2015 McMahon Regatta Part 1

Useppa Island Yacht Club’s McMahon Regatta and More

by Bob Stevens, Race Committee Head

The Useppa Yacht Club, which has been in existence for many years now, has only two things, a Commodore, Jim Doherty, and a burgee: a palm tree on a white background with “UYC” inscribed.  The Club has no by-laws, no meetings, no dues, and a very impressive history of dealing with RULE 2, which is: “If you suggest it, you do it.”

Because of RULE 2,we do sail every Saturday morning on Pine Island Sound, with sometimes 11 or 12 Sandpipers on the water.  We sail three races, then hurry in to Bill’s Grill (named after Bill Newbold, who suggested lunch on the beach years ago and got it started), a fabulous hot dog, hamburger, and all the fixin’s lunch on the beach provided to us by Kay Chapin and her crew of volunteers.

We hold an annual Club Championship regatta, the Jack McMahon Regatta, named after our first and beloved Commodore, Jack McMahon, who lived on Useppa Island for many years with his wife Pat.  Pat was at the McMahon Regatta on March 14, which was won by Bill Welch who was sailing with his wife Sherry.

Every other year Mike Albert organizes a Catboat Rendezvous, and we hold, at the same time, the Sandpiper “Worlds” right here on Useppa Island.  Lots of fun for us all.

George’s Birthday Bash

From Grillin’ & Chillin’ at the Tarpon Bar, to croquet, and a pool party with a band, the Argyros’ brought Fantasy Island to Useppa.  The party continued with a Cocktail Reception at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum and a surf and turf dinner under the big tent.

–photos by Useppa Gin

Cruising with Carter

Cruising with Carter

photos and story by Useppa Gin

Captiva Cruises donated a sunset boat ride to the 2014 Fire Department Fund Raiser.  The successful bidders were Tim and Judith Sear.  Part of the equation satisfied, they only needed a reason to celebrate.  Old Timer and old time Useppan Carter Bacon turned 90.  What better way to observe such a momentous occasion than cocktails, a toast, and good friends aboard ship?

Thank you to Captiva Cruises, the Fire Department, the Sears, and Useppa’s oldest resident, Carter Bacon.  Besides Carter, guests of honor included his long suffering, I mean, devoted wife, Mary, and his son Eric.

Happy Birthday to the Wizard!  Until next year and 91.

2014 POA Hoedown

P.O.A. Party:  Out West Island Style

photos and story by Useppa Gin

Three generations on the dance floor, finger licking good food, and good times; cowboys and cowgirls filled the Tarpon Bar for the annual Useppa Property Owners Association Party.

Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament

Boys + Girls + Fish = An Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament

photo and story by Useppa Gin

Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournaments have long been a tradition on Useppa.  Awards are given for 1st fish, Last fish, Ugliest fish, Most fish, etc.  But the point isn’t the award.  It isn’t the competition.  Izaak Walton Kids Tournaments are held to introduce our youngest islanders to the fun of fishing.  They teach the tradition of catching a fish, measuring it, and then setting it free, releasing it back into the water to watch it swim away.

Children who once fished the tournaments are now grownups helping new anglers learn how to put a shrimp on a hook, how to cast a line, and reel in the big one.  Grandparents teach another generation of family fishermen.  Moms and dads get as excited as their children when that first fish flops its way down the dock.

Join us next time with your own family, or just have fun watching.  It’s part of life on Useppa.