We are a seasonal group of MTOA members who visit or call the Florida Keys home during the winter. The group covers the entire Florida Keys with all of our bi-weekly gatherings held in the central area of Marathon – also home to the largest cruising community in the Keys.
We normally have a get together every other Tuesday from 5:00 till about 7. We introduce ourselves and tell the group about our cruising plans. Lots of comradery with old friends and meeting new friends, too.
We also go on informal 'junkets'. In previous years we have sailed aboard the Schooner America 2.0 down in Key West. She is a full size replica of the original Schooner America that brought the silver cup home from England and renamed it the America's Cup. I gotta tell ya, sailing at 11 and 12 knots is impressive! That's half again over our cruising speed. We have also visited Pigeon Key, an historic Railroad camp of the Overseas Railroad which is about 1/3 of the way out the original 7 mile bridge, and we've taken the Trolley Tour around Marathon with a history naration by the driver. We can also take the bus to the World famous Big Pine Key Flea Market (our world consists of some 1700 islands here in the keys). Incidentally, that bus the 'lower Keys Shuttle is our charriot to Key west also. Every two hours and just a buck for us seniors.
We've talked about an overnight anchor out. Maybe that will be on this years agenda. And a trip to the Dry Tortugas is always in our spyglass, but a tough one to coordinate with the winter weather.
MTOA members and interested potential members are always welcome!
The Southernmost Cruiser's first gathering of the season – will be a Welcome Back Happy Hour on January 14, 2025, then every other Tuesday until April 1st. We will meet at our usual location - the Community Park Pavilion. For those new to Marathon, the Community Park is where the local Festivals take place on the south (Ocean) side of Overseas HWY across from the Steak and Lobster Restaurant. You'll notice the white band shell, the soccer fields and baseball diamonds. The pavilion is at the west end of the complex between the tennis courts and the pickleball/basketball courts. If you are coming down the Overseas HWY it's at 36th street but the street-sign says "City Marina". If you are coming by dinghy from Boot Key Harbor, come to the dinghy dock at the City Marina and walk toward the Highway. We'll be on your right just after the tennis courts.
All MTOA members and interested potential members are welcome!
Bring a light dish to share and your own beverage.
>If you have suggestion or questions please contact us at fkc@mtoa.net.
Art n Pam Gauthier
Florida Keys Regional Coordinators
MTOA #5342
M/V Tinacious