Upcoming Cruising Events

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• Port Tampa Bay Tour Sept 2024

  • When
    09/13/2024
  •  
    9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    603 Channelside Dr.

  Register

  
  

  Meet the Tenants

  Tour the Port of Tampa Bay aboard the Yacht Starship Friday September 13, 2024. Guests will meet tenants that operate throughout the port complex and learn about how they contribute to making Port Tampa Bay the largest economic engine in West Central Florida. Admission is free. Tours begin boarding at 9:30 am, tour departs at 10:00 am and returns at 12:00 noon. Water is provided and other soft drinks can be purchased on board by electronic payment only - no cash.

  LUNCH:
  There will also be an optional lunch gathering at the Yard House after the event. The Yard House is about 3 blocks from the Garrison Street Parking for the Starship.

  • Lunch Reservation:
    12:30 PM
    Yard House (yardhouse.com)
    450 Channelside Dr
    Tampa, FL 

  .

  PARKING:
  Park in the Garrison Street Parking Lot at 615 Channelside Drive.  Parking rate is $2/hour max of $15/day payable via ParkMobile app. 

  REGISTRATION:

  Please register for the event by clicking on the Blue Register Button so that we have an approximate headcount and coordinate car pooling and lunch gathering after the event. We can register the entire group at once with the Tampa Port Authority . This event fills up quickly. If you plan to attend please try to register before Aug. 30.

  QUESTIONS:

  If you have questions, please email or text Cruising Chair Gary Shellenberger.  Gary's cell number and email address can be found in our online directory. 

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• Clearwater Jazz Holiday 2024

  • Start
    10/17/2024
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    10/20/2024
  •  
    10:00 PM
  • Location
    Clearwater Coachman Park

  Register

         

  Experience the Celebration as the Clearwater Jazz Holiday returns to its roots with a Familiar Format in Coachman Park’s Large Green on the Waterfront. General Admission is free. VIP Tickets are available. For more information click here.

  Day Cruise or Overnight Cruise event, or come by car. Boats may tie up at the Clearwater Harbor Marina day dock or they may anchor just off Coachman Park and dinghy in to the day dock or they may reserve an overnight slip at the marina.

  REGISTRATION:

  Please register for the event by clicking on the Blue Register Button so that we have an approximate headcount. 

  WHAT'S HAPPENING:  

  • 4 days of live music on 3 separate stages.
  • Craft beer, wine and food available from local vendors.
  • Happy Hour aboard The Best of Times TBD from 2pm to 4pm. Call or text Gary or Janet Shellenberger for marina access.

  WHAT to BRING:  

  • Folding chairs and sunscreen.

  Clearwater Harbor Marina Information:  

  • Day Dock - The day dock is free and open between 8am and 9pm. No overnight mooring is permitted on the day dock. 

  • Reserved Slips - The Clearwater Harbor Marina is managed via Dockwa. To reserve a slip, you will need a Dockwa account. Visit www.dockwa.com
  • Transient slip rates are around $3/ft/day. Slips range in size from 30 feet to 55 feet, plus over 1,000 feet of overnight side-tie mooring.
  • Click here for more information.

  QUESTIONS:

  If you have questions, please email or text Cruising Chair Gary Shellenberger.  Gary's cell number and email address can be found in our online directory. 

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• Halloween Anchor Out Cruise - 2024

  • Start
    10/25/2024
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    10/27/2024
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Boca Ciega Bay

  Register

  HALLOWEEN ANCHOR OUT CRUISE

  TO BOCA CIEGA BAY

  Join the Dophins Cruising Club and St. Pete Sailing Association for a Halloween Anchor Out in Boca Ciega Bay in Gulfport, FL.

  WHAT'S HAPPENING:  

  • Friday 6:30 optional Group dinner ashore. RSVP to Gary Shellenberger to be included in reservations. Location TBD.
  • Saturday: 5:00 Cocktails aboardHula Girl. Pot luck dinner, bring a dish to share. BYOB.
  • Optional Dinghy scavenger hunt depending on number of attendees.

  QUESTIONS:
  

  If you have questions, please email or text Cruising Chair Gary Shellenberger.  Gary's cell number and email address can be found in our online directory. 

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• Fall 2024 Kickoff Cruise

  • Start
    11/23/2024
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    11/24/2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Emerson Point

  Register

  

  Let's kickoff the Fall 2024 Cruising Season by joining The Best of Times and the Dolphin Cruising Group of Tampa Bay and the St. Pete Sailing Association at Emerson Point Preserve on the Manatee River. This cruise is hosted by Women Who Sail Tampa Bay and St. Pete Sail & Power Squadron. This is an annual all club sailing fleet rendezvous for DIYC, Dolphins, SPSA, TSS and any other sailing fleet clubs that wish to join us.

  Emerson Point Preserve offers a network of hiking and kayak trails to experience a wide variety of coastal Florida wildlife and habitats. Ancient and historic remains of its inhabitants are accessible and well interpreted to give a sense of what life in Manatee County was like prior to and during its settlement.

  For more information about Emerson Point Preserve and the Desoto National Monument directly across the Manatee River, visit the DBC Anchorage Forum, click here.

  Feel free to arrive early or stay an extra day or two. Exploring the hiking paths on Emerson Preserve, or visiting the Desoto National Monument across the river, or simply kayaking around the Manatee River are all great experiences. 

  REGISTRATION:

  Please register for the event by clicking on the Blue Register Button so that we have an approximate headcount. 

  WHAT'S HAPPENING:  

  The Dolphin's and the St. Pete Sailing Association have reserved Pavilion #1 on Saturday 11/23 from 4pm to 9pm.  They will have charcoal grills firedup, so bring something to grill and a side dish to share.

  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE PRESERVE.

  The only land access from the river anchorage is a small floating dinghy dock, so you will either need a dinghy or kayak to get to the pavilion or make arrangements with another participant to get back and forth from the pavilion. The park closes at sunset, so there will be no land access by car.

  WHAT TO BRING:  

  • Something to grill and a dish to share
  • Dinghy or kayak for shore excursions
  • Flashlights
  • Bug retardant
  • Any games that you want to play
  • Lawn chairs (optional)

  QUESTIONS:

  If you have questions, please email or text Cruising Chair Gary Shellenberger.  Gary's cell number and email address can be found in our online directory. 

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• Commodore's Annual Caladesi Thanksgiving Weekend Trip 2024

  • When
    11/29/2024
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Caladesi Marina
  • Spaces left
    40

   Commodore's Caladesi Thanksgiving Weekend Cruise

  DETAILS BELOW ARE PRELIMINARY AND WILL BE UPDATED PRIOR TO THE START OF REGISTRATION!

  

  Caladesi Sunset 2013

  The Commodore's Caladesi Thanksgiving Weekend Cruise returns to the club calendar again this year! This "cruise" is accessible by everyone whether you have a boat or not.

  REGISTRATION:

  Please register for the event by clicking on the Blue Register Button so that we have an approximate headcount. 
  NOTE: Registration is limited to the first 40 registrants. Members may Join the Wait List after the registration limit is reached for spots that may become available should anyone cancel their reservation.

  WHAT'S HAPPENING:  

  • This event is being held earlier in the afternoon than in previous years to allow those folks who need to use the ferry to get to the Island, enjoy the event, and to have sufficient time to catch the last ferry back to Honeymoon. This also allows the day cruisers to have sufficient time to return to their home port safely in day light.

  • We will be at one of the 2 Pavilions across from docks. Look for the DBC burgee.

  • Starting around 1:30pm, we will gather and light the grill. Food servings should start some time around 2:00pm. 

  • The “bonfire” will get started at dark for the folks staying over night. 

  • Don’t forget to enjoy some beach time while on the Island. 

  • The Commodore will be cooking and serving hamburgers, hot dogs, possibly sausages, chips, cookies, and maybe another side, no turkey or ham. 

  • Sodas and water will be available. 

  • Be advised that alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Island. 

  WHAT TO BRING:  

  • If you have some games that are easy to transport, feel free to bring them
  • For those staying over night, please bring fire wood for the “bonfire” along with your choice of sweets to roast over the “bonfire”. 
  • Don’t forget your folding chairs.

  Cruisers:  

  • Plan to stay at the Caladesi Marina overnight.  Traditionally our cruisers stay overnight on Friday night, and many stay overnight on Saturday night as well.  See the Caladesi website "Hours and Fees" link for slip availability.

  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/caladesi-island-state-park

  Day-Cruisers:  

  • Bring your boat for the day. Dockage is first come, first served. Be aware that the "T" dock at the end of the C dock is not available. See the Caladesi website "Hours and Fees" link for slip availability.

  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/caladesi-island-state-park

  No Boat? - No Problem!:  

  • Take the Ferry. The Caladesi Connection Ferry can be boarded at Honeymoon Island State Park. See the Caladesi Ferry website for fees and hours of operation.  https://caladesiferry.org/schedules-and-pricing/ 
  • Of course, you could ask a DBC member for a ride to/from the island for the day.

  Co-Hosts:  TBD

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• DBC's 69th Annual Lighted Holiday Boat Parade (2024)

  • When
    12/07/2024
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    40

  DETAILS BELOW ARE PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
  THEY WILL BE UPDATED PRIOR TO THE START OF REGISTRATION.

   

  IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • PARTICIPATION:  This event is open to all boaters (Members and Non-Members).  Registration is required to participate, as is your attendance at the Mandatory Skipper's Meeting on Thursday, December 5th. 
  • REGISTRATION:  
  • • REGISTRATION STARTS:  November 1, 2024
    • REGISTRATION ENDS:  December 4, 2024 at Midnight
    • TO REGISTER:  Click on the blue "Register" button on this page. 
      NOTE:  The "Register" button will no longer appear once registration is closed.
  • MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS:  40 Boats
  • WAIT LIST:  One registration if full, additional applicants will be given an opportunity to be added to our waitlist. 
  • FEES:  There is no fee to register and participate.  However, there is a limited number of registrations available.  If you register, please plan to participate. 
  • STARTING LOCATION:  The parade will be staged on-water in the open area just south of Marker 1 Marina and along the ICW just south of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge.  
  • ROUTE:  The parade will follow the ICW South to the Dunedin/Clearwater border, turn North, and proceed into the City of Dunedin Marina.
  • ENDING LOCATION:  The parade will conclude at the City of Dunedin Marina.
  • START TIME:  The parade will leave from the basin at Marker 1 Marina starting at 6:00 PM.  
  • SKIPPER'S INSTRUCTIONS:  Skipper's Instructions for the parade will be provided within your registration confirmation email.
  • MANDATORY SKIPPER'S MEETING:  The Skipper's meeting for the parade will be at the Dunedin Boat Club Clubhouse on Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 PM.  The address is:  49 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698 (West side of the Dunedin Marina).
  • REQUIRED ONBOARD EQUIPMENT:  In addition to the safety equipment required onboard by the USCG, each vessel must have a working VHF radio onboard.  The VHF radio can be either permanently installed on your vessel or a sufficiently charged handheld unit.  VHF radio transmissions will be the sole method used by the Parade Master to communicate will all participants during staging, while underway, and vessel entry into the Dunedin Marina.  During the Skipper’s Briefing, the Parade Master will provide all participants the VHF channel number to be used for communication during the boat parade.
  • JUDGING LOCATION:  The judging will be conducted as you pass through the channel coming into the City of Dunedin Marina.
    
  • WAIVER:  Skippers are required to read and agree to a waiver during registration.  Acceptance of the waiver is a requirement to participate in the Lighted Boat Parade.
  • NO POLITICAL DECORATIONS:  We ask that boat decorations DO NOT contain politically related messages.
  • NO ITEMS TO BE THROWN FROM BOATS:  To protect the environment, skippers, crew, and spectators, we ask that NO ITEMS be thrown from the boats (e.g. beads, candy, etc.)
  • NO SANTA COSTUMES:  So we don't confuse the kids nor take away from the "real" Santa, we ask that people DO NOT dress in Santa costumes, as the "real" Santa will be arriving on the last boat.

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• Star Clipper Cruise

  • Start
    07/19/2025
  • End
    07/26/2025
  • Location
    Italy, Croatia, Montenegro

  
  

  This event is promoted and sponsored by Mary Kolb. Click the link below for brochure details of the cruise event. 

  Star Clipper Cruise Brochure
  

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