Southwest Florida has many wonderful scenic spots to travel by boat, but getting to many of them intimidates not only novice captains, but also well-seasoned boaters who are new to these waters. Cruising with other boaters adds a level of confidence and safety that sometimes helps a captain (and a tentative mate) truly enjoy time on the water.

At Royal Palm Yacht Club, group cruising is a very popular activity.  Known among its sister yacht clubs as the “cruisingest club” in Florida, boats in the RPYC fleet can be found heading to all points of the compass.  Boaters pick the cruising “style” that matches their comfort level.  Some cruises stay within the Intracoastal Waterway, while others tackle the open waters of the Gulf or Atlantic.  One cruise schedule may dock at a different marina every night, while another may stick to anchoring in quiet coves.  Golf and tennis can be the attractions for some participants, while canoeing and kayaking, or cultural excursions suit others.

Among recent cruises, the Tampa Bay destination featured fine dining at famous restaurants such as Bern’s Steak House and the Columbia Restaurant.  Another to Palm Island Marina and Resort focused on swimming, games, and a low-country shrimp boil prepared by cruise participants. Several boats headed to the Florida keys and Dry Tortugas, snorkeling and touring the historic Fort Jefferson while there.  An annual “gunkhole cruise” is especially designed for those who like to drop the hook in hidden scenic coves and anchorages where Florida’s true natural scenery still exists.  [Watch for a future article on ‘gunkholing”!]  Many times RPYC cruisers enjoy the benefits of reciprocal yacht club privileges, putting in at some of the finest yacht clubs that Florida has to offer.

The key to a successful group cruise is good planning.  Every RPYC cruise has designated leaders who act as tour guides, safety officers, mentors and coaches.  Leaders are provided with training, and a Cruise Leader’s Guide to help with the process.  The cruise leaders’ responsibility is awesome, for the success and safe passage of the cruise rests on their shoulders.  Novice boaters or those new to the area can rely on the cruise leaders to bring them up to speed on all aspects of local waters.

Cruise Leaders create the “float plans,” or itineraries for cruises, using their own local knowledge, dependable cruising guides or other sources, and local charts, tide and current tables.  Everything is checked out to be certain information is current — shoaling of key passages, bridge or lock schedules, depths at dockside at certain marinas, availability of fuel and water and other provisions, etc. 

Finally, the leisure time activities in port are planned – the events that make most cruises memorable.  What activities are available at each stop? Where will people eat dinner?  What special excursions will be offered?  Favorite group activities over time have been as diverse as kayaking and canoeing, snorkeling, sand sculpture contests, pontoon boat ecology tours, and bocce tournaments.  RPYC cruisers are also great at games, with "Left, Center, Right" being an after-dinner tradition.