We have decided to make some changes to our March 5th fun run as a result of some feedback from some of the membership and discusion amongst the FMO board. This is just a preview of what will take place. Everyone on our e mail list will be sent the usual e mail later this week, outlining the complete program.

Instead of going to the Lighthouse Restaurant at Port Sanibel Marina as we have done for the last couple of years we are planning on the following:

Meet on the south side of the Sanibel Bridge like always with the normal 11 AM departure. We will have two groups again. The “offshore group” will run north offshore of Sanibel and Captiva (water conditions provided) and come into Charlotte Harbor via Boca Grande Pass. From there we will run east 12 miles across Charlotte Harbor to Burnt Store Marina. The entire outside patio area is reserved for our group and we will be served a buffet lunch at Porto Bello restaurant at a cost of $ 20.00 incl. tax and tip. A reduced rate for children under 12 is being negotiated, usually half price.*
There will also be an “Intercoastal group” that will be suitable for boats wanting to run in the 50 to 55 MPH range up the protected ICW.

After lunch we will have our 50 / 50 draw at 2:30 PM and depart for Matlacha / home about 2:45 PM returning south through Matlacha Pass which we did for the first time last year. It was extremely interesting and fun with all the twists and turns. Some of us will act as guide boats to lead the way through this well marked but little used waterway that runs between Pine isand and the mainland. High tide is at 3 PM so timing is perfect. We will have an optional stop at Bert's at Matlacha which has a Key West feel to it and everyone enjoyed. Creative rafting will be required but it worked out fine last year.
After taking my 50 NT through Matlacha last year, I am satisfied any of our boats are suitable for this part of the run. There is no obligation to do so tho and the alternate route home can be back to Boca Grande and then south either by way of ICW or offshore.

This is for information purposes only and a roll call / info thread will be posted later this week. We are looking forward to seeing a everyone again.

Thank you,

Bob and your FMO Board of Directors

This is a link to a cell phone video that Frank took of some of the Matlacha section when he rode along on Team PREDATOR last year. The last portion really captures it well !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkCEQs580I0

Bob,

What is the distance on this run? Sounds like a fun one for the Pantera.

Rick

Bob-

I would like to thank you and the FMO board for making these changes. It looks like this might be the best run of the year! Looking forward to this run! See you all on March 5th!

Sounds like a great run we will be there. Thanks again to Bob and crew for all you do to make FMO such a great club. Bill

Thanks everyone. As a bit of background info, the club went to Porto Bello at Burnt Store about 3 or 4 years ago. There was no co operation or co ordination between the restaurant and the dockmaster and we were really turned off by it. Last week when wanting to log some hours on the new motor I decided to run up there and get both the dockmaster and restaurant manager together and have a chat with them as I always liked that destination. They got the message and we are promised the entire outside patio without the general public mixing in with us and the dockmaster has guaranteed us a minimum of 25 + slips in the general area of the restaurant. I am looking forward to our return there and they are anxious to have us.

Rick, see Franks mileage calcs below. I think this run is ideal for the Pantera so bring it on over !

From the Sanibel bridge to Burnt Store, one way

outside 52 miles
inside 39 miles

Thanks, Frank. What would be your best guess on the mileage from Burnt Store back to Sanibel Bridge thru Matlacha ? Maybe 25 - 28 miles with all the zig zag?

My nav system came up with 26 miles, without the ziz-zag, 28-30 as a max.

Burnt Store Marina is the largest marina on Florida’s west coast, and one of the largest marinas in the state.
It is a great marina destination.
Here are some pics from the last time I was there

entire set of pics, click here







entire set of pics, click here

Went there last year with Robert in his real boat and had a great time. Great destination! Should be fun.