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MARINERS OF PGI Susan Hills, Vice Commodore, 941-286-3452, vicecommodore@marinersofpgi.org

Is everything on your boat hunky-dory? This phrase for feeling carefree, does have a
nautical origin, but it’s not related to a small wooden boat that is rowed. Sailors in port in
Yokohama liked to visit Hunki-Dori Street when they felt carefree. It was in the center of the
city’s red light district where sailors were known to go after a long time at sea.

In April 2000, there was only one boating club in Punta Gorda Isles. Seeing a need for
expanding the boat club opportunities, the founding members of the Mariners of PGI
gathered around a kitchen table to discuss the criteria for forming a new boating club. By the time the first official
meeting was held in June 2000, the club had reached its goal of 200 members. Since then, members have taken part in
many boating excursions around southwest Florida, the Bahamas, and even a
cruise to Cuba. There are opportunities to join members for lunch cruises, overnight
cruises to marinas, and overnight anchor outs to many destinations near and far, as
well as a monthly raft up in Sunset Lake. Members also enjoy monthly social
activities such as breakfast
with the gals, line dancing
lessons, bowling, and
kayaking, to name a few.
Many lasting friendships have
formed over the years, as we
continue to enjoy the love of
boating.

In December 2000, one of our members, Tom Little, invited six
boats to decorate for Christmas. He invited them to meet in
Sunset Lake to
anchor out until
sundown, enjoying
snacks and each
other’s company.
This is how the Saturday night before Christmas boat parade got started.
Tom has worked hard every year since 2000 to make this parade a
success. It has grown to include more than 40 boats participating each
year. Spectators come from all around for the parade, viewing it from the
vacant lots, or at individual homes. This year, the route will be altered to
include more vacant lots, as the ones along the original route have
diminished considerably. The new route also increases the safety of
participating boats, as there will be no two-way encounters. With the route
going along the rim canal on the east side of the Punta Gorda Isles, it will
help to alleviate some of the car traffic congestion coming in at Bal Harbor
and Aqui Esta. For more information, go to puntagordalightedboatparade.com. A group of volunteers formed the
“Lamplighters” to help string lights along the sea wall of the parade route at individual homes and the vacant lots. This is
important in keeping the parade route safe. If you are along the parade route, please help by stringing lights along your
sea wall. If you need help with your lights,
or would like to volunteer to help others,
please contact the “Lamplighters” through
the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association.
There will be more of a need for
volunteers this year, with the increase of
vacant lots along the new parade route.

If you are looking for a friendly and active
boating group, we invite you to stop by
and visit with us. Our weekly Happy Hour
get-togethers are held at 5:30 p.m., every
Wednesday, at the Village Fish Market in
Fishermen’s Village. You can also check
us out on our website at
www.marinersofpgi.org, or contact our
Membership Director at
membership@marinersofpgi.org.

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