is available and strongly recommended.

For reservation and additional information please contact Karen Kelley • 239.261.1177 • Karen@preferrednaples.com

Preferred Travel of Naples 801 Laurel Oak Dr. Suite 300 │Naples, FL 34108

Dining through the Day

We are hard at work behind the culinary curtain to ensure your individual dining experience is personal, memorable, and deliciously fulfilling. Our staff of culinarians consists of a morning and an evening team—both intently focused on exceeding members’ expectations. If you regularly dine at the Club, you may already know that we strive to accommodate each diner’s dietary restrictions and special preferences. Personalized service is accomplished through a combined effort of the managers, servers, and their assistants, who gather relevant information so that the culinary team can execute dishes with precision. We hope that you agree that our teamwork—combined with the Club’s unique scenic setting and our signature, European-inspired cuisine— makes dining at the Club a pure delight.

Take a tour of NYC’s culinary delights with Chef Jan Hoffman

Photography by: Sally Schweitzer

Daystarter

Our fresh-baked, French-style pastries greet breakfast earlybirds. The awakening aroma of freshly brewed espresso and warm baked goods—enjoyed over spectacular nature views and the company of family and friends—is the perfect way to start the day. For hearty and healthful selections, we recommend the granola and berry parfait with organic honey or classic avocado toast with a poached egg.

Midday Meal

The Boaters’ Grille lunch menu is designed so that all dishes can be executed efficiently to satiate midday hunger without delay. One tasty example is the fresh-made Tropical Shrimp Salad, a delightful assortment of mango, avocado, cucumber, and pickled red onions complemented by slightly smoky, grilled gulf shrimp, and a simple honey-lime vinaigrette. Two of our staple lunchtime favorites are the Porcini Mushroom Omelet and the Blackened Grouper Tacos. The omelet is a comforting, well-balanced meal that will fuel an active afternoon on the water. Expertly seasoned, grilled grouper wrapped in a fresh tortilla is a perfect pairing with the stunning view of Naples Bay.

Happy Hour

Happy Hour has gotten a little cheerier now that members can enjoy a cocktail and bite to eat in the beautiful Boaters’ Lounge. Thanks to the clubhouse redesign, the culinary team gained additional kitchen space for preparing a selection of flatbreads, small plates, and satisfying hors d’oeuvres, including freshly shucked oysters on the half shell and Maine lobster prepared to perfection.

After-Dinner Sweets

Are you craving a classic NYC macaroon, crème brûlée, or orange-cream profiterole with strawberry salad? Our Club is renowned for its after-dinner sweets, and up to 70 percent of members order a dessert to cap off their satisfying dinner and service. Our desserts are designed to be shared with a friend or loved one, especially when you only have room for a bite or two. Don’t let that keep you from ordering your own dessert on days when you want to celebrate a special occasion, the beginning of the weekend, or because you simply deserve it!

Fine Evening Dining

When we began developing the “Build Your Own” menu last year, we included several local seafood specialties. Our seafood is always sourced as fresh as possible, and it’s important to allow fresh seafood to express its distinct flavors without being overwhelmed by heavy sauces or ingredients. The “Matecumbe,” a traditional sauce originating in Key Largo, consists of tomatoes, capers, olive oil, parsley, and lemon, and is an ideal complement to our lineup of seafood. Its mouthwatering flavors infuse with the delicate fillets of yellowtail snapper and grouper, and as a result, this fresh sauce has become a staple during my first season here.

Dining In

A tasty array of reasons for dropping into the clubhouse

With expanded open-air terraces for enjoying a small plate or fancy feast, dining at the Naples Yacht Club continues to be one of the most sought-after experiences in town. From the very beginning, the Club was designed to promote camaraderie among members, and there are several ways to do just that while breaking bread.

Norwegian halibut with chanterelles, celery root puree, and wilted greens

A Seat at the Community Table

One of our Club’s greatest assets is our extraordinary membership. In response to members’ interest, there is a Community Table available in the Boaters’ Grille every evening at 6:30 pm.

It’s not uncommon to find community tables in restaurants and beer gardens across the country, typically in dense urban cities. The NYC Community Table is a members-only table that allows for impromptu gatherings over a meal. If you’re at the Club alone, rather than sit at the bar, take a seat at the Community Table. Likewise, new members and couples looking to meet other members are invited to dine at the Community Table. Singles, couples, and even foursomes will be seated with others to enjoy our fabulous Club events.

Dining in a group sparks conversation. NYC Membership and Marketing Committee Member Wendy Becker Payton says that community tables give rise to the old adage, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

Many new members are also new to Naples, so longtime members can help them get acquainted with all that Naples and the Club have to offer. In addition to boating, social activities and dining are two main reasons members join the NYC.

Dining Events

Throughout the season, NYC offers a tasty array of reasons to visit the clubhouse. Check The Rudder, Naples Yacht Club App, and Naplesyc.com for the latest information on dining events. (See page XX for the Social Calendar.) Here are a few examples of the events you will discover:

Holiday Buffets and Brunches

Celebrate holidays at NYC with a fabulous buffet on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Other holiday events include the New Year’s Brunch, Valentine’s Dinner Dance, Easter Brunch, and Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch.

Special Events

Good food is part of the most time-honored Club events—the annual Fleet Review & Commissioning Ceremony and Welcome Aboard gathering. Delicious fare is just as integral to kick-

ing back with music and enjoying a theme: Mardi Gras, rock-n-roll, and “Southern Comfort.” No matter the occasion, great food and fun are had by all. The Speaker Dinner Series integrates a plated dinner with a thought-provoking speaker. This year, find out about the special Sip & Paint Party and Corks & Forks Wine Tasting events.

Seafood Buffets

Each month through season, we bring in seriously fresh seafood and locally sourced vegetables for a delectable buffet featuring lobster, scallops, shrimp, and other treasures from the sea. Just say, “yum.”

Boaters’ Lunch

Beginning this fall, Monday Men’s Boaters’ Lunch will be back in the remodeled Briggs Room. The Ladies’ Monday Boaters’ Lunch location is TBD. 

Spanish turbot with sherry morel glaze, white asparagus, and orange hollandaise sauce

SALLY SCHWEITZER

A Tradition of Excellence

Members of the Naples Yacht Club— established before Naples was incorporated as a city—have influenced the community’s progress through the decades

Since its conception, the Naples Yacht Club has been a special place to celebrate the traditions of the water and to build camaraderie among members who share a passion for sailing, yachting, and cruising.

There’s certainly no doubt that Naples is naturally endowed for nautical pursuits. Club cofounders Stephen F. Briggs, Benjamin W. Morris, and John Glen Sample seized upon the idea of forming a private club in 1947 to promote social activities and solidarity among their like-minded, seafaring friends.

Ever since those days—when a houseboat served as club meeting (and party) headquarters—the Naples Yacht Club has literally grown up with Naples, and our members have played key roles in its development. All of our members have contributed to the Naples community in many ways—and to the greater good of the country through their military service. Here is just a small sampling of the local impact that illustrious commodores have made through the years:

Stephen F. Briggs (1947-1956) The founder of Briggs-Stratton Motor Co. and Outboard Marine Corp. and his wife, Beatrice, were leading philanthropists. She was instrumental in the creation and growth of Naples Community Hospital and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Their children honored their memory by funding the first environmental learning center at Rookery Bay, called Briggs Nature Center.

NAPLES YACHT CLUB

Yachts cruising through Gordon Pass in 1969

A Timeline of Major Milestones

1947: Long-time Naples residents Stephen F. Briggs, Benjamin W. Morris, and John Glen Sample decide to establish a private yacht club in the fledgling community. They become its first members— patiently waiting for the local population of 1,400 residents to increase to the point where a sustainable club can be launched. They invite friends and family for informal social gatherings held on the Mangrove King, described in historical documents as “a bizarre-looking craft” owned by Morris that “sported tables on the foredeck and was more of a ‘happening’ than a boat.” The Mangrove King is sent to Miami for the “Arthur Godfrey Show” and replaced by the two-story barge/houseboat, Mangrove Queen. She is moored at the south end of 14th Avenue South in a slip that would now be in the middle of the Club’s south parking lot. First annual Fleet Review & Commissioning Ceremony is held.

1949: The town of Naples is incorporated as a city.

1953: With Naples’ population growing after World War II, the cofounders are focused on building a respectable yacht club and recruit 20 members. Discussion about the needs of members, favored amenities, and the most sensible location for a permanent home are underway as “sailors versus yachters” share different visions.

1955-1960: The Morris family agrees to donate land on the Naples Bay at 14th Avenue and Seventh Street South to the Club. While sailors desire a location at Gordon Pass for quick Gulf of Mexico access, members agree the Naples Bay site provides better protection from hurricanes. Construction on an estimated $100,000 clubhouse with dockage will commence when membership reaches 200.

1960: In January, construction begins. (Everything south of today’s Briggs Room and east of the Ballroom was water, including deep slips.) On Sept. 10, Hurricane Donna passes over Goodland with sustained winds of 135 miles per hour and bares down on Naples, though it causes only minor damage to the clubhouse. The clubhouse is formally dedicated on Dec. 15.

1960-1961: The Naples Yacht Club is a charter club in the establishment of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, with articles of incorporation filed in 1961. The goal of the council is to encourage: the sport of yachting; club activities; reciprocity between qualified yacht clubs; beneficial legislation; and safety afloat.

Benjamin W. Morris (1959-1961) An early Naples real estate investor who purchased a major piece of property on Naples Bay—a community of town pioneers originally called the Back Bay—that he developed into Crayton Cove. Morris oversaw plans for a boathouse, docks, shops, offices, and the White Pelican, a hub for important community events.

John Glen Sample (1956-1959) Developer of Port Royal beginning in 1938, who also cofounded the Hole-In-The-Wall Golf Club in 1957 and established the Port Royal Club in 1959

Naples Yacht Club, 1970s

NAPLES YACHT CLUB

Herman Teetor (1965-1966) The world-record holder for his 1950 Atlantic sailfish (123 pounds, 10’4”) feat was one of seven in attendance at the first meeting of the Collier County Conservancy in 1964; it became the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

William W. Wemple, III (1975) Developer of several Naples projects, including the Turnbury neighborhood, and a major supporter of local charities and Naples United Church of Christ

Willard V. Merrihue (1979) The former president of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the Collier County Audubon Society, for whom Merrihue Drive is named

John N. Briggs (1985) A physician and longtime supporter of the NCH Healthcare System who funded the downtown Briggs Wellness Center, among other hospital programs, following in his parents’ footsteps

Philip M. Francoeur, Jr. (2007) His Hope Foundation has provided financial support to nonprofit organizations in various locations throughout the country and in Naples, including St. Matthew’s House, Trinity Church, and The Salvation Army. 

1961: First Commodores’ Ball is held

1960s: The Club purchases a 130-x-100-foot residential lot that is part of Aqualane Shores (where the current-day south parking lot entrance is today) to expand the site. The Club receives permission to dredge and fill more than 100 feet of land to the south and east, enabling future expansion. State-of-the-art, 15-foot-deep seawalls are installed. The clubhouse is expanded to create the Main Dining Room and Main Brace.

1970s – 1990s: Club membership grows, along with social activities, and cruising events

1997: The Blue Gavel Scholarship Fund is established. Since 2000, the fund has awarded more than 550 scholarships, totaling more than $600,000, for local, deserving students to attend college or vocational school.

Late 1990s to 2000s: Many upgrades, expansions, and renovations include the installation of the floating, 89-slip dock system, addition of the Boaters’ Grille and Yardarm, creation of Paul Arsenault’s mural, and improvements to the Dockmaster’s office during Phase I and Phase II projects.

2019: Ta da! Phase III of the clubhouse remodeling is completed.

From top: Fleet Review, 1970s; Commodore B.W. Morris (1959-1961) addresses Fleet Review attendees; a view of Naples Bay, Naples Yacht Club, and Naples City Docks, 1960s

A party scene from an early social event, 1960s

NAPLES YACHT CLUB

NAPLES YACHT CLUB

See You at the Dock

Kayaks and paddleboards available for members

Shut off the engine, furl the sails, and glide over Naples Bay on one of the NYC’s kayaks or paddleboards, available for member use, free of charge. Paddle around mangrove islands, see manatees, dolphins, and wading birds, and observe monkeys at the Naples Zoo’s primate islands. The 12-foot kayaks can accommodate a lunch-size cooler, and lifejackets are available. They can be checked out for a full day of excursions to the Gordon River, Baker Park, or the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, and a camera to document your most interesting sightings. Contact the Dockmaster’s office to arrange your kayak or paddleboard experience.

MICHAEL CARONCHI

MICHAEL CARONCHI

NYC Dockage is Premier

Why tie up at NYC?

1. 85 boat slips in a newly refurbished harbor

2. Boat slips available now

3. Guaranteed and transparent slip-awarding system by committee approval

4. Competitive dockage fees for members

5. Docking space available for day cruising to the club for lunch or dinner

6. Experienced management to assist with docking, etc.

7. Security camera system, featuring analytical monitoring cameras

8. Pump-out facilities

9. Ship Store with NYC merchandise (limited on-site inventory, entire selection available at Naplesyc.com)

10. Harbor menu with catering trays available

11. Personal assistance in helping you find a:

• Captain qualified for your yacht

• Diver

• Mechanic

• Interior or exterior cleaning contractor

• Boat maintenance specialists: electronics, compass, galvanic isolation systems, etc.

12. Cruise assistance for members who like to cruise alone or are new to the area

13. Strong local knowledge, such as foul-weather guidance, e.g., finding the right day with the wind and tides

14. Tide charts from New England to Florida for any date

15. Exclusive Collier County Sheriff’s Office boat inspections at our docks—more convenient and comprehensive than the Coast Guard Auxiliary

16. Diesel and gasoline available at member discount prices

17. Safety at Sea and other boating seminars

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Welcome to the Club: More Member Benefits

You may already know that the Naples Yacht Club is nationally recognized as an Emerald (top 5%) and five-star Platinumlevel club (top 10%). In addition to excellent dockage benefits and personalized service, NYC membership provides many other perks:

• Bicycles for cruising to Fifth Avenue South

• Active sailing, cruising, and fishing groups

• Florida Council of Yacht Clubs Reciprocity Program

• Reciprocity with clubs all over the U.S. and internationally

• Excellent food service in a traditional atmosphere

• Private party and banquet opportunities in a gracious facility

• Ability to sponsor events at the Club

• Friendly, inclusive membership

Expanding Horizons Through Reciprocity

NYC members can visit other prestigious Florida Council of Yacht Club locales

Formed in 1960, the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC) encourages the sport of yachting and general club activities, promotes safety afloat and beneficial legislation, and fosters reciprocity between qualified yacht clubs.

Naples Yacht Club is one of the 13 founding member clubs of the council. As a result, members can visit other member clubs, reserve a berth for their boat with the first night’s dockage free, and bill charges for all activities through their own club.

Reciprocity privileges can take you even farther. The council has sponsored cruises to the Dry Tortugas, Bahamas, and Everglades. Professionally organized tours to Monte Carlo, Greece, Denmark, Germany, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Dominican Republic, Panama Canal, and the St. Lawrence Seaway have taken yachters across the globe.

“Reciprocity is, unquestionably, a lynchpin of the council and a wonderful benefit to members,” says Richard Botthof, FCYC director for Naples Yacht Club. “Over the past 50 years, as a member of four different member clubs, I have enjoyed this benefit immensely.”

If you are traveling outside of Florida and wish to visit a yacht club in your destination city, please contact NYC’s reservationist: (239) 262-6647 or reservations@naplesyc.com.

Reciprocal Benefits: Go Local or Global

You are already a member of one of the 10 most prestigious yacht clubs in the country, and the oldest and finest private Club in Naples. Our membership is comprised of both world travelers and locals who like to stick closer to home.

Being a member of a Club of our status provides the opportunity to spend a little time enjoying the amenities and dining at other renowned properties. In the summer, Naples Yacht Club typically enjoys reciprocity with several of our area’s most prestigious clubs. Each spring, we provide a list of clubs where you can enjoy dining, golf, and other amenities.

Naples Yacht Club is a founding member of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC)—and one of its principal objectives is to promote reciprocity among all the member clubs.

If you are traveling outside of Florida and wish to visit a yacht club in your destination city, please contact NYC’s reservationist. We have reciprocity with many clubs around the country and around the world. We will be happy to contact clubs and make arrangements for your visit whenever possible. Typically, home club members have priority for reservations, as is the case at NYC; however, in most instances, we are able to make your preferred arrangements for your visit.

Reciprocity works both ways, so we often welcome members of visiting clubs from FCYC and around the country. Please take a moment to say hello when you see a new face in our clubhouse! 

2019-2020 Social Calendar

NOVEMBER ’19

Ladies Book Club

Friday, Nov. 15

11:15 a.m.

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

Gentlemen members are invited to attend.

Welcome Back Gala—The Black and White Ball

Save the date!

Saturday, Nov. 16

Price: $125

Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for: the grand opening celebration of our new and spectacular NYC home. Let’s ring in the new at The Black and White Ball, a black-tie evening planned in proportion to the stunning renovation of our clubhouse. Please join us for an elegant evening filled with good friends, fine cuisine, and big band sounds. Let’s all turn out to fête this important milestone.

Thanksgiving

Thursday, Nov. 28

4-7 p.m.

Ballroom and Boaters’ Grille

Dress: Jackets preferred

Price: $75, adults; $30, children ages 5-12; free, ages 4 and under

A lavish buffet dinner featuring all of your Thanksgiving favorites

DECEMBER ’19

Annual Meeting

Wednesday, Dec. 4

11 a.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Jackets recommended

Lunch to follow

Please look for your proxy in the mail and return it at your earliest convenience. This is a members-only event.

Ladies Trip to Palm Beach

Dec. 3-4 (overnight)

8 a.m. departure

Join the ladies of the Naples Yacht Club for a fun-filled adventure to Palm Beach. Enjoy leisurely holiday shopping along Worth Avenue or take a guided tour of the historic downtown. An optional quick trip to the West Palm Beach Antiques/Design District will be available for those who would like to venture further afield. We will stay in the heart of Palm Beach at the Brazilian Court Hotel, home to the acclaimed Café Boulud and a lovely historic property

Dinner Reservations Online

Log on to Naplesyc.com and click on Make a Dinner Reservation on the homepage. Select the room where you would like to dine, party size, date, and time. Click on Search. From there, you can confirm your reservation and add your guests’ names (optional). Click Confirm. You will receive an email confirming your reservation details. Or use the Naples Yacht Club App.

Clubhouse

Contact our reservationist at (239) 262-6647 or reservations@naplesyc.com.

within easy walking distance of local landmarks. Trip departs from, and returns to, NYC via bus.

73nd Annual Fleet Review & Commissioning Ceremony

Saturday, Dec. 7

Reception: 10:30 a.m.

First Boats Arrive: 11 a.m.

Program: 11:45 a.m.

Lunch: 12:30 p.m.

Price: $80

Take part in this time-honored Club tradition as we host the Fleet of Yachts parade through Naples Bay with a live performance by the Naples Concert Band. Watch the blessing of the fleet, followed by a delicious lunch.

Tree Lighting

Friday, Dec. 13

Reception: 6 p.m.

Ceremony: 6:45 p.m.

Plated dinner: 7 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Jackets preferred Price: $75

Celebrate the holiday season with the official

lighting of the Naples Yacht Club tree. Sing along with the carolers!

Christmas Eve Dinner

Tuesday, Dec. 24 4-7 p.m.

Ballroom and Boaters’ Grille

Dress: Jackets required

Price: $75, adults; $30, children ages 5-12; free, ages 4 and under

Bring the family for a very special Christmas celebration and lavish buffet dinner at the Club. Santa has already RSVP’d for a visit, and a photographer will be on hand to snap family pictures.

New Year’s Eve

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Boaters’ Grille

Dress: Club casual

Buffet Dinner: 4-8 p.m.

Price: $40, adults, $20, children ages 5-12

After Party with D.J. Floyd: 9 p.m.-midnight

Price: $20

Join us for a fabulous buffet dinner before the fireworks or dance the night away at our after party…or come for both!

Change of Plans?

Please note that cancellations for Club events must be made at least 72 hours in advance in order to avoid being billed for that event.

JANUARY ’20

New Year’s Brunch

Sunday Jan. 5

Boaters’ Grille

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Price: $45

Greet 2020 with an outstanding brunch and smooth local music.

What’s in Your Closet? Ladies Luncheon

Thursday, Jan. 9

Meet and Greet: 11 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.

Price: $50

Sarah LaMont, stylist and founder of Why Style in Naples, will address all things fashion, includ-

ing current trends and how to pack a functional bag for a fabulous trip.

Mystery Night: Jewel Heist on the Titanic

Friday, Jan. 10 6 p.m.

Price: $75

Dare to board the world’s most opulent ship, filled with high society and all their jewels. When the largest diamond goes missing, we are all suspects. Could it be the commodore, the chef, or your best friend? Maybe—just maybe— the precious gemstone has found its way into your stateroom. Come aboard for this adventure to find out. Join us. We are watching you.

Corks & Forks Wine Tasting and Food Stations

Tuesday, Jan. 14 4-6 p.m.

Ballroom

Price: $35

Join us for a fabulous array of wine tastings and food parings.

Ladies Book Club

Friday, Jan. 17 11:15 a.m.

Price: $30

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

Speaker Dinner Series

Thursday, Jan. 23 5:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Price: $50

Featured speaker: Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr. Cocktail reception, with dinner seating and speaking presentation at 6 p.m.

Seafood Buffet

Saturday, Jan. 25 6-8:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Club casual

Price: $95

From lobster to scallops to shrimp, we bring in fresh seafood and locally sourced vegetables to create a seriously impressive presentation.

FEBRUARY ’20

Saks Fifth Ave Fashion Show

Thursday, Feb. 6

Meet and Greet: 11 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.

Ballroom

Price: $70

Enjoy a delightful afternoon and luncheon as the Saks Fifth Avenue Naples team presents a runway fashion show featuring a wonderful selection of ready to wear, jewelry, and accessories for the spring fashion season.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance

Friday, Feb. 14

Reception: 6 p.m.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Jackets required

Price: $125

Entertainment: The Robert Williamson Band

Are you pretty in pink? Then decorate yourself in the most flattering shade to adorn the arm of your beau at our romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance, where a soft pink glow from lighting, flowers, and table decor will make your heart melt.

Speaker Dinner Series

Tuesday, Feb. 18 5:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Event Reservations

Online

Price: $50

Featured speaker: U. S. Senator Rick Scott Cocktail reception, with dinner seating and speaking presentation at 6 p.m.

Ladies Book Club

Friday, Feb. 21

11:15 am

Price: $30

Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of their Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

Mardi Gras Brunch

Sunday, Feb. 23

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Club casual

Price: $50

Entertainment: Mombo Brothers

Never been to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration? Here is your opportunity. Whether you call it brunch or lunch, this Mardi Gras event will pack a punch with NOLA cuisine, colorful parade atmosphere, and knock-out jazz by the Mombo Brothers. This is your chance to drop into New Orleans without getting on a plane.

Eagles Tribute

Tuesday, Feb. 25

Reception: 6 p.m.

Reserve your spot for special Club events, holiday celebrations, Ladies Book Club, and entertainment nights. Log on to Naplesyc.com and click on Sign Up for Club Events on the homepage. Events occuring within the next 45 days will appear in a list. Click on the name of the event and enter additional members or guests in your party. Click Create Reservation. Or use the Naples Yacht Club App.

Clubhouse

Contact our reservationist at (239) 262-6647 or reservations@naplesyc.com.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

Dress: 1970’s concert attire, blue jeans

Price: $90

Welcome to the “Hotel California,” where “Witchy Women,” “Desperados,” and “New Kids in Town” will gather for dinner and dancing to the Alter Eagles tribute band. If you don’t sign up for this “Peaceful, Easy Feeling,” then there is gonna be a “Heart Ache Tonight”! Sign up today to enjoy “Life in the Fast Lane.”

Seafood Buffet

Saturday, Feb. 29

6-8:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Club Casual

Price: $95

From lobster to scallops to shrimp, we bring in fresh seafood and locally sourced vegetables to create a seriously impressive presentation.

MARCH ’20

Speaker Dinner Series

Tuesday, March 3 5:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Price: $50

Featured speaker: Kay Cole James Cocktail reception, with dinner seating and speaking presentation at 6 p.m.

Welcome Aboard

Friday, March 6 4 p.m.

Dockside yacht tours

Ballroom

Dress: Club casual

Price: $65

Entertainment: Winslow and the Rockefellers

Sip wine, snack on hors d’oeuvres, and tour fellow members’ yachts, followed by dinner and dancing.

Southern Comfort Brunch

Sunday, March 8 11 p.m.

Ballroom

Price: $45

Enjoy Southern comfort foods and fun music that take you down country roads.

59th Annual Commodores’ Ball

Saturday, March 14

Reception: 6 p.m.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Black tie or dress whites

Price: $125

Entertainment: Hot Topic Band

Spend an elegant evening honoring past commodores in the Naples Yacht Club tradition. Dinner will be followed by dancing to Hot Topic. Single members may invite one guest. Please look for your invitation in the mail.

Speaker Dinner Series

Thursday, March 19

Ballroom

Price: $50

Event Photos

Log on to Naplesyc.com and click on My NYC. Go to Photo Gallery for a photo gallery link. The password (casesensitive) is Florida. Here, you can review photos from recent events and cruises. If you see one you like, order a print or digital copy directly through the website. Proceeds from photo orders benefit the Naples Yacht Club Blue Gavel Scholarship Fund.

Featured speaker: Steve Miller Cocktail reception, with dinner seating and speaking presentation at 6 p.m.

Ladies Book Club

Friday, March 20 11:15 am

Price: $30

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Seafood Buffet

Saturday, March 21 6-8:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Club casual

Price: $95

From lobster to scallops to shrimp, we bring in fresh seafood and locally sourced vegetables to create a seriously impressive presentation.

Castaway Party

Friday, March 27

Reception: 6 p.m.

Dinner: 7 p.m.

Price: $75

Entertainment: Caribbean Chillers

Dress as your favorite castaway and enjoy dinner and dancing to energizing island music. Let the “captain” and “skipper” sail you to the tiki bar for coconut and pineapple libations, and relax amid the shades of a tropical twilight.

APRIL ’20

Speaker Dinner Series

Thursday, April 2

5:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Price: $50

Featured speaker: Rob Moher

Cocktail reception, with dinner seating and speaking presentation at 6 p.m.

Seafood Buffet

Saturday, April 4 6-8:30 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Club casual

Price: $95

From lobster to scallops to shrimp, we bring in fresh seafood and locally sourced vegetables to create a seriously impressive presentation.

Sip & Paint Party

Tuesday, April 7

Meet and Greet: 11 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.

Price: $65

We all have more talent than we know. Channel your inner Picasso. Grab an easel, a paintbrush, and a glass of wine while you follow a local artist in creating a beautiful painting all your own. No skill required. All materials supplied. Bring your spouse or a friend, or jump in on your own, and try something new. Guaranteed to please. Space is limited.

Easter Brunch

Sunday, April 12

Brunch: 11-2 p.m.

Dinner: 4:30 -7 p.m.

Ballroom

Dress: Jackets preferred

Price: $75, adults; $30, children ages 5-12; free, ages 4 and under

Celebrate this special holiday during this Naples Yacht Club tradition, and watch the youngsters have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny.

Ladies Book Club

Friday, April 17

11:15 a.m.

Price: $30

Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson

Saturday Night Fever Farewell Party

Save the date!

Saturday, April 18

Price: $75

Entertainment: D.J. Floyd

Flashback to the 1970s for Club Night at your favorite disco—NYC. Remember those days?

Get out your curling iron and bell bottoms, drag out that suave, white John Travolta suit, and be prepared to rock the night away under D.J. Floyd’s magical lightshow. Hustle on over and make your reservation today!

MAY ’20

Ladies Book Club

Friday, May 8

TBA

Mother’s Day Buffet

Sunday, May 10 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ballroom Dress: Jackets preferred

Price: $65, adults; $25 children ages 5-12; free, ages 4 and under

Celebrate the special women in your life with a sweet and savory buffet brunch and mimosas on the house for her. 

72nd Annual Fleet Review & Commissioning Ceremony

58th Annual Commodores’ Ball

1 Commodore Jim and Gail Lozelle, Robin and Vice Commodore Joe McClanathan 2 Peggy and Dr. John Thodos 3 Craig and Diane McElheny 4 Mary and Walter Smithes 5 Tracy and Russ Scurto 6 Nancye and Past Commodore Bill Mowry 7 Past Commodores Wells Martin and Stephen B. Smith

LOUIS VENNE

Saturday, March 9, 2019

NYC Car Show

1 David and Carol Hidy 2 John Allen 3 Steve and Sally Stevens 4 Don and Jamie Garrett 5 Dee and Peter Sulick 6 Lodge McKee, Susan Gohl, Jonathan Grabill 7 John Allen 8 Tim and Kristin Weaver

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Magic Night

1 Craig and Diane McElheny, Joe and Robin McClanathan, Mary and Tony Balsamo, Bruce and Joan Carp 2 Victoria and Robert Fesmire

3 John and Carolyn Moisson 4 Bill and Ann Westerfield 5 Jerry Brown and Linda LaRue Brown 6 Shelby Wilcox

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance

1 Carolyn Moisson, Robin McClanathan, Joan Carp, Joy Smithl

2 Tes and Brian Manley 3 Joyce Fitzgerald, Lauree Personette, Linda LaRue Brown, Kathy Maxwell, Deb Tisdel 4 Anthony Davis, Diane Elges, John Cook, Peggy Davis, Sharon Carisch 5 Susan Gohl, Jonathan Grabill, Jacquelyn and John Clarke

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Welcome Aboard

Meet the new members who continue to make the Naples Yacht Club world-class

Naples Yacht Club continues to grow, thanks to the addition of ladies and gentlemen who have an affinity for all we have to offer—a social calendar brimming with a broad range of activities, parties, and speaker events, first-class dining, and opportunities to cruise to beautiful destinations with new friends.

The continual strength of the Club rests with the many members who have nominated friends, family, or business associates for membership in our special club. Following is a list of members (bold) who have sponsored new members this year. Be sure to welcome them aboard!

Carol and Peter Boyd, Vickie Nolen

Michael and Jane Endres, David and Kris Blom

Don and Jamie Garrett, Brooke and Paul Selvidio

Tom and Linda Koehn, Ken and Grace Evenstad

Tom and Joyce Fitzgerald, Rick Hardy and Di Turner Servoss

David Lawson, OJ and Jan Buigas

Ellen Martin, Bill and Sissy Wilson

Joe and Robin McClanathan, Tony and Mary Balsamo, Steve and Jill Miller

Steve and Shelley McGirr, Robert and Catherine Deluce

John Morrison, Trip and Gloria Dryden

Harold and Peg Overholt, Arthur and Marie Miltenberger

Wyn and Jean Ellen Paulson, Sayre and Susan Combs

Wendy Becker Payton, Robert and Debra Tagliaferro, Matt and Julie Halbower

Francis and Kathleen Rooney, Scott and Simone Lutgert

Steve and Sally Stevens, Scott and Diane McCuaig

Bob and Sally Sumerel, Christine Homan and Kevin Jones

Laurie Towers, Michael and Laurie Farr

Dolph and Sharon von Arx, Tim and Kristin Weaver

Mark Wilson, Rob and Cathy Funderburg

Peter and Shirley Welsh, Russ and Tracy Scurto

John Allen, Clarke and Elizabeth Swanson

WOULD YOU LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOUR FRIENDS TO THE NAPLES YACHT CLUB? PLEASE CONTACT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP BRENDA O’CONNOR AT (239) 262-6648 OR BRENDA@NAPLESYC.COM.

Robert and Debra Tagliaferro

Tim and Kristin Weaver

Diane and Scott McCuaig

Rob and Cathy Funderburg

OJ and Jan Buigas

Past Commodores

*Stephen F. Briggs 1947-1956

*Col. C.C. Carter 1963-1965

*T. Chalmers Curtis 1971-1972

*Willard V. Merrihue 1979

*Raymond L. Pfister, M.D. 1984

*Paul E. Schramm 1970-1971

*Frank M. Ridley 1976-1978

*John F. Forsyth 1983

*Louis L. Banks 1990

*Herman Teetor 1965-1966

*Truman B. Brown 1972-1974

*Lee Potter Smith 1980

*John N. Briggs, M.D. 1985

*Paul G. Benedum 1968-1970

*Ralph G. Beckett 1975-1976

*Frederick A. Schultz 1982

*Donald B. Clark 1988-1989

*Louis A. McLean 1966-1968

*Col. James H. Brewster Jr. 1974-1975

*Jay V. Strong 1981

*Melvin D. LaFrenz 1986-1987

*John A. Luse 1961-1963

*J.G. Sample 1956-1959

*B.W. Morris Jr. 1959-1961

*William G. Pace III, M.D. 1991

*William V. Hartman 1996

Donald J. Scott 2001

James Miller Jr. 2006

Lindsey J. Thomas 2011

Wells Martin Jr. 1995

*Joseph F. Schoendorf Jr. 2000

*William W. Wemple 2005

John E. Flatley 2010

Donald P. Wingard 2017-2018

*James Y. Deupree 1994

*William J. Williams 1999

Gary L. Yates 2004

William S. Mowry Jr. 2009

Russell G. Overton 2015-2016

G. Burtt Holmes 1993

John P. Debbink 1998

Stephen B. Smith 2003

Charles W. Gaillard 2008

Peter Sulick 2013-2014

*John B. Bean 1992

*Sheridan P. Harris 1997

*James R. Hartzell 2002

Philip M. Francoeur Jr. 2007

Robert A. Cornog 2012

*DECEASED

Vintage Vignette

Coming home: Historic Emile A. Gruppé painting donated by Mary and Stephen Smith a treasured gift for modern clubhouse

When second-generation artist Emile A. Gruppé bought a seasonal home in Naples in 1960, he was nationally recognized for establishing the Gloucester School of Painting in Massachusetts 20 years earlier. Gruppé wasted no time immersing himself in town, and taught classes at the city’s first gallery, McNichols Fine Art.

Gruppé was renowned for his impressionistic coastal vignettes and landscapes painted in oil, in both locales where he split his time and palette. In addition to his studies at the National Academy of Design in New York and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, he was engrossed in art growing up as a son of Charles P. Gruppé, a well-known painter and art dealer for Dutch painters in the United States. Emile’s son, Robert, follows in his footsteps today on Gloucester Harbor and along Naples’ shores. (Both of their award-winning works are held locally and nationally in museum and private collections.)

Society board member and immediate past chair, has a deep passion and knowledge of local history. When she came across a 36” x 30” oil painting of the Naples Yacht Club created by Gruppé in 1968, she instinctually recognized where it belonged: in the renewed clubhouse.

Because Gruppé painted in plein air, this painting has the magical ability to transport viewers to that day on Naples Bay when he decided to invest his talent into capturing this iconic building on the waterfront. Now, this tranquil scene of the original one-story clubhouse—on a breezy day with light chop lapping at the dock pilings and an American flag fluttering aloft a sailboat mast—can be enjoyed by all members, guests, and visitors. It was recently reframed and hangs in the hallway across from the Living Room.

Thank you, Past Commodore Stephen and Mary Smith, for this especially meaningful gift. The Naples Yacht Club is proud to display this nostalgic scene in honor of this talented artist and the Club’s past, as well as your contributions to our Club. 

MICHAEL CARONCHI

Naples Yacht Club member Mary Smith, a Naples Historical

2019-2020

At a Glance

November 2019

Nov. 12-14 Tuesday Boca Grande (overnight cruise)

Nov. 15 Friday Bocce Kickoff Event

Nov. 16 Saturday Welcome Back Gala— The Black & White Ball

Nov. 28 Thursday Thanksgiving

December 2019

Dec. 4 Wednesday Annual Meeting

Dec. 3-4 Tuesday Ladies Trip to Palm Beach

Dec. 7 Saturday 73rd Annual Fleet Review & Commissioning Ceremony

Dec. 13 Friday Tree Lighting

Dec. 24 Tuesday Christmas Eve Dinner

Dec. 31 Tuesday New Year’s Eve

January 2020

Jan. 5 Sunday New Year’s Brunch

Jan. 10 Friday Murder Mystery

Jan. 14 Tuesday Corks & Forks Wine Tasting and Food Stations

Jan. 15 Wednesday Marco Island Yacht Club

Jan. 17 Friday Ladies Book Club

Jan. 21 Wednesday Pink Shell Marina

Jan. 23 Thursday Speaker Dinner Series

Jan. 25 Saturday Seafood Buffet

Jan. 28-30 Tuesday Legacy Harbor (overnight cruise)

February 2020

Feb. 2 Sunday Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show

Feb. 5 Wednesday Esplanade Marco Island

Feb. 11-13 Tuesday South Seas Island Resort (overnight cruise)

Feb. 14 Friday Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance

Feb. 18 Tuesday Speaker Dinner Series

Feb. 21 Friday Ladies Book Club

Feb. 23 Sunday Mardi Gras Brunch

Feb. 25 Tuesday Eagles Tribute

Feb. 25-28 Tuesday Useppa Island (overnight cruise)

Feb. 29 Saturday Seafood Buffet

March 2020

March 3 Tuesday Speaker Dinner Series

March 4 Wednesday Salty Sam’s

March 6 Friday Welcome Aboard

March 8 Sunday Southern Comfort Brunch

March 14 Saturday Commodores’ Ball

March 17-20 Tuesday St. Petersburg (overnight cruise)

March 19 Thursday Speaker Dinner Series

March 20 Friday Ladies Book Club

March 21 Saturday Seafood Buffet

March 27 Friday Castaway Party

March 31 Sunday Car Show

April 2020

April 2 Thursday Speaker Dinner Series

April 4 Saturday Seafood Buffet

April 7 Tuesday Sip & Paint Party

April 12 Sunday Easter Brunch

April 17 Friday Ladies Book Club

April 18 Saturday Saturday Night Fever

Farewell Party

April 21-24 Tuesday Key West (overnight cruise)

May 2020

May 5-7 Tuesday Miami Beach (overnight cruise)

May 8 Friday Ladies Book Club

May 10 Sunday Mother’s Day Buffet