100 Mile Passage

1st Annual 100 Mile Gypsy Passage Flotilla

Friday, May 8, 2009 - Canceled due to high water and debris on the lake

by Denny Duchek, Past Commodore
The 100 mile Gypsy Cruise scheduled for next weekend has been canceled.
The water level has risen considerably and the lake is littered with logs, tree limbs and debris. This would definitely make the overnight portion of the cruise unsafe.
Because of the water conditions, I have made other plans for the weekend, but for those of you who plan to be at the lake, you could decide if you want to just have a Saturday cruise and raft out for the night.
What ever you decide, be safe and careful.

Original event plans:

For those of you who think you are sailors or a sailor "want-a-be", mark your calendar for Friday, May 8, 2009, the beginning of a full moon weekend.

This is an open invitation to everyone with any size sailboat wishing to have an unforgettable weekend.

This will be our FIRST ANNUAL 100 MILE GYPSY PASSAGE FLOTILLA. (definitely bring your cameras)

The object of this voyage is to not touch land from Friday at 19:00 hours to Sunday at 12:00 hours. Celebration and party raft-up at ski cove to relish the passage,afterwards. For those who wish to join the flotilla, but are unable to make the original departure time, Friday evening, we will rendezvous in front of Blackjack Marina on Saturday, between 12:00 and 13:00 hours.

Anyone wishing to join us from Indian Creek Marina, let me know of your intent and I can give you rendezvous times.

Depending on weather conditions, (this is a rain or shine event), we will be sailing, motoring, or just casually drifting to and from Blackjack marina to the Florida pool area, non-stop. This would simulate sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas and back. (approx. 100 miles)

You will have to provision your boat with enough food and water to accommodate your voyage. You will be eating, cooking, drinking or whatever, while always underway. Someone will need to be at the helm around the clock in any sort of weather, so plan accordingly when packing your gear. Select your crew carefully...it's a long time in a confined space. It's time to call your adventurous friends and relatives to test their nerves. WARNING: This could test some marriages.

You have approximately seven weeks to plan and prepare for this trip. Again, this should simulate a passage at sea, and being able to cope under any weather conditions. Be sure your boat is in condition as well as your psyche. If you've never experienced this before, you may be surprised. If you have been at sea for a couple of days, this will be a walk in the park...but more fun.

Email me back if your interested or if you want to share your ideas.

This will be a blast and you must join in. Don't be a landlubber!