Platinum Point Yacht Club (PPYC) is dedicated to maintaining time-honored boating traditions. One such tradition at PPYC is the Golden Conch Regatta. As the club is now forty years old, this was the 41st regatta held in Charlotte Harbor. Ordinarily this would be a two-day regatta, highlighted by a gala evening event on Saturday. However, this year, because of the damage to the marina from Hurricane Milton,
the Race Committee decided to make it a one-day racing event with an Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Sunday. Many members, even those without boats, came aboard other members’ boats, to watch the exciting challenge in action.
Another way that non-boaters get to join in the nautical fun is with the PPYC cruising group. Each month the cruisers sail to local marinas for a two-three night stay. The cruisers are a very lively group, who always organize festivities while at the marinas. And because the marinas are local, other PPYC members often drive to the marinas to take part in the fun. December saw a group dinner in the wonderful Old Captiva House at the Tween Waters resort. January’s cruise was to Crow’s Nest, and who wouldn’t love an outing to shop and dine in Venice?
One of the easiest ways in which non-boaters can experience nautical pleasures is with the PPYC kayaking group. This season, the group has already visited Harbor Heights Park right here in Punta Gorda. Some kayakers bring their own kayaks and others choose to rent. For anyone who hasn’t tried it, kayaking is one of the most peaceful and enjoyable ways to enjoy our little slice of boating paradise.
January saw a special on-water event called Sunset on the Water. Nothing beats a boat ride at sunset, so PPYC organized a group outing on one of the King Fisher Tour Boats. In this way, all PPYC members had the opportunity to watch as the sunset over Charlotte Harbor to mark the end of another glorious day in Southwest Florida.
Finally, one of the best ways that non-boaters get to enjoy the water with other PPYC members is on raft-ups. You’d be surprised how many people you can fit on a boat – as long as food and libations are provided. Once again, the raft-ups are often scheduled for sunset to allow first-hand viewing of the marvels of a colorful sky reflected in open water.
Of course, not all of PPYC’s events take place on the water. January saw two educational events given at the clubhouse. First, a hands-on workshop on Unlocking AI. This was the first of a four-part series that will continue throughout the season, and focused on utilizing free Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs. Later in January, Annica Karim, Manager of Operations, Calusa Heritage Trail, at Pineland, presented “Knowing The Calusa — Turning Anthropology on its Ear” at PPYC.
But as most of you know, PPYC could not go a month without a party – or two. January held a Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting led by a knowledgeable sommelier from UnWined, recently rated the best new wine bar in Punta Gorda. Later in January, one of PPYC’s most treasured events took place – The Yearly Progressive Dinner. In this movable feast, guests initially mingle over appetizers at assigned homes. At the appointed hour, guests move to other assigned homes for a signature dinner of beef tenderloin. Finally, the entire group reconvenes at the PPYC clubhouse for a dessert buffet. If you have never participated in a progressive dinner, you are missing one of the best opportunities for comradery combined with a gourmet dining experience.
So, whether you own a boat or don’t own a boat, there is much fun to be had with the fun-loving members assembled at PPYC. If you’d like to be part of the fun, please see Dorothy Schroeder, our Club Administrator, on-site Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, or call her at 941-639-0733.
PPYC – A Place to Belong.
