As the days stretch longer, and the breeze carries the unmistakable scent of salt and sunshine, summer arrives at BSM in its full glory. This is the season when things slow down, traffic is less, laughter echoes across the docks, and our members gather to celebrate everything that makes life by the water so special.
What happens around PPYC Yacht Club May thru September? Actually, more than you might think! First, our snowbird members take “flight” and head not only North, but West, Midwest, Northwest and Northeast. Even over the Canadian border!
Some own second homes “north,” or rent, travel and visit family and friends ─ old friends, neighbors and sometimes a visit to a PPYC member’s home. They may visit other yacht clubs along the way. There are even a few that live on boats for the summer months. There is a common thread, they are always on the move ─ often additional travel to “exotic” vacation spots, sending pictures back to our monthly member newsletter “from the road,” and keeping in touch with those that hold down the PPYC fort! Whatever their fancy, the 3 to 4 months go fast. Cooler temps and a change of venue are always welcome.
For those members staying in the Burnt Store Marina area, boating, kayaking, golfing, and swimming are frequent ways to pass the time. Smaller groups gather at the Club House for potlucks, outings to local events around the area, or enjoying the activities that continue each week at PPYC. Year ‘round activities include Mah Jongg, Bridge, and Bunco, as well as Grill Nights, Sunset Socials, Happy Hour every Friday night, with some even including live music on the Harbor View Deck.
Our newly-inaugurated bar on the Harbor View Deck is now open all summer! What a treat to “sit up to the bar” on lovely summer evenings and watch the sun go down. Of course, summer at the yacht club is not only about activity, it’s also about atmosphere like the warmth of sun-soaked decks and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent on or close to the water. It’s a place where time seems to slow just enough to savor each moment. As a reminder, guests are always Welcome.
PPYC and its Board of Directors and committees continue to meet in person and on Zoom throughout the summer months. With our extensive array of events from October to May, there is a lot of planning that needs to happen. Our Board consists of 5 flag officers and 9 Directors. All aspects of the Club continue to run, whether we are all in the Club House or scattered. Repairs, landscaping, budgets, new ideas, planning our signature events (Fleet Week, Pancake Breakfast, Commodore’s Ball, Progressive Dinner, Golden Conch Regatta) includes what worked, what our members want to see changed, and getting committees organized for each event. Additionally, our extensive overnight cruising and sail schedule requires early organizing due to the popularity of these “on the water” events.
Whether you’ve been a member for decades or are experiencing your first summer here, there is a shared appreciation for the sense of community that really defines our Club. As we move through the summer season, we invite everyone to make the most of it, stay a little longer after a Sunset Social, and take part in the events that make summer at PPYC unforgettable!
Our new season, beginning November 1st, will be filled with exciting social, water, special interest and educational functions – with a surprise or two in the offing. We will be welcoming back many of our newest members and looking forward to a great new season.
PPYC … a place to belong any time of the year!
3601 CAPE COLE BLVD. PUNTA GORDA FL
http://WWW.PPYCBSM.ORG | 941.639.0733
