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Get used to it, boating is BIG in Punta Gorda! Whether you're an old salt, a seasoned sailor, a deep sea fisherman, a flats fisherman, a kayaker, a novice sailor/boater or someone who is only dreaming about their first boat or boating adventure, opportunities abound in Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. The best way to get your feet wet is to get involved with one of the local boating organizations, yacht clubs or charter fleets. There are many to choose from and each can provide you with access to friendly members who will provide you with "local knowledge" about the area waterways and open your eyes to all of the various boating activities, organized cruises and races, flotilla events, fishing tourney's and so much more. Better yet, if you want to meet new people and have fun on or off the water, these organizations will open the doorway into friendship, social events, adventures and then some. You'll find that owning a boat is not a requirement to get out onto the water and to have some fun!
If you're new to boating or prefer not to own a boat, there are plenty of places to rent kayaks, or to charter/rent anything from small sail boats and powerboats for easy day sailing, fishing and cruising to extended charters on larger trawler yachts and sailboats. There are also local sailing schools that will help you learn the basics of keel boat sailing and obtain your ASA (American Sailing Association) certification as well as offering courses for the more experienced sailor to further advance their skill and certification levels for greater charter sailing opportunities offshore. There are also instructional courses for power boats of all sizes too.
Any way you look at it, being on the water is what Punta Gorda is all about. So jump in and take the plunge...The water's fine!
Punta Gorda Boat Club A very active boating club with a hands on approach. There are a variety of social and community activities. There are no employees and all functions are accomplished by the members.
Punta Gorda Sailing Club The Punta Gorda Sailing Club offers many racing and cruising activities. Many weekends one can see the sailboats rounding markers in Charlotte Harbor.
Mariners of PGI This is a boat club made up of members that own a mix of both power & sailboats. The Mariners of PGI is the second oldest boat club of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. Membership requirements include attending three meetings & participating in a minimum of two scheduled Mariners of PGI cruises within each calendar year. Membership to the PGICA is required to join the Mariners of PGI.
Punta Gorda Cruising Club This is a cruising club made up of members that want to cruise SW Florida and beyond. They do many cruises to different destinations, near and far. This is a great way to learn the waters and meet new friends. Membership to the PGICA is required to join the PGI Cruising Club.
PG Islanders Cruising Club They sponsor cruises to meet the needs of all types of boaters, including power and sail for daytrips as well as overnigh and extended length cruises to many choice boating areas. Requirements for joining: PGICA membership, boat ownership in Punta Gorda, attendance at a minimum of three monthly membership meetings, participation in at least two scheduled cruises and work on at least one club event, committee or board.
PGI Seafarers The newest boating and cruising group offered by the PGICA, they have a high percentage of members who have lived in Punta Gorda for less than three years. This makes them the logical choice for newcomers who want to make new friends and meet other boaters. They offer one general meeting and two socials every month in addition to their envents and cruises.
Burnt Store Isles Boat Club (BSIBC) was formed in January 1989. Since its inception the boat club has grown rapidly. Membership in the boat club is open to all residents of Burnt Store Isles regardless of boat ownership. Our primary focus is to promote safe and enjoyable boating activities in beautiful Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding areas. Throughout the year we have luncheon and dinner cruises to local marina restaurants, picnics to barrier island beaches and over night cruises to local and East Coast resort areas.
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club Located in Port Charlotte. The Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club has a lovely new clubhouse with a beautiful view of Charlotte Harbor. The dining room is central to many social activities. The club also offers many boating activities.
Isles Yacht Club The Isles Yacht Club is located in the center of Punta Gorda Isles, with quick access to Charlotte Harbor. The club offers a wide and varied social and boating activity calendar. There is both diesel and gas available for members.
Southwest Florida Yachts SW Florida Yacht Charters has a great selection of sailboats and powerboats so you will be able to find the size and type of vessel that meets your cruising needs. If you are an experienced sailor you may want to do a Bareboat Charter. However, they can arrange for a crewed charter with one of their excellent Captains.
Yachting Vacations Yachting Vacations emphasizes personalized cruising and offers the finest yachts for the discriminating charter. Our fleet of Etaps, Island Packets and Custom Catamarans are the finest in the industry. Set sail from our base at Burnt Store Marina, the largest private marina in Southwest Florida on Charlotte Harbor, and dolphins will dance in your wake as you head for tropical islands hideaways. Enjoy cruising 200 square miles of protected waters in Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota, Venice, Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, Captiva, Sanibel, Ft. Myers Beach, Naples, the Ten Thousand Islands area, or even, the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas.
King Fisher Fleet The King Fisher Fleet, located at Fishermen's Village, offers the best of Florida for both sightseers and fishermen. Sightseeing cruises, eco-tours, full and half day cruises, sunset cruises and harbor tours are available. Fishermen can enjoy deep sea charter fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or back bay fishing in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve. For more information call (941)639-0969, email them at [email protected] or visit their website at www.kingfisherfleet.com.
Florida Sailing & Cruising School They offer boathandling lessons on sailboats, trawlers and powerboats. They are an American Sailing Association Certification Facility (ASA) as well as one of the leading power boat schools in the country. They offer a variety of learning experiences and can help the novice learn necessary boat handling skills while offering more advanced courses for the experienced sailor. Their instructors are licensed U.S. Coast Guard captains with experience in racing, cruising and yacht maintenance and their sailing lessons include all aspects of sailing and cruising.
Paradise Sailing They offer both sailing lessons and chartered tours. In terms of lessons, Paradise Sailing will guide you towards the desired ASA qualification. With the right ASA certificate you will be able to rent any sailing vessel up to 45 ft. anywhere in Paradise. As for cruising, go for a relaxing and adventurous sail trip in Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Experience all the excitement of encounters with dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles, rays and all other animals living in this beautiful estuary. They offer full-day cruises, captained and bare-boat as well as a sunset cruise.
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