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4204 13th Street Court West, Palmetto, Florida 34221 • Ph. 941-729-3370 • FAX 941-729-4955 • 1-800-362-2657 • e-mail sales@marlowmarine.com |
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MMCC | Recent Events
Marlow Marine Sales, Inc. hosts MMCC 2009 annual rendezvous at the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL
On Friday morning, a
complimentary "Low Country Breakfast Buffet" was offered featuring juice,
coffee, tea, assorted muffins and danish plus a hot selection of eggs, bacon,
grits and warm buttermilk biscuits. The 1st of four rounds of deep sea fishing
aboard “Mimi”, a 59’ Sportfish provided
by Pipewelders, led by Trey Irvine and his crew left the dock at 7:30. Trey
holds the North American record for the largest Blue Marlin at 1,228 lbs! A
memorable event for our angler enthusiasts. Over the course of two days, there
were four trips out to the reef.
Friday
evening seemed to go with the flow of the rest of the day. A balmy white sand beach
provided the backdrop for our Caribbean themed party complete with another
glorious
Saturday afternoon's first event,
Crab Races, brought out the big risk takers! Yes, that’s right we said Crab
Races. Quite a crowd gathered to bet on their favorite Crabs and then
The next event was held on the docks
where four new boats were Christened while members shared their pleasure and
little champagne. We welcome and congratulate Charlie and John on Good Time
Charlie; Maryanne on Miz Scarlett; Kim and Ted on True Companion;
and Mell and Mike on Tortuga. Enjoy your voyaging! After the
christenings, several of the owners opened their boats up to all members who
were interested. It is great fun and a time when members show off their boats,
trade cruising stories, talk about
On Sunday morning, there was a continental breakfast buffet provided on the Marina Deck. While many members are leaving, a few are staying for an extended visit here or actually spend the winter here. What a paradise! This weekend left everyone with great memories and promises for the future.
None of these events would be possible without our adventurous and fun loving members. On behalf of Marlow Marine, we want to express thanks to all who attended as well as to our sponsors for their generous contributions. We are gratified that we have such loyal and wonderful clients; and our yearly rendezvous is just one way of saying we appreciate not only your business but your friendship as well. Thank You. Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Marlow Yachts Limited, Inc. host Nantucket Rendezvous Aug. 2008
Nantucket Island, first discovered in 1602 and visited by too many persons to count since then, the Marlow yacht owners, owners in waiting, their families and friends visited for a weekend getaway. A very memorable visit was had by all 67 attendees. It is an outstanding time of the year and the height of the season for this Island. With over 45,000 visitors expected to the island this weekend, it was the busiest weekend of the year! After months of planning and anticipation, the Marlow Explorer vessels arrived August 8, 2008 to the Nantucket Boat Basin. Our boats docked at a reserved area on Straight Wharf, one of three wharfs at this 240 slip marina. With an obstructed view of the Harbor, it was a perfect location. Marlow Yachts Welcome Center was set on the dock to greet the boaters and the other members of our Marlow family who ventured to the island by plane or ferry. Several boats took advantage of mooring in the protected harbor. By cocktail hour, everyone was settled
and ready to enjoy the fun filled weekend. The threat of rain
earlier in the day was no where to be found Saturday morning, all were invited to breakfast at the Fog Island Café. Their choice of a full menu selection lead to a leisurely breakfast complete with A1 hospitality. It became a sort of gathering place as our valued customers meandered outside. After breakfast everyone explored the island on their own. For those who chose to tour the island by bus, arrangements were made to enjoy a comfortable ride in our own air conditioned bus. The narrated historical tour was delightful. The very knowledgeable narrator and driver was an older gentleman who was born, raised, and lived his entire life on the island. Some of the highlights of this tour follow.
Our group learned about whole, half, and quarter houses. This type of home was determined by the number of windows on either side of the front door. The history of the window glass used in these homes, the cobblestones, and various architectural designs were explained. The "roof walks" on top of many homes were used to spot incoming whale ships or to pour sand down a burning chimney. It also became known as the "widows walk" Nantucket sports hundreds of acres of Cranberry Bogs. We stopped to see the fields up close. Look close at the picture and you can see the green berries. In the Fall, these berries turn bright scarlet in color. They are then harvested by flooding the bogs, the berries float to the top and then wooden booms are used to rein in the crop. The picture of the Sankaty lighthouse is just one of three lighthouses that guard the island’s northern tip, eastern shoreline and harbor. Located high on Sankaty Bluff, the lighthouse was moved 500’ back from the bluff in 2007 due to erosion. Saturday evening, dinner was served at
the most desirable location on Nantucket Harbor, the White Elephant
Hotel. Once again, the weather
Sunday morning was designed to bid farewell. Once again, we met on the docks of Straight Wharf, as all were invited to partake in a continental breakfast. Freshly made baked goods from a local bakery, along with fruit, coffee and juice awaited those early risers. Most of the Yachts had plans to cruise to other Harbors so as lines were cast off and anchors weighed, we were treated to the picturesque scene of a New England Harbor bidding farewell to some of the most elegant yachts it has hosted.
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Mike
Jackson of High Seas Technology,
provided an update on the latest technology and
reviewed the use of weather and navigational
products onboard. His tutorial of what to do when
weather strikes, and how to recognize bad weather on radar was informative and
timely. After hearing from Mike, our own members and special guests shared some
of their most memorable cruising experiences. Everyone enjoyed the lively and
interesting discussions of navigating offshore, East Coast adventures and
cruising foreign waterways. The newest owners-in-waiting are looking forward to
add their adventures at the next rendezvous. Following this discussion, Zodiac, a leader in tenders and life rafts, provided a
Life Raft Demonstration. The representative discussed the importance of a
properly prepared life raft and demonstrated the proper discharge and use of
life rafts. For those who have had the fortune of not needing to discharge their
life raft, this was a must see! 
sunset.
The dress was Caribbean or Tropical Island Style - Polynesian, Hawaiian,
Jamaican or Bahamian- and judges were looking for the most creative outfit. An
Island Rum Bar made some delicious mojitos, goombay smashes, and rum runners to
name a few of the tropical drinks served, while Steel Drum Island music played in the
background. An elaborate buffet celebrating Caribbean cuisine was enjoyed in the
twilight and as everyone started dessert, a couple of lovely island dancers soared in for a number of intriguing dancing
displays including belly dancing, Hawaiian dance and fire dances. Several of the
members jumped at the chance to share the sandy stage and show their moves!
After the excitement of the evening settled, a huge bonfire was lit and in
reminiscent happy camper tradition, we made s'mores the old fashioned way!
As the embers died, everyone drifted back to their yachts or cottages with
island breezes under a starry sky.
Saturday
morning started once again with the Low Country Breakfast Buffet while the third
group of fishermen left on "Mimi" for a morning of deep sea fishing. Southern
Boating Magazine sponsored a wonderful Culinary Presentation by Carrie Hanna,
the author of Florida’s Backyard, a collection of original recipes
featuring the bounty of the Sunshine State. Members enjoyed a live demonstration
of a great meal to prepare while Cruising aboard their yachts and were given a
number of tips and helpful hints as well. The demonstration concluded with with
a taste of everything Carrie had prepared. Following this was our very popular
Round Table Discussion where experts in the fields of maritime law, Caterpillar
and marine insurance were present, along with our own knowledgeable staff.
Several topics were discussed including “Challenges in Boating Today” and
“What the Future Holds for Boaters”. It was lively, informative, interactive and
very impressive to the new members who found top management's personal
involvement with customers a huge plus, something not very common in the
business.
cheer them around the circular track. While you can't really say the hermit
crabs are speedy, there was a "fastest" Crab who was managed by Ed Moore earning
him the prize. Congratulations, Ed!
The
Saturday evening line-up started with cocktails on Buccaneer Island, on the deck
overlooking the pool, lagoon and ocean. We
couldn't have found a more beautiful view. The conversation was lively with so
many members cementing friendships with folks they had met only days ago. Dinner
was a scrumptious lobster feast with all the trimmings, once again beautifully
presented and creatively prepared. Under darkened skies, a quartet of bewitching
island dancers entertained in exotic costumes performing dances from many
tropical islands. They parted way for the robust entry of Fire Dancing Man, King
Kahuna! His performances had everyone holding their breath and cheering. A
number of members were selected by these dancers to join them on stage for
"lessons". Kudos to the brave souls who donned the grass skirts and coconuts!
Tom Pride was MC for the annual awards ceremony and did his usual great job in
this position. Our sponsors provided so many lovely gifts, that nearly everyone
took something home. As things wound down, a DJ played some dancing music for
those who were so inclined. As members returned to their boats, a number of
owners kept the party going on board, inviting others for a nightcap and a
little more conversation. 
a Weekend Getaway for Marlow
Explorer and Marlow Prowler owners
as a beautiful sunny
evening created just the right ambience. During the Welcome Cocktail
Party held on the docks, guests enjoyed a lavish selection of hors
d’oeuvres and the bar selections proved to have something for
everyone. It was wonderful to see our Explorer and Prowler owners
renewing old and making new friendships. The party continued well
beyond sunset, an indication that our group was indeed ready to
relax and enjoy all that Nantucket, and Marlow Yachts Limited, had
to offer. Yes, the invasion of this 15 miles long by 3.5 miles wide
island had begun.
We stopped at the Old Mill for a photo
opportunity. Built in 1746, it is the oldest American windmill still
in operation. The original hand-crafted wooden gears use the power
of wind to grind corn into meal. The long wooden arm extension was
used many years ago to attach to a horse. The horse walked around
the mill to generate power as needed.
cooperated to enhance the charm of
our surroundings. The outdoor lawn setting was perfect for our
cocktail reception. Overlooking Nantucket Harbor and surrounded by
Hydrangeas and other beautiful colorful flowers, the conversations
continued until, regrettably, the announcement was made that dinner
is served. 
A Nantucket clam bake was served. The
exquisite display included lobsters, steamers, chowder, chicken,
corn, greens, breads, and topped off by yummy seasonal cobblers. The
round tables sported a special red box at each setting which
contained chocolate covered cranberries created by world renowned
Aunt Leah’s Fudge Shop. After dinner, an owners’ trivia was
conducted by our own Tom Pride with special prizes awarded. As
always, Tom makes this a fun filled time and we certainly appreciate
his efforts. As a special thanks to our yacht owners, a beautiful
imprinted stainless steel serving tray was given to each. We thank
them for their continued loyalty. The evening was topped off by a
display of fireworks, courtesy of the Boston Pops, who performed
just down the road.