Presidents’ Weekend 2017
Photos and story by UseppaGin
Sailing catboats on Saturday, dining on the Collier Inn patio, splashing in the pool, making new friends at the Marina dock, parents, grandparents and kids…a winter break on Useppa is a perfect escape from mainland reality.
Sandpiper Sailing and Bill’s Grille for Lunch
Saturday, February 11, 2017
By Bob Stevens, Race Committee
Wow, just a PERFECT morning on Pine Island Sound for Sandpipers. A morning sailing and lunch at Bill’s Grille.
With 11 boats on the course the starts were a slugfest, but the first race got off with everyone ok. Kitty Kat, sailed well by Gary Fretz, with Nic as crew finished in first place, followed by Buttercup out with Charlie Chapin at the helm and Bill Cox as his able crew. The third finisher, but inches from Buttercup, was Purrfect, sailed by Bill Welch and Sherry.
The second race, over the same course but even longer because of the lighter wind, was won by Purrfect with Buttercup in second place. Ragtime, very well sailed by Tony Colgan, with Kurt Stocker as crew, finished in third place.
I moved the windward mark for the last race and shortened the course quite a bit. The sailors were getting hungry, and several left for Bill’s Grill. Five boats remained. Coot won the race, handily with Kim Lockhart as Ed King’s crew. Spirit skippered by Paul Beisswenger with Joe Cox along as his crew finished second. The third boat was Little 7 Up with Ray George at the helm and Jim Doherty as crew.
Others sailing Saturday were: Amrita with Mike Albert at the helm and Dan O’Connell as crew; Dragonfly with Rich and Lorraine McGinn aboard; Patty P sailed by Paul and Shane Swigert; and Flying Cloud with Frank Greer as skipper and Stephanie Solien as his able crew.
Aboard the Mark Boat were the Sheldons in Wahoo Wah. Great help as usual – it would not be the same without them.
Steve Kaufman and his fact checker Alan Symonds were out on Little Blue Chip to “call the race” for those ashore. Aboard Snooper were Ginny Amsler taking about 1000 pictures in a picture perfect morning, Kathleen Stocker as the scribe, and Sydney as my timer. I simply cannot do what needs to get done without them. My thanks.
Bill’s Grille was another delight. The McGinns sailed in the first race and then retired to come in a cook for all of us. Aimee Lockhart, Kim Cox and Kay Chapin put the lunch together.
All and all, another wonderful morning on Pine Island Sound.
Photos & Story by UseppaGin
Old time radio in the Tarpon Bar complete with bad jokes, homespun stories, gut tugging music, local talent, poems, sound effects, and a mystery all added up to another Useppa Home Companion.
A meatloaf comfort supper set the stage. Petty Cash played while audience and cast members danced.
Then Dan O’Connell in dark blue suit, red tie, white shirt, and red sneakers took the microphone. In that slow Garrison Keillor way, the show began.
Guy Noir was there. “Hallelujah” sung by Allie Klunker opened hearts and tear ducts.
Shane Swigert’s “mom guilt” is an art form. Virginia Amsler read two of her poems, one about the island, one about its Wizard.
Ensemble cast members also included Linda Colgan, Kurt Stocker, and Paul Beisswenger.
Sound effects, clapping shoes, slamming doors, and more were “performed” by Aimee Lockhart and Paul Swigert.
Rona Stage and Linda Colgan wrote “Useppa Home Companion” in the spirit of Lake Wobegon and Public Radio’s “Prairie Home Companion”. It was produced by the Useppa Island Historical Society.
The White Rose Cottage, #513
White Rose Cottage is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom family cottage with 2 king size beds and a trundle bed. Upstairs has 1 king bed, a trundle bed in a separate bedroom, and a full bathroom. Beautiful water views from the back deck. Newly renovated, full size kitchen and living room with modern amenities. Internet is also offered in this beautiful twin family cottage.
Summer/Value Season Rates from $394.00-$336.00 per night
Winter/Peak Season Rates from $546.00-$465.00 per night
Holidays Rates from $625.00-$532.00 per night
Useppa Property Company
P.O. Box 640
Useppa Island, FL 33922
Licensed Real Estate Broker
239-283-4227
