Greetings to All,
I used to sail Hobie Cats back in the late 60's, 70's and early 80's off Galveston Island (14 Mile Road). Started with the Hobie 14, then the 16 and finally the 18 when it was introduced.
Dropped out due to work issues - now retired and living full time in Naples, FL.
Want to get back into the sport but not finding any other beach cat sailors in Naples.
Question: Any cat sailors in Naples, or SW FL in general?

I'm finding no launch sites for trailered cats here in Naples - they do have a "Boat on the Beach" program but I'd prefer to not leave a new cat on the beach to weather, unless there is no reasonable alternative.

Thanks,
Jack

I'm in Cape Coral. The last I heard, you can launch on the Sanibel Causeway on the bayside. No overnight parking.

PM me if you'd like.

There are a couple regular visitors to this site that are in the Naples area. I am sure the Pete and Stank will chime in. Up the coast from you is the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. They have a great facility and active cat sailors. In fact, they are sending 3 teams to the US Sailing Youth Multihull Championships next month. Further up the coast is Gulfport Yacht Club on the southern tip of Pinellas County. That is a VERY active catamaran club with races and other activities on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Glad to have you in the area!

Jack,

Give me a holler. I live in Naples, and used to sail my N20 off the beach until they started Tazing me for parking my trailer within a mile of the water.

You've got a couple of ramp options:
- South Marco Island (easiest to get to the Gulf, but it's a drive)
- North Marco (Collier Blvd) has a new ramp, but you've probably got a tricky sail along 951 about a mile before you can go under the Jolly bridge
- Naples dock (longer sail to get out the pass)
- 3rd ave N (you'd have to move the trailer somewhere) where the boat rack is
- 18th ave S (I think - somewhere around there) has a walk-over wide enough for cats

PM me and I'll get your number. If you need a out-of-shape whiner to go out with I'd be happy to help.