Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron Circumnavigates Marco Island

With blue skies, mild temperatures in the 70s, and a steady east wind, the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron’s annual circumnavigation of Marco Island once again delivered the perfect blend of education, adventure, and camaraderie.

On Tuesday, April 14, a fleet of Squadron boats set out from Factory Bay for this always-popular event — and it’s easy to see why. Few outings offer such a complete tour of the area’s natural beauty, from winding inland waterways and wildlife-filled mangroves to the charm of Goodland and the stunning homes that line Marco’s shores.

Leading the flotilla were Past Commanders Ted and Peggy Riess aboard their boat JUST US. Ted, who also served as U.S. Power Squadrons District 22 Commander, guided the group, while Peggy provided a steady and informative running commentary over Channel 72 (with all captains, of course, monitoring Channel 16).

This wasn’t just a scenic cruise — it was a floating classroom.

As the group made its way southeast under the Jolly Bridge toward Goodland, Peggy highlighted key navigation points, shallow areas, and local landmarks. She also explained one of the more confusing aspects of boating in the area: where the familiar “Red Right Returning” rule temporarily flips due to changing waterways — a detail that can easily trip up even experienced boaters navigating Marco and Goodland’s “skinny water.”

After a smooth run downriver to Goodland, the group entered Florida Bay, turning south toward Coon Key Light into Gullivan Bay. With the wind now at their backs, the ride northwest toward markers RED 2 and RED 4 was as enjoyable as it was instructive. Passing Ramsey Key and GREEN 1, the flotilla continued west toward Caxambas Bay but not before passing through what the locals call the “picket fence,” an area of shallow water and lots of red and green day markers, before reaching the Gulf.

Despite a steady 10 mph east wind, captains stayed inshore along the Marco coastline, where conditions remained calm and manageable — a testament to both planning and local knowledge.

Safety, as always, remained front and center.

The Squadron strongly encourages all boaters to wear personal flotation devices while underway, and Joe and Laurie Marswillo aboard KIRBY set the example, wearing inflatable life jackets throughout the trip.

Recent tragedies — from a lost boater off Marsh Harbour in the Bahamas to incidents closer to home — serve as sobering reminders of how quickly conditions can change. The Squadron’s message is clear: preparation and safety awareness save lives.

Turning into the Marco River, the group made its way back to Factory Bay, completing the full circumnavigation. Boats lined up for fuel, conversations picked up where they left off, and attention quickly turned to the next adventure — the upcoming Panther Key picnic.

Events like this showcase what the Marco Island Sail & Power Squadron does best: combining hands-on education, real-world navigation experience, and a strong sense of community — all while enjoying some of the finest boating waters anywhere.