Rendezvous 2001
October 12-15, 2001
The event took place at the Longboat Key Moorings, Sarasota Bay, Florida. The rendezvous was very loosely planned in hopes to arrive at some future requirements. I think for the most part everyone had a great time and was able to meet new friends who share a common interest.
Friday, October 12th
Introductions to and from all. Those who attended the rendezvous where:
Sharon and Joe Alvarez from Treasure Island, FL s/v Euphoria E40
Dick and Sammi Caswell from Kemah, TX s/v Island Time E35
Stacy and Peggy Thompson from Brownsburg, IN s/v Charade E42
Peter and Ina from Hernando Beach, FL s/v Inanina E37
Luther and Judy Carrier from St. Petersburg, FL s/v Le Lair De La Mer E33
Joe & Sharon have cruised extensively with Dick and Sammi over the years. Both couples arrived aboard Euphoria. Stacy & Peggy are cruising the west coast of Florida and planning to head for the east coast, then up to The Chesapeake Bay area by next spring. Peter & Ina were in the process of preparing their 37’ for a trip north the following weekend, therefore they arrived by the Iron Dinghy and stayed overnight in a nearby motel. For Judy and me, this was a six-hour sail from our homeport of St. Petersburg. After the introductions took place at dockside we all gathered aboard Charade. Here the guys shared stories about the improvements and puzzling problems that haunt these vessels when our backs are turned and the First Mates prepared munchies and beverages for an enjoyable evening.
Saturday October 13th
Once everyone was present we agreed to meet at a predetermined pickup point and took the shuttle into St. Armand’s Circle where an art festival was being held for the weekend. In the photo of us boarding the Longboat Key Moorings shuttle (left to right) in the front row, Joe, Dick, Judy and Peggy, rear row is Sharon, Sammi, Luther and Stacy. Some of us dropped into the local pubs and had refreshments and some just took in the sights.
We regrouped at 1830 back at the marina in the parking lot to grill, dine, drink, toast, eat, drink, and tell more stories of past ventures. In the photo of us preparing to settle down for this feast (left to right) in the front row Judy, Sharon, Peggy and Sammi, rear row is Luther, Joe, Stacy and Dick.
Sunday October 14th
At 1000 we began gathering for brunch in the Café On The Bay where again we told more stories about the common interest we all shared. Afterwards we started to disband -Euphoria was going to spend another night near Sarasota Bay, Charade was going to be heading north toward Tarpon Springs and we decided to head back to St. Petersburg early.
The membership in the forum is only the tip of the iceberg - there are Endeavour owners out there that have not heard of us. My recommendations for future gatherings would to be to get the word out - advertise locally via radio stations, yacht clubs, marinas, discount boating stores or magazines. Most of these could be free listings or bulletin board type notices. It may be possible to find a local marina or yacht club to participate with a commitment from the boaters to frequent their establishments. Planning well in advance in not as necessary as following up and following through to see that everyone is committed.
One of the suggestions that came up during a group discussion was a Saturday night potluck dinner, another was for at least 25 boats to attend. Also, participation of a local yacht club acting as host was suggested. There is the weather element to consider. Here in Florida, April was preferred. Again, to have a successful outing you have to plan, organize and follow through.
Fair Winds & Calm Seas,
Luther Carrier
S/V Le Lair De La Mer, E33
