FMO Holiday Run "Return to the Riv"

Name: FMO Holiday Run "Return to the Riv"
Start: 2024-12-28T10:30:00-05:00
Location: Riviera Bar and Grill

Schedule

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024 at 10:30 am

UTC-05:00

Location

Riviera Bar and Grill | Punta Gorda, FL

Roll Call/Info for FMO Holiday Run to Riviera Bar & Grill in Punta Gorta
With Milton taking out all of the docks at Fisherman’s Village we were forced to change the venue for our Holiday Run this is no easy task with an expected turnout in excess of 70 boats there are few if any places that can handle our group. We have contacted everyone venue with dockage from Venice to Marco Island and there is no one that can handle all of the anticipated boats. Not wanting to put a cap on the number of members that can attend the event we have partnered with our great friends at The Riviera Bar & Grille once again. Even The “Riv” was hesitant to host us based on boat count and anticipated record low tides BUT owners Joe and Ronnie love the club and know we were in a difficult position. They will be adding floating docks to the basin behind the restaurant to accommodate the extra boats for this run. With a newly remodeled marina / restaurant / tiki bar in Punta Gorta; Riviera Bar & Grill has become the unofficial home of FMO.
Registration:
This is the second of two designated fundraising events of the FMO season. Please use the link below to register and make a donation of $100 or more at your discretion. FMO is a 501c3 and your donation is tax deductible.
Membership information/renewal:
All vessels participating in FMO events are required to carry insurance and have a club membership. Memberships are on a calendar year basis and if you have not yet renewed your membership for 2025 or are new and wanting to join the club please visit our website. https://ftmyersoffshore.com/membership
Route:
Our starting point will be the south side of the Sanibel Bridge. NEW START TIME Boats should assemble around 10:15 am. Cats will depart first at 10:30am followed by V-Bottoms at 10:35am.
We will be running the Gulf OUTSIDE of Sanibel and Captiva to Redfish Pass. When going up the ICW there is a marked channel on the backside (east side) of Useppa Island (between Useppa and Pine Island) that will take you out into Charlotte Harbor and save several miles off the ICW route that runs up to Boca Grande pass. Just make sure you stay within the marked channel. Once into Charlotte Harbor you will head north as if going to Fisherman’s Village. Approximately 4 miles before the entrance to the peace river you will traverse westerly into Alligator Creek. (maps to follow). Alligator creek winds back through the mangroves and opens up at Riviera Bar and grill.
Dockage:
Riviera has over 100’ of new dockage right off the tiki bar we can raft off to. There are also slips in the marina around the northern side of the restaurant. The crew at Riviera Bar & Grill will be keeping slips open for our group all morning. Please express your appreciation with a tip for the guys helping us out. Remember even if they are unable to assist you in docking, they were working for you to keep a slip open.
Fuel/Distance:
From the Sanibel bridge to Riviera and back to the start via ICW should be about 80 miles with an offshore route being an additional 10 miles.
Food:
The restaurant is closing to the public until 2pm so FMO members will have the luxury of ordering off the menu and having all seating to ourselves.
Communication:
My cell number is 630-363-1986 and Cyndee's is 239-238-0777. Anyone dropping out after the start should let us know so we do not spend time either waiting or looking for you. Please leave a message if we do not answer.
Safety:
Each boat captain is required to operate his vessel in a safe manner and is responsible for his/her crew and their safety. When running in the ICW please be aware that this can be a high traffic area and we ask that other boats be given a wide berth and that the rules of the road be adhered to. As always please no alcohol for the captains. Our event is concluded upon reaching our lunch destination. Everyone can leave when they are ready