Morningstar Marinas Blog Feed http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/ Latest blog posts from Morningstar Marinas. en-us Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-247 <p>Gwynn’s Island Boaters,</p> <p>We would like to wish all of the mothers who are a part of Morningstar Marinas a Happy Mother’s Day. To celebrate our mothers, we will be serving a complimentary breakfast at the marina on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8am. Enjoy fresh coffee, doughnuts and pastries as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynn’s Island</p> <p><strong>Friendly Reminders</strong></p> <p>If you’re heading out on your boat for the first time this spring, remember to call ahead to have your boat hosed down and your batteries charged. This will make getting out on the water faster and easier!</p> <p>And while you’re here, be sure to stop by the Ship’s Store to check out our new fishing and boating gear, as well as our new supply of Costa Del Mar sunglasses.</p> <p>Lastly, a reminder that our current hours are Monday-Sunday, 8am-5pm.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-247 Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-246 <p>Eaton Ferry Boaters,</p> <p>We would like to wish all of the mothers who are a part of Morningstar Marinas a Happy Mother’s Day. We invite all mothers to stop by the marina office on Sunday to receive complimentary flowers as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>A reminder that our current hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. The weather this weekend should be in the high 70&rsquo;s to low 80&rsquo;s with only a slight chance of rain. It should be a great weekend on the water and we look forward to seeing you at the marina!</p> <p>Adam Keisler, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Eaton Ferry</p> <p><strong>Double-Your-Dollars Referral Program</strong></p> <p>Don’t miss out on the Morningstar Marinas Double-Your-Dollars Referral Program! Boat with your friends and save big dollars at the same time. You will receive a total of $875 in rent credits when you refer three people who sign annual contracts at Eaton Ferry. Receive a $125 rent credit with your first referral, an additional $250 with your second referral, and $500 with your third referral. Referral forms are available in the marina office, or you can click here to download the form. Please contact the marina office for further details.</p> <p>We must receive the referral form in advance of the friend signing the contract, and the friend cannot be someone who has already contacted the marina inquiring about boat storage.</p> <p><strong>8th Annual Antique &amp; Classic Boat Show</strong></p> <p>We will have many beautiful antique boats on display at the marina on Saturday, May 18th from 10am-4pm. Don&rsquo;t miss it! Call the marina at 252-776-0823 for more details.</p> <p><strong>Member Rewards Program</strong></p> <p>A reminder to take advantage of the Morningstar Marinas Member Rewards Program! Present your Member Rewards Card at the marina and any participating business to automatically receive the following discounts:</p> <ul> <li>10% off labor on all service work at Overby Marine (excludes winterizations)</li> <li>10% off all regular-priced accessories at Overby Marine</li> <li>10% off at The Pointe restaurant (excludes alcohol)</li> <li>20% off fishing and marine supplies at Ace Hardware (Max discount $5 per transaction per day. Excludes marine batteries and automotive items. Other restrictions apply.)</li> <li>Discounted gas at the Morningstar fuel dock (90 octane non-ethanol fuel)</li> <li>60-day free Sea Tow membership</li> <li>Discounted rental boat rates at all nine Morningstar Marinas locations</li> <li>Discounted boat detailing services</li> </ul> <p>Be sure to check in with the marina staff as we continue to add member benefits to the program. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-246 Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-245 <p>Golden Isles Boaters,</p> <p>We would like to wish all of the mothers who are a part of Morningstar Marinas a Happy Mother’s Day. We invite all mothers to stop by the Observation Deck on Sunday to receive a complimentary rose as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> <p><strong>Dock Lines and Fenders</strong></p> <p>We would like to reiterate the importance of having good dock lines that are the appropriate length for your vessel, as well as inflated fenders that are the correct size for your vessel. Proper lines and fenders are your first line of defense in case of foul weather. Lines and fenders are much less expensive than gel coat and paint repair. If you have any questions regarding lines and fenders for your vessel, please do not hesitate to contact a Morningstar staff member.</p> <p><strong>Mother&rsquo;s Day Weekend Special</strong></p> <p>Make sure Mom has everything she needs while on the water this weekend, including a nice cold beverage. In an effort to make sure this happens, please stop by the Dock Office for your free 7 lb. bag of ice.</p> <p><em>Offer valid this weekend only. Please present this coupon at time of purchase.</em></p> <p><strong>Certified Clean Marina</strong></p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles is a Certified Clean Marina in the state of Georgia, and in turn we take environmental preservation seriously. We hope that all of our boaters share the same passion for preserving this beautiful environment. Please check your bilges to make sure they are clean and free of any debris or petroleum products. If you need assistance in cleaning a bilge or need advice on environmentally-friendly cleaning products, please do not hesitate to contact the marina office.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-245 Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-244 <p>Mayport Boaters,</p> <p>We would like to wish all of the mothers who are a part of Morningstar Marinas a Happy Mother’s Day. We invite all mothers to stop by the marina office on Sunday to receive a complimentary rose as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>We also want to make sure Mom has everything she needs while on the water this weekend, including a nice cold beverage. In an effort to make sure this happens, we are offering all mothers a free drink of choice and a free 10 lb. bag of ice on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you here!</p> <p>Carol Peterson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Mayport</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-244 Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-243 <p>Kings Point Boaters,</p> <p>The weather is finally starting to turn, and this weekend we will see temperatures in the mid to high 70’s with some long-awaited sunshine. After receiving about three month’s worth of rain in less than three days, the lake level is pushing 100%. Keep in mind that items that were on the shoreline are now most likely floating in the lake. The Lake Norman Marine Commission reminds all boaters to observe safe boating practices and to please keep these high water conditions in mind while operating your vessel on Lake Norman. Even with the lake at full pond, it is important to pay attention to channel and shoal markers.</p> <p>As has been the tradition for the past five years at Kings Point, we will be passing out potted plants to mothers this Saturday and Sunday. We invite you to stop by for this small token of appreciation as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>Bill Young, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Safe Boating Class May 11th</strong></p> <p>New to boating or need a refresher on boat safety? The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting a Safe Boating Class at Kings Point this Saturday, May 11th. Registration is from 8-8:30am and the class will last from 8:30am-4pm. The course includes: federal and North Carolina legal requirements, personal watercraft regulations, boat handling, navigation, knot tying, surviving boating emergencies, safety equipment displays and information regarding boating on Lake Norman. For information regarding the class or to register please call David Steward at 704-663-5733 or John Marino at 704-478-2507.</p> <p><strong>Kings Point Cookout May 18th</strong></p> <p>The chefs at Peninsula Yacht Club will be cooking for Kings Point customers on Saturday, May 18th for our first cookout of the year. Be sure to stop by and grab some lunch prior to heading out on the water!</p> <p><strong>Free “Navigating Lake Norman” Class June 12th</strong></p> <p>This free safe boating class will be offered on Wednesday, June 12th from 6:30-8pm at the Kings Point Clubhouse. Learn how to navigate Lake Norman day or night. Becky Johnson and Captain Gus Gustafson will cover topics that include understanding channel markers and buoy systems, how to avoid shallow water, the 10 most dangerous spots on the lake and interpreting lake maps. For more information, call Becky Johnson at 704-892-7575.</p> <p><strong>Wet Slip Customers: Spring Cleanup</strong></p> <p>With all of the rain we have experienced lately our staff members have been walking the docks to check on boats, empty water from boat covers and make sure poles are still in place. In order to ensure a safe boating environment, gangways and fingers need to be kept clear of any potential tripping hazards. Items that should not impede the gangway or fingers include: power washers, coolers, kayaks, crates, grills, rafts, tubes, tables, chairs, dock boxes, hoses and cords. Please make sure all hoses are hung on a hanger or tucked beneath the dock on a float. All power cords should be securely tied to the dock and your vessel, and they should not hang in the water. Please help us keep a safe, clean environment at the marina!</p> <p><strong>Dry Storage Customers: Lines</strong></p> <p>For the safety or your vessel and our dockhands, and to more efficiently move boats on and off the launch and return docks, please be sure to place four lines on your boat when docking (two on the starboard side and two on the port side). This allows the boat to be easily moved around the docks without running into the dock or rubrail. Check out our new Ship’s Store inventory for an assortment of lines at great prices.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-243 Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-242 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>We would like to wish all of the mothers who are a part of Morningstar Marinas a Happy Mother’s Day. We invite all mothers to stop by the marina on Sunday to receive a complimentary rose as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>A reminder that the marina is now open 8am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Please note: the marina is now open on Tuesdays for the duration of the boating season.</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-242 Happy Mother’s Day from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-241 <p>Skippers Landing Boaters,</p> <p>The weather is finally starting to turn, and this weekend we will see temperatures in the mid to high 70’s with some long-awaited sunshine. After receiving about three month’s worth of rain in less than three days, the lake level is pushing 100%. Keep in mind that items that were on the shoreline are now most likely floating in the lake. The Lake Norman Marine Commission reminds all boaters to observe safe boating practices and to please keep these high water conditions in mind while operating your vessel on Lake Norman. Even with the lake at full pond, it is important to pay attention to channel and shoal markers.</p> <p>In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, we will be passing out potted plants to mothers this Saturday and Sunday. We invite you to stop by for this small token of appreciation as we wish you a very heartfelt, Happy Mother&rsquo;s Day!</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Skipper&rsquo;s Landing</p> <p><strong>Safe Boating Class May 11th</strong></p> <p>New to boating or need a refresher on boat safety? The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting a Safe Boating Class this Saturday, May 11th. This class will be held at the Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point Clubhouse, 18020 Kings Point Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031. Registration is from 8-8:30am and the class will last from 8:30am-4pm. The course includes: federal and North Carolina legal requirements, personal watercraft regulations, boat handling, navigation, knot tying, surviving boating emergencies, safety equipment displays and information regarding boating on Lake Norman. For information regarding the class or to register please call David Steward at 704-663-5733 or John Marino at 704-478-2507.</p> <p><strong>Kings Point Cookout May 18th</strong></p> <p>As a member of the Morningstar Marinas family, we invite you to join the first cookout of the season at Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point on Saturday, May 18th. The chefs from Peninsula Yacht Club will be cooking for all Morningstar customers, so be sure to stop by and grab some lunch while you’re out on the water! Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point is located at 18020 Kings Point Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031.</p> <p><strong>Free “Navigating Lake Norman” Class June 12th</strong></p> <p>This free safe boating class will be offered on Wednesday, June 12th from 6:30-8pm. This class will be held at the Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point Clubhouse, 18020 Kings Point Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031. Learn how to navigate Lake Norman day or night. Becky Johnson and Captain Gus Gustafson will cover topics that include understanding channel markers and buoy systems, how to avoid shallow water, the 10 most dangerous spots on the lake and interpreting lake maps. For more information, call Becky Johnson at 704-892-7575.</p> <p><strong>Dry Storage Customers</strong></p> <p>For the safety or your vessel and our dockhands, and to more efficiently move boats on and off the launch and return docks, please be sure to place four lines on your boat when docking (two on the starboard side and two on the port side). This allows the boat to be easily moved around the docks without running into the dock or rubrail. Check out our new Ship’s Store inventory for an assortment of lines at great prices.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Mothers-Day-from-Morningstar-Marinas-241 Member Rewards Program http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Member-Rewards-Program-240 <p>Eaton Ferry Boaters,</p> <p>As a complimentary thank you for choosing Morningstar for your boating needs, you should have received a letter in the mail introducing the Morningstar Marinas Member Rewards Program with an enclosed Member Rewards Card. Now that the boating season is upon us, remember to present your card at the marina and any participating businesses to automatically receive the following discounts:</p> <ul> <li>10% off labor on all service work at Overby Marine (excludes winterizations)</li> <li>10% off all regular-priced accessories at Overby Marine</li> <li>10% off at The Pointe restaurant (excludes alcohol)</li> <li>20% off fishing and marine supplies at Ace Hardware (Max discount $5 per transaction per day. Excludes marine batteries and automotive items. Other restrictions apply.)</li> <li>Discounted gas at the Morningstar fuel dock (90 octane non-ethanol fuel)</li> <li>60-day free Sea Tow membership</li> <li>Discounted rental boat rates at all nine Morningstar Marinas locations</li> <li>Discounted boat detailing services</li> </ul> <p>Be sure to check in with the marina staff as we continue to add member benefits to the program. Don&rsquo;t miss your opportunity to take advantage of these great offers! We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you.</p> <p>Adam Keisler, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Eaton Ferry</p> <p><strong>New Hours of Operation</strong></p> <p>As a reminder, the marina hours are currently 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Mondays.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Member-Rewards-Program-240 &quot;Ready, Set, Wear It!&quot; Ushers in National Safe Boating Week http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Ready-Set-Wear-It-Ushers-in-National-Safe-Boating-Week-239 <p>&ldquo;Ready, Set, Wear It!&rdquo; is a one-day event that will take place on Saturday, May 18th&nbsp;and will&nbsp;usher in National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, 2013.&nbsp;These efforts are part of the National Safe Boating Council’s&nbsp;yearlong campaign to promote safe and responsible boating.</p> <p>The Council&nbsp;invites boating safety professionals, the boating community and the media to participate in the event. Participants in cities all over the world will gather to set a world record for the most life jackets worn. The goal is to educate the public about life jacket wear and safe boating.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/" target="_blank">National Safe Boating Council</a> hopes to set another world record and surpass 2012&prime;s participants from six countries,&nbsp;but more importantly to educate the boating public about the comfort and accessibility of inflatable life jackets and bring more awareness to this life-saving cause.</p> <p>Program success&nbsp;depends on local sponsors, partners&nbsp;and event organizers. <a href="http://hd.nmma.org/t/80342/4421591/10874/40/" target="_blank">ReadySetWearIt.com</a>&nbsp;has more information on organizing or participating in an event.</p> <p>For more information, visit the Council’s&nbsp;<a title="FAQ" href="http://www.readysetwearit.com/about/faq/" target="_blank">FAQ</a> page.</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Ready-Set-Wear-It-Ushers-in-National-Safe-Boating-Week-239 May Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/May-Newsletter-238 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>May Marina Special </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />$1 Per Foot Off Any &ldquo;Ready, Set, Go!&rdquo; Service</p> <p>Don&rsquo;t be caught with a boat that won&rsquo;t start when you head out for your first day of fun on the water. For only $5.00 per foot, our marina Captains will have your boat ship-shape with our “Ready, Set, Go!” special, which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Complete wash of boat&rsquo;s exterior</li> <li>Battery check-up and charge</li> <li>Check oil and all fluids, and replenish if needed</li> <li>Check fuel and top-off with fuel additive if needed</li> <li>Check all instruments for proper functioning</li> <li>Check all systems for proper functioning</li> <li>Fuel, oil, fluids and other products priced separately</li> </ul> <p>We finish with a launch and test run on the water to ensure proper engine performance and a follow up courtesy call to let you know she is ready for fun. So call the marina&nbsp;to book your service today! Please allow a one week lead time for scheduling.</p> <p><strong>Rental Boats at RHYC </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Now that summer is on its way, enjoy a fun cruise on the river aboard a 22&rsquo; Pontoon or our 16&rsquo; Carolina Skiff. Don&rsquo;t forget, Harbor Members receive a 20% discount, and Social Members receive a 10% discount on all rental boat rates. Rates do not include gas. Call the marina for reservations.</p> <ul> <li>22&rsquo; Pontoons: 8 people, $250 half day, $400 full day</li> <li>16&rsquo; Skiff: 3 people, $125 half day, $199 full day</li> </ul> <p><strong>Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet </strong><br />Sunday, May 12th, Noon-3PM</p> <p>Treat your Mom like a queen on her special day. Enjoy our delectable brunch buffet highlighted by Chef Curtis&rsquo; seafood creations, breakfast specialties, assorted English pastries, eggs Benedict and many more mouth-watering delights. Cost is $14.95 for adults and $7.25 for children 10 and under. Limited seating available. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by Thursday, May 9th.</p> <p><strong>Memorial Day Pool Party </strong><br />Sunday, May 26th, 4-8PM</p> <p>Kick off the summer season around the pool at RHYC and dance to the tunes of <a href="http://www.partyfavorband.com/" target="_blank">Party Favor Band</a>. From 5-7PM, enjoy pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, mixed garden salad, fruit cobbler and all-you-can-eat fruity ice pops. Cost is $14.95 for adults and $7.25 for children 10 and under. Reservations are required by Thursday, May 23rd.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Waccamaw River Poker Run </strong><br />Saturday, June 1st<br /><em>Benefitting Smith Medical Clinic</em></p> <p>Kickoff the summer boating season by participating in the Waccamaw River Poker Run. It will be a great day of outdoor fun, and the funds raised will help provide medical care for those in our community who do not have health insurance or other means to pay for health care.</p> <p>RHYC is one of the five stops along the river where you will receive a card for your poker hand. Registration begins at Wacca Wache at 9:30am. Each boat registration includes the After-Event Party at Georgetown Landing Marina at 4:30pm where the hands will be opened and prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place hands as well as other prizes for Best Decorated, Best Crew, Broken Heart/Roughest Day and more. For more information stop by the marina, visit <a href="http://www.smithfreeclinic.org/" target="_blank">SmithFreeClinic.org</a> or call 843-237-2672. Registration forms are available at the marina office.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Father’s Day Fun </strong><br />Sunday, June 16th, Noon-3PM</p> <p>Enjoy live music by the pool and treat your Dad, Grandpa or favorite Uncle like a king! All dads will receive free hot dogs and a special gift. Dads can select their favorite gift including a floatie key chain or stadium cup. Challenge Dad to a corn hole match and treat him to refreshing beer or drink specials while supplies last.</p> <p><strong>New Hours of Operation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM</li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM</li> <li>Pool: Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk</li> </ul> <p>*Beginning May 16th the Clubhouse will be open Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.<br />*Beginning May 16th the Pool will be open Daily 9:00 AM - Dusk.<br />*The Clubhouse will close at 3:00 PM on May 4th, May 10th, May 17th and May 25th.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/May-Newsletter-238 Grand Reopening Event http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Grand-Reopening-Event-237 <p>Skipper’s Landing Boaters,<br />&nbsp;<br />Join us this Saturday for our Grand Reopening Event at the marina! Enjoy a tour of the marina grounds and meet our staff including Dan Brzezinski, our fully-certified Marine Technician. Be sure to stop by to enjoy the in-water boat show, cookout, raffle drawings, giveaways and more!</p> <ul> <li><a href="Grand Reopening Event This Saturday" target="_blank">Hall Marine Lake Norman</a> Boat Show</li> <li>Tour the property and meet the staff</li> <li>Hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill</li> <li>Free boat rental drawings throughout the day</li> <li>Ship’s Store sale, giveaways and more</li> </ul> <p>We hope to see you here!</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Skipper&rsquo;s Landing</p> <p><strong>Vessel Safety Checks</strong></p> <p>The Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be at the marina on Saturday providing free vessel safety checks. This is a great way to make sure your boat is ready for boating season. If you are missing any items you will not be ticketed. This exercise is strictly to inform the boater with vessel safety being the priority.</p> <p>Items they will be looking for:</p> <ul> <li>Registration numbers displayed clearly</li> <li>Registration documents on board</li> <li>Personal flotation devices</li> <li>Visual distress signals</li> <li>Fire extinguishers</li> <li>Ventilation of explosive gas fumes</li> <li>Engine backfire flame control</li> <li>Sound-making devices for fog or night</li> <li>Navigation lights</li> <li>Pollution placard</li> <li>Overall vessel condition</li> </ul> <p>Items recommended but not required:</p> <ul> <li>Marine radio</li> <li>Bailing device</li> <li>Mounted fire extinguisher</li> <li>Anchor and line</li> <li>First aid kit</li> <li>Capacity/certificate of compliance</li> </ul> <p>If by chance you are missing any boating safety items, we will have most items on hand in our freshly stocked Ship’s Store. If you need something in particular that we do not have on hand, we can usually have it in stock within 48 hours.</p> <p><strong>Detailings</strong></p> <p>Wish your boat was in showroom condition? Does it need a little TLC? Let us detail your boat and return it to its former glory! As the weather continues to warm up so will our schedules. To avoid delays call 704-508-4730 and schedule today.</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Grand-Reopening-Event-237 Season Kick-Off Party This Sunday http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Season-Kick-Off-Party-This-Sunday-236 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>A reminder that our&nbsp;Season Kick-Off Party takes place this Sunday, April 21st. We&rsquo;ll cook oysters, hamburgers, hotdogs and various other treats right here at the marina. Please bring your own knives for the oysters. The cookout will start around 1pm on the outdoor patio and go until the food runs out.</p> <p>We hope to see you all here!</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Season-Kick-Off-Party-This-Sunday-236 Welcome Spring! http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Welcome-Spring-235 <p>Gwynn’s Island Boaters,</p> <p>After a long winter, spring is finally here and we couldn&rsquo;t be more excited. We are eager to see you and your families back at the marina very soon. We have been busy during the offseason and would like to share with you a few improvements to the marina:</p> <ul> <li>The marina building and interior racks have been sanded, primed and painted</li> <li>Over $10,000 worth of improvements were made to the marina forklift to reduce the risk of summer breakdowns</li> <li>New carpet and braces were installed on the work racks</li> <li>New hoses were installed on the docks and work racks</li> <li>New dock carts are now available for work rack customers</li> <li>The Ship’s Store has been fully stocked with new items for all your boating needs</li> <li>The marina apartment received new windows, siding, a TV, DVD player and linens</li> </ul> <p>It is our goal to continuously make improvements to our property to ensure your experience at the marina remains top notch. Here’s to a wonderful and safe year on the water!</p> <p>Thank you,<br />&nbsp;<br />Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynns Island</p> <p><strong>Marina Apartment </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />With the arrival of spring, summer plans seem to be on everyone’s mind! Make the most of your time boating and enjoy a restful stay at the marina with a beautiful view of Gwynn’s Island right from your window. Apartment amenities include:</p> <ul> <li>Nightly, weekend and weekly rates</li> <li>2 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath</li> <li>Full Kitchen, Living and Dining area with Cable TV</li> <li>Wi-Fi Access</li> <li>Laundry Room</li> <li>Linens and towels provided</li> <li>Bath toiletries and laundry soap provided</li> <li>Coffee, cream and sugar provided</li> </ul> <p>Please contact the marina at 804-725-9343 for details and reservations. Summer weekends book fast, and we do maintain a waiting list in the event your weekend of choice has already been booked. We have plenty of weekday availability, so don’t rule out a quieter stay during the week. The marina apartment is a great way to enjoy an affordable getaway to Gwynn’s Island this summer!<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>A Few Important Reminders </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />It&rsquo;s that time of year when we are all going through our boats making sure everything is ready to go for the season. In turn, I would like to remind everyone of a few key items:</p> <ul> <li>Batteries: They don&rsquo;t last forever, so if you have any question as to the life associated with the batteries onboard your boat, I would suggest changing them out. There is no better way to ruin a day on the water than having to be towed back to the docks due to old, dead batteries.</li> <li>Dock Lines: If your dock lines are stiff or frayed, I would highly recommend changing them. A stiff or frayed line won’t do you any good when it’s needed. New dock lines are much less expensive than the potential damage to a boat due to a snapped line. At the same time, dock lines should be at least 3/4 the length of your vessel.</li> <li>Fenders: Properly inflated fenders are key in preserving the structural integrity and the visual aesthetics of your vessel, so please make sure your fenders are properly inflated and are the proper size for your vessel.</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Welcome-Spring-235 The Watch - May 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-May-2013-234 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>It’s officially boating season and I would like to share with you an update on the downstairs construction. We are currently one month away from the completion of the biggest renovation project in the Club&rsquo;s history! The change of the stairwell, removing of the archways, and the addition of all the doors and stonework really puts the finished product into full picture. The landscape design is complete and they have started working on the patios for outdoor seating. With the drywall complete, the last focus on the interior finishes will be done before we know it. We are very excited to open downstairs and hope you are just as excited to use it.</p> <p>I hope you and your children enjoy your new Club for years to come. See you at the Club!</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News: Boating For Ladies</strong><br />Saturday, May 11th, 10am</p> <p>This is a hands-on class just for ladies starting with the basics of boat mechanics, and ending with docking and maneuvering the boat in tight locations. The boat will be a twin engine bowrider or single engine pontoon, approximately 25&rsquo; long. Come out and enjoy a stress-free day of boat handling and walk away with the ability to teach your better half a thing or two. Call 704-765-1043 or email <a href="mailto:hsmith@peninsulayacht.com">hsmith@peninsulayacht.com</a> to register.</p> <p><strong>PYC Friday Night Races</strong><br />Friday, May 3rd, 6:30pm</p> <p>Attention all sailors! The PYC Friday Night Races begin on Friday, May 3rd. These races are open to all PYC members who want to sail, regardless of race experience. A social gathering will follow each race at the Club on the veranda. There will be two sets of races &ndash; May &amp; June, and September &amp; October. We have some fun ideas planned for the fall! If you have not requested a PHRF certificate (race rating for your boat), don&rsquo;t worry; the Race Committee will assign you one for this series and can help you get your permanent official rating. The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions will be forthcoming, by email. Please contact Mary Reeves at <a href="mailto:islandermary@yahoo.com">islandermary@yahoo.com</a> for more information about the races or if you are interested in helping with the Race Committee. We&rsquo;d love to hear from you!</p> <p><strong>It&rsquo;s Finally Spring - Let&rsquo;s Go Boating!</strong></p> <p>At last! It looks like the cold weather is behind us. So it&rsquo;s time to get your&nbsp;boat out on the lake! PYC has two boating events coming up that you should mark on your calendar now:</p> <p>May 4th - Cuarto de Mayo Raft-up in Reggie&rsquo;s Cove - Our first raft-up of the year will feature Raft-Up Dogs and lots of fun with fellow boaters. Bring your powerboat,&nbsp;pontoon,&nbsp;sailboat or even your paddleboard and have some fun!</p> <p>June 14th&nbsp;&amp; 15th - PYC Poker Run - June is&nbsp;closer than you think! This year&rsquo;s Poker Run should be the best ever. You won&rsquo;t want to miss it. There will be something for everyone, so make plans now to be there.</p> <p><strong>Prime Rib Night</strong><br />Thursday, May 9th, 5pm</p> <p>We will be cutting your choice of queen, king, or emperor-sized portions of roasted ribeye served with a baked potato, fresh vegetable medley, and your choice of horseradish cream, b&eacute;arnaise or au jus. Cost is $21++ for a 12 oz., $25++ for a 14 oz. and $30++ for a 16 oz. serving.</p> <p><strong>Afternoon Parlor Games</strong><br />Wednesday, May 15th, 1-4pm</p> <p>Join fellow members for social gaming, ice tea and cookies. Cards and tables will be available for Bridge. Classic board games such as Backgammon will also be available. Please make your reservations online or by calling the Club. Cost is $5+ per person.</p> <p><strong>Southern Rock Sunday</strong><br />Sunday, May 19th, 3-7pm</p> <p>Enjoy live southern rock on the veranda with all-day drink specials!</p> <p><strong>Pancake Breakfast Buffet</strong><br />Saturday, May 25th, 9:30-11am</p> <p>Join the 2013 Fleet Committee for a complimentary pancake breakfast including:&nbsp;pancake bar, fresh strawberries and blueberries, maple syrup, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, whipped butter, fruit cocktail, savory bacon, sausage, cheesy eggs, Danish and muffins. Please make your reservations online.</p> <p><strong>Fleet Commissioning and Shrimp&nbsp;Fest</strong><br />Sunday, May 26th, 6-9pm</p> <p>Dance the night away to the sounds of &ldquo;Atlantic Groove.&rdquo; We’ll have pool games, a bounce house, a&nbsp;clown and family activities for all. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet from 6-9pm and a fleet commissioning ceremony at 6:30pm. Please bring your lawn chairs for this event celebrating the official start of the 2013 social and boating season!</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Prime Rib Night: Thursday, May 9th, 5pm</li> <li>Mother&rsquo;s Day Brunch: Sunday, May 12th, 11am and 1:30pm</li> <li>Afternoon Parlor Games: Wednesday, May 15th, 1-4pm</li> <li>Southern Rock Sunday: Sunday, May 19th, 3-7pm</li> <li>Fleet Committee Complimentary Pancake Breakfast Buffet: Saturday, May 25th, 9:30-11am</li> <li>Trivia Night: Saturday, May 25th, 7:30pm</li> <li>Fleet Commissioning and Shrimp&nbsp;Fest: Sunday, May 26th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Memorial Day Picnic: Monday, May 27th, 11am&ndash;3pm</li> <li>Sunday Brunch Buffet: Sundays, 11am-2pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>New Member Meet-n-Greet: Friday, May 3rd, 6-8pm</li> <li>Yoga: Saturday, May 4th, 9am and Wednesday, May 8th,&nbsp;15th and 22nd, 6pm</li> <li>Cinco De Mayo Raft Up: Saturday, May 4th, 11am-2pm</li> <li>Beginner’s Yoga: Monday, May 6th and 13th, 6pm</li> <li>Finger Painting &amp; Finger Sandwiches: Wednesday, May 8th, 10:30am</li> <li>Digital Photography 101: May 9th, 4-6pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Friday, May 10th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Kids Craft Night: Thursday, May 16th, 6-8pm</li> <li>Flick-n-Float: The Avengers: Saturday, May 18th, 7-10pm</li> <li>Pool Opening Party: Saturday, May 25th, 12-3pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, Friday, May 31st, 6-9pm</li> <li>Get Ready for Poker Run: Saturday, June 15th</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-May-2013-234 Welcome Spring! http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Welcome-Spring-233 <p>Kings Point Boaters,</p> <p>Although Mother Nature is not cooperating as she did last year, boating season is upon us! (By this time last year there had been 12 days with temperatures over 75 degrees.) Regardless, the season is finally here and we couldn&rsquo;t be more excited. Read on to learn about upcoming marina events, marina hours, services and more.</p> <p>Bill Young, General Manager<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>“Navigating Lake Norman” Class Tonight! </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Join us for a free class at the Kings Point Clubhouse tonight (Wednesday, April 10th) from 6:30 - 8:00pm and learn how to navigate Lake Norman day or night! Becky Johnson and Captain Gus Gustafson will cover topics that include understanding Lake Norman&rsquo;s channel marker and buoy system, how to avoid shallow water, the ten most dangerous spots on the lake and interpreting lake maps. For more information, call Becky Johnson at 704-892-7575.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Details &amp; De-Winterizations </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />It&rsquo;s time to schedule your spring detail. We upgraded our detail process during the offseason, and you will not find a better detail service on the lake! Get your service scheduled now as timeslots are filling quickly. When you call the marina we will pull your boat down to give you a quote. Once you give us the go-ahead we will then put you on the schedule. If we winterized your boat in the fall, please call the marina office at&nbsp;704-746-3753 to schedule your de-winterization. We kindly ask that you give seven days notice. Thank you.</p> <p><strong>Marina Hours</strong></p> <ul> <li>April: Daily 9am-5pm</li> <li>May: Daily 9am-6pm</li> <li>June-September: Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday-Sunday 9am-7pm</li> </ul> <p><em>Note: The last boat lift is 30 minutes prior to close. If you are a closing boat for dry storage, please call one hour prior to close. If you would also like us to fill your boat with gas, please call 90 minutes prior to close.</em><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Season Events</strong>&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Be sure to check our <a href="http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/kings-point/events" target="_blank">events calendar</a> throughout the season to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at the marina. We will be posting upcoming events on our website that include:</p> <ul> <li>Navigating Lake Norman Classes: April 10th and May 8th</li> <li>Safe Boating Courses: April 27th by the U.S. Coastguard Auxiliary</li> <li>Free Vessel Safety Checks: April 27th</li> <li>Skipper&rsquo;s Landing Grand Reopening: April 27th at Morningstar Marinas | Skipper’s Landing featuring a <a href="http://www.hallmarine.com/Page.aspx/pageId/109224/Lake-Norman-NC.aspx" target="_blank">Hall Marine Lake Norman</a> Boat Show, cookout, free boat rental drawings, giveaways and more!</li> <li>Kings Point Cookout: May 18th at Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point featuring food provided by the Peninsula Yacht Club!</li> </ul> <p><strong>New ACH Payment Option </strong><br /><em>Make the Switch and Receive 2 Free Boat Washes and the Chance to Win $500 in Rent Credits!</em></p> <p>Receive two free boat washes to be used at any time when you make the switch to ACH payments. In addition, anyone making the switch to ACH in April 2013 will be entered into a drawing for $500 in rent credits. Call the marina office at&nbsp;704-746-3753 to set up your account.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Welcome-Spring-233 Fishing Seminar & Important Reminders http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Fishing-Seminar-Important-Reminders-232 <p>Golden Isles Boaters,</p> <p>A reminder that our Fishing Seminar will take place this Thursday, April 11th at 6:30pm on the Observation Deck. This seminar is hosted by Morningstar Marinas and Captain Mark Noble of the Golden Isles Charter Fishing Association. We will discuss how to prepare for spring fishing and sight fishing tactics for Spotted Sea Trout pre spawn, Red Drum and Tripletail. Beer, soda and water will be provided by Morningstar. We hope to see you here!</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p><strong>A Few Important Reminders </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />It&rsquo;s that time of year when we are all going through our boats making sure everything is ready to go for the season. In turn, I would like to remind everyone of a few key items:</p> <ul> <li>Batteries: They don&rsquo;t last forever, so if you have any question as to the life associated with the batteries onboard your boat, I would suggest changing them out. There is no better way to ruin a day on the water than having to be towed back to the docks due to old, dead batteries.</li> <li>Dock Lines: If your dock lines are stiff or frayed, I would highly recommend changing them. A stiff or frayed line won’t do you any good when it’s needed. New dock lines are much less expensive than the potential damage to a boat due to a snapped line. At the same time, dock lines should be at least 3/4 the length of your vessel.</li> <li>Fenders: Properly inflated fenders are key in preserving the structural integrity and the visual aesthetics of your vessel, so please make sure your fenders are properly inflated and are the proper size for your vessel.</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Fishing-Seminar-Important-Reminders-232 On-Water Powerboat Clinics Offered At Southeast US Boat Show http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/On-Water-Powerboat-Clinics-Offered-At-Southeast-US-Boat-Show-231 <p>Mayport Boaters,</p> <p>Don’t forget, the <a href="http://southeastusboatshow.com/discover-boating/" target="_blank">Southeast US Boat Show</a> takes place this weekend at the Metropolitan Park &amp; Marina in Jacksonville! For the first time ever, Discover Boating will be offering hands-on, on-the-water boating clinics and workshops during the show. The clinics offer something for everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers. Led by USCG-licensed captains who are certified instructors and powerboating experts, the clinics are designed for boaters age 14 or older who are physically able to participate as an active crewmember while underway. The training sessions are sponsored by <a href="http://www.discoverboating.com/" target="_blank">Discover Boating</a>, <a href="http://freedomboatclub.com/" target="_blank">Freedom Boat Club</a> and <a href="http://www.marinemax.com/" target="_blank">MarineMax</a>.</p> <p><strong>60-Minute Powerboating Clinics</strong>: Limited to four persons per boat. Registration fee: $20 per person per session. Choose from:</p> <ul> <li>Fundamentals of Close Quarters Powerboat Handling </li> <li>Advanced Close Quarters Maneuvering (for experienced boaters)</li> <li>Open Water Boat Handling &amp; Seamanship&nbsp; </li> <li>Anchoring &amp; Multi-Vessel Rafting Techniques&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>3-Hour Hands-On Seminars</strong>: In-depth training with more practice time and practical, hands-on experience. Registration fee: $125 per seminar. All participants who register in advance will get free admission to the entire boat show for the day. Choose from:</p> <ul> <li>Powerboating Made Easy - Introductory Program&nbsp;&nbsp; </li> <li>Advanced Docking &amp; Precision Boat Control (for experienced boaters)&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Space is limited and advance registration is recommended. <a href="http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1210345" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more information or to register online. Show hours are April 12th 10am - 8pm, April 13th 10am - 8pm, and April 14th 10am - 6pm.</p> <p>Carol Peterson, General Manager</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/On-Water-Powerboat-Clinics-Offered-At-Southeast-US-Boat-Show-231 Fishing Seminar April 11th http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Fishing-Seminar-April-11th-228 <p>Golden Isles Boaters,</p> <p>Join us on Thursday, April 11th at 6:30pm on the Observation Deck for a fishing seminar hosted by Morningstar Marinas and Captain Mark Noble of the Golden Isles Charter Fishing Association. We will discuss how to prepare for spring fishing and sight fishing tactics for Spotted Sea Trout pre spawn, Red Drum and Tripletail. We hope to see you here!</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Work and Wash Racks</strong></p> <p>With the season just around the corner, the demand for the work and wash racks will substantially increase. We will continue to manage the amount of time a vessel is on a work rack not to exceed 24 hours. The 24 hour timeframe begins once a vessel is put on the work rack, so we recommend that you request a rack once you are ready to use it. If you have any questions regarding the use of these racks, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.</p> <p><strong>Third Party Providers</strong></p> <p>A reminder that any third party providers that perform work on Morningstar’s property are required to provide a copy of their $1,000,000 liability insurance policy to the marina Business Office located in Unit #206. This includes mechanics, detailers, electronic techs, etc. The provider is also required to check in with Morningstar daily, prior to commencing any work. If a provider does not have the appropriate insurance, the individual/organization will not be allowed to complete any work until proof of insurance is provided. As a result, please make sure any third party providers you wish to have work on your vessel have provided Morningstar with a copy of their liability insurance in the amount listed above. Thank you.</p> <p><strong>Details and Bottom Paintings</strong></p> <p>This is a great time to get your boat shined up for the spring before the busy boating season is underway. We offer an array of boating services for the convenience of our boaters, so if you are considering having your boat detailed or bottom painted (bottom painting 30&rsquo; or less), now is the time. Enjoy having a bright and shiny boat when you are ready to use it. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, please contact our office at 912-480-0266.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Fishing-Seminar-April-11th-228 Spring is Here at Morningstar Marinas! http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Spring-is-Here-at-Morningstar-Marinas-227 <p>Mayport Boaters,</p> <p>Spring is in the air! Temperatures are starting to rise and before you know it, another great boating season is underway. We will be going back to our spring and summer hours beginning April 1st. Those hours are Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm.</p> <p>In this newsletter we give you a quick update on some projects going on around the marina, upcoming tournaments and events, and what the local Captains and fisherman are catching. We would like to thank all of our members for the 2012 year and we know that 2013 will be full of fun boating and fishing activities for all. Enjoy!</p> <p>Carol Peterson, General Manager<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Welcome to our new General Manager, Carol Peterson!</strong>&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />We would like to take this opportunity to formerly introduce Carol Peterson, the new General Manager at Morningstar Marinas | Mayport. Carol was born and raised in Albany, GA where she lived until she was 27-years-old.</p> <p>Prior to joining Morningstar, Carol began working for Equity Residential in October of 2000 in Atlanta, and transferred down to Fort Lauderdale in April of 2002. She has over 10 years of experience in broadcasting, insurance and property management from her time with Equity Residential.</p> <p>Carol relocated to Jacksonville in the fall of 2012 when she joined Morningstar. She enjoys the beach, volleyball, yoga, music, dancing and fishing. Her motto is if you are near the water, you are sure to have a good time. If you have not already done so, we invite you to stop by the marina to meet Carol and welcome her to the Jacksonville community.</p> <p><strong>Fishing Report</strong>&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Big Sheepshead! They are here and being caught like they&rsquo;re going out of style. The best places are the Nassau Sound around pilings and any holes with structure that you can land on. Sheepshead are also found around nearshore wrecks, as well as on small and large jetties. (Make sure you have your jetty anchors ready to go! We supply them at the marina if you require one.) We recommend staying inshore, as that is where the majority of the reports we receive have come from, and it saves time and costs. Some redfish can still be found in the creeks and on the mudflats.</p> <p><strong>Marina News </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />We have a number of property projects lined up for the year including refurbishing for the forklifts, cradles, docks and barns. We are also working on parking improvements along N. Ocean St. We will keep our boaters updated on our progress as we begin, carry out and finish these projects.</p> <p><strong>17th Annual Southeast US Boat Show </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />The <a href="http://southeastusboatshow.com/" target="_blank">Southeast US Boat Show</a> takes place April 12th-14th at the Metropolitan Park &amp; Marina in Jacksonville, FL. This three day festival includes great food, live music and other activities. Hundreds of new boats and quality brokerage boats of all styles will be displayed and available for purchase. The show will also feature “Sailing Showcase East”, the premier annual spring sailing exhibition on the Atlantic Seaboard. Show costs are $10.00 for adults, and children and teens are free.</p> <p>Show Hours:</p> <ul> <li>April 12th, Friday 10am - 8pm</li> <li>April 13th, Saturday 10am - 8pm</li> <li>April 14th, Sunday 10am - 6pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Oyster Jam &amp; Music Fest </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />The <a href="http://www.theoysterjam.com/" target="_blank">Oyster Jam Music Festival</a> highlights Jacksonville’s unique nautical culture and will be held adjacent to Metropolitan Park where the Southeast US Boat Show will take place. This is a huge down-home oyster roast with 20+ bands on the river, craft beer, traditional festival foods, raw and specialty oysters, an arts village full of art and exhibitors, a shuck&rsquo;n competition and more. The oyster roast is a celebration of music and life on the water along the St. Johns River.</p> <p>The festival kicks off Saturday, April 13th from 10am-8pm and runs through Sunday, April 14th from 10am-6pm. Admission is $10 for adults, and teens and children under 16 are free.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Helpful Reminders </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Here are a couple of helpful reminders to make your time at the marina and on your boat more enjoyable for you and your crew:</p> <ul> <li>Please provide 30 minutes advance notice during the week (Mon-Thurs) and 45 minutes to an hour advance notice on the weekends (Fri-Sun) for your boat to be put into the water or on a cradle. </li> <li>Over the weekends please limit your use of the cradles to one hour. This is to ensure that we can accommodate all of our members adequately.</li> <li>A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to have your trailer available. Boats placed on a trailer via the forklift will incur a $3.00 per foot charge. Putting your boat in the water and driving it to the boat ramp is free.</li> <li>Please make sure that your information at the marina office is up-to-date. This helps to avoid late fees and other discrepancies. Please make sure your insurance information stays current as well.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Outside Contractors </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />We offer many services at the marina, however, should you chose to use an outside contractor please be aware that they are required to complete our Outside Contractor Requirements form. To keep the marina operating in a safe, clean and professional manner, outside professionals must comply with the provisions of our Outside Contractors Safety Agreement, including providing the marina office with copies of various forms. It is important that we have these documents current and on file, so please direct any outside contractors to the marina office before they begin their work. Thank you.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Spring-is-Here-at-Morningstar-Marinas-227 Spring Fishing Seminar & New Hours http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Spring-Fishing-Seminar-New-Hours-226 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas, Freedom Boat Club and Sea Tow Marine are hosting a “Fish the Seasons” Seminar Series with Captain Jack McGowan of <a href="http://www.coastalrivercharters.com/" target="_blank">Coastal River Charters</a>. The first seminar in the series will take place at the marina on Tuesday, April 2nd, 6-7pm and will focus on <em>Fishing the Coast in the Spring</em>.</p> <p>These seminars are open to marina members and the public. There is no charge for admission, but seating is limited so come early. Refreshments and snacks will be provided by the sponsors. Please let us know of any topics you would like to see covered during the seminar.</p> <p>We look forward to seeing you here!</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> <p><strong>New Marina Hours</strong>&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />A reminder that the marina is now open 8am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Please note: the marina is now open on Tuesdays for the duration of the boating season.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Spring-Fishing-Seminar-New-Hours-226 8th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/8th-Annual-Antique-Classic-Boat-Show-224 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mark your calendars now for the 8th Annual Antique &amp; Classic Boat Show! We will have many beautiful antique boats on display at the marina on Saturday, May 18th from 10am-4pm. Don&rsquo;t miss it! Call the marina at 252-776-0823 for more details.</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/8th-Annual-Antique-Classic-Boat-Show-224 April Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/April-Newsletter-223 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>April Marina Special </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />$50 Refer a Friend Special: Receive $50 off one month&rsquo;s slip fees when you refer a friend to RHYC and they tour the property during April. Call Christine at 843-235-8262 for details.</p> <p><strong>Get Your Boat “Ready, Set, Go!” </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Don&rsquo;t be caught with a boat that won&rsquo;t start when you head out for your first day of fun on the water. For only $5.00 per foot, our marina Captains will have your boat ship-shape with our Ready, Set, Go! special, which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Complete wash of boat&rsquo;s exterior </li> <li>Battery check-up and charge </li> <li>Check oil and all fluids, and replenish if needed </li> <li>Check fuel and top-off with fuel additive if needed </li> <li>Check all instruments for proper functioning </li> <li>Check all systems for proper functioning </li> <li>Fuel, oil, fluids and other products priced separately</li> </ul> <p>We finish with a launch and test run on the water to ensure proper engine performance and a follow up courtesy call to let you know she is ready for fun. So call the marina at 843-235-8262 to book your service today! Please allow a one week lead time for scheduling.</p> <p><strong>Member Appreciation Day </strong><br />Saturday, April 13th, 11AM-2PM</p> <p>Join us at the marina and enjoy free hot dogs, chips and bottled water while you get a free boat inspection and safety check-up by our own Coast Guard Auxiliary. Our marina Captains will be on hand for safe boating tips and will provide ideas on how to get the best care for your boat to ensure optimal performance and enjoyment.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet </strong><br />Sunday, May 12th, Noon-3PM</p> <p>Treat your Mom like a queen on her special day. Enjoy our delectable brunch buffet highlighted by Chef Curtis&rsquo; seafood creations, breakfast specialties, assorted English pastries, eggs Benedict and many more mouth-watering delights. Cost is $14.95 for adults and $7.25 for children 10 and under. Limited seating available. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by Thursday, May 9th.</p> <p><strong>Memorial Day Pool Party </strong><br />Sunday, May 26th, 4-8PM</p> <p>Kick off the summer season around the pool at RHYC and dance to the tunes of Party Favor Band. From 5-7PM, enjoy pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, mixed garden salad, fruit cobbler and all-you-can-eat fruity ice pops. Cost is $14.95 for adults and $7.25 for children 10 and under. Reservations are required by Thursday, May 23rd.</p> <p><strong>Hours of Operation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM </li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM </li> <li>Pool: Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/April-Newsletter-223 $30 Service Special http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/30-Service-Special-225 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>Before the boating season starts, let our service staff ensure that your boat is in tip top shape and that you will have a safe experience on the water. For only $30, we will check your bilge pumps, life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers and all other safety features. Please note, the $30 fee is for the check only. We will notify you if anything is not working properly, and you can decide upon further services.</p> <p>A reminder that we are still offering our full detail service. Don&rsquo;t wait until the last minute to get your boat looking like new!</p> <p>Please call the marina office to set up your service appointment before the summer rush. We are looking forward to another great season!</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/30-Service-Special-225 The Watch - April 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-April-2013-230 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>It&rsquo;s hard to believe, but my first year here at the&nbsp;Club has flown by! I would like to start off by saying how proud I am to be here and what outstanding and engaging members we have. I have inherited a very special and talented team of professionals that I have had the pleasure to work with, and I have learned so much this past year. The Fleet Committee has taught me many fun facts about recreational boating on Lake Norman, Yacht Club traditions, and that if you throw a good party they will support it with friends in tow. My staff and I have even learned how to launch water balloons from the roof (and how unsafe that really is)! The owners have shown me that they are committed to having a premier facility, and we are all learning what it takes to manage such a major renovation. This past year has provided me with some great memories and a great outlook on 2013. With renovations set to be complete in May, we have newer and even better events to come!</p> <p>I couldn&rsquo;t have asked for a better first year here at the Yacht Club, and I look forward to many more!</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News: Boating on Lake Norman Course</strong><br />Saturday, April 13th, 10am</p> <p>New to Lake Norman and want to learn your way around? Would you like to learn more about Lake Norman boating and boating safety? Then this is the course for you! This course will be a fantastic; hands-on activity that will not only help you learn your way around Lake Norman but will also teach you about general boating safety. Once you have completed this course, you will have the opportunity to progress to a &ldquo;Boating on Lake Norman Night Course.&rdquo; Below is a general outline of the items covered during the course:</p> <ul> <li>Find designated areas marked on a Lake Norman map (channel markers, shoal markers, landmarks)</li> <li>Proper fueling procedures</li> <li>CO poisoning</li> <li>General rules of the road</li> <li>Question and answer time</li> <li>Rendezvous back at the Club for lunch</li> </ul> <p>For attending the class all participants will get a complimentary <em>2013 Recreational Boating Guide</em> from PYC&rsquo;s Educational Chair, Mr. David Goodman. This book will be a very important reference guide to this course. If you plan to attend please call 704-765-1043 or email <a href="mailto:hsmith@peninsulayacht.com">hsmith@peninsulayacht.com</a> to register.</p> <p><strong>Build Your Burger Night</strong><br />Saturday, April 6th, 6pm</p> <p>Choose between 6oz. of ground burger or grilled chicken. Next you can choose from assorted cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions. Then top it with assorted condiments including saut&eacute;ed mushrooms, caramelized onions, saut&eacute;ed peppers, homemade BBQ sauce. Sides will include your choice of club chips with ranch dip, coleslaw or potato salad. Cost is $12++ per person.</p> <p><strong>Muder Mystery Dinner: &ldquo;Murder at the Windsor Ridge Winery&rdquo;</strong><br />Saturday April 13th, Adventure Starts at 6:30pm</p> <p>Join Inspector Merlot and Bridgette Boudreaux as we search for the murderer of the winery&rsquo;s assistant wine maker. Chuck and Jamey Johnson from Shadow Springs Vineyards in Hamptonville, NC will aide you in solving this terrible crime and will also give you insight into the unique Shadow Springs wines that will be paired with dinner. Tables of 4 and 6 persons requested. Please make your reservations online. Cost is $60++ and includes Shadow Springs wine with dinner.</p> <p><strong>Prime Rib Night</strong><br />Friday, April 19th, 5pm</p> <p>We will be cutting your choice of queen, king, or emperor-sized portions of roasted ribeye served with a baked potato, fresh vegetable medley, and your choice of horseradish cream, b&eacute;arnaise or au jus. Cost is $21++ for a 12 oz., $25++ for a 14 oz. and $30++ for a 16 oz. serving.</p> <p><strong>Pre-Season Boat Show &amp; Boating Safety Day</strong><br />April 20th-21st, 10am-5pm</p> <p>Come out and enjoy&nbsp;some fun in the sun on Saturday, April 20th. Learn about boating safety, have some hot dogs and cold drinks, and check out all the new boat lines for 2013 from&nbsp;the local dealers. Sunday, April 21st will be another day to test drive that new boat you&rsquo;ve been eyeing. Enjoy free vessel safety checks, free hot dogs, music, Cornelius Fire Boat rides and demonstrations, interactive activities, new boat demos and much more!</p> <p><strong>Administrative Assistants’ Day</strong><br />Wednesday, April 24th, 11am-3pm</p> <p>Thank your&nbsp;assistant by treating him/her to a delicious lunch at the PYC! Menu to include: vegetable and crab soup, mixed green salad, southern-style potato salad, cole slaw, steamed vegetable medley, green beans almandine, herb roasted potatoes, buttermilk fried chicken breasts, country gravy and&nbsp;scallions, seared salmon, rice pilaf, saut&eacute;ed spinach and beurre blanc. Cost is $18++ per person.</p> <p><strong>Private &amp; Group Swim Lessons</strong></p> <p>Sign up now for all private and group swim lessons! Sign up forms can be found online and at the front office. For more information please contact Marty Wyss at 704-765-1043 or <a href="mailto:activities@peninsulayacht.com">activities@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>PYC Photo Contest</strong></p> <p>Like taking photos? We like looking at them! We are looking for great photos of the Club, the PYC Marina, and even some great Lake Norman photos. Winners will receive a free lunch for two, the cover photo on one of &ldquo;The Watch&rdquo; newsletters, and placement on our facebook page and website. Instructions:</p> <p>1. Attach your high resolution photo to an email. (One photo per email please.)<br />2. Include your full name and member number.<br />3. Provide a short caption.<br />4. Send your email to <a href="mailto:cknox@peninsulayacht.com">cknox@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p>That&rsquo;s all you have to do and you can send as many photos as you like to increase your chances of winning. The deadline for submitting photos is May 1st. You will be contacted if you are the winner! We look forward to seeing your pictures!</p> <p><em>**All submitted images become the property of Peninsula Yacht Club and may be used in future marketing collateral. Entrants must be willing to provide high resolution copies of their images.</em></p> <p><strong>The Amazing Race</strong></p> <p>Test your adventure skills in a competition based on the popular TV show. Teams will have to combine&nbsp;their abilities as they attempt to conquer land, water and brainteasers. Compete as a couple, parent and child or team up with a friend. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category. The entrance fee is $25 per team of two which includes a pre-race snack and a post-race celebratory beverage of wine, beer or soda. Please make your reservations online.</p> <p><strong>Jr. Sailing Club</strong></p> <p>This summer the PYC will be forming a Jr. Sailing Club for middle and highschoolers. The Jr. Sailors will have weekly sail days, be able to sign out any of the PYC sail fleet at any time and have a contact list to get a hold of fellow Jr. Sailors. Members will earn a certification card by demonstrating safe sailboat operations. The group will be all about fun and teamwork on the water. To sign up, contact Marty Wyss at 704-765-1043 or email <a href="mailto:activities@peninsulayacht.com">activities@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Build your Burger Night: Saturday, April 6th, 6pm</li> <li>Trivia Night: Saturday, April 6th, 7:30 pm</li> <li>Murder Mystery Dinner: Saturday, April 13th, 6:30pm</li> <li>Prime Rib Night: Friday, April 19th, 5pm</li> <li>Draft Up: Saturday, April 20th, 12-4pm</li> <li>Spring Wine Tasting: Saturday, April 20th, 6:30-9:30pm</li> <li>Administrative Assistant’s Day: Wednesday, April 24th, 11am-3pm</li> <li>Sunday Brunch Buffet: Sundays, 11am-2pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Social Committee Meeting: Thursday, April 4th, 7pm</li> <li>Yoga: Saturdays, April 6th and 20th at 9am, Wednesdays, April 10th and 24th at 6pm</li> <li>Nautical Pickers Sale: April 6th</li> <li>Kid’s Movie Night: Rise of the Guardians, Friday, April 12th, 6-9pm</li> <li>First Annual Old &amp; New Car Show: April 13th</li> <li>Kick Start Fitness: Saturday, April 13th at 9am and Wednesday, April 17th at 6pm</li> <li>Afternoon Parlor Games: Wednesday, April 17th, 1-4pm</li> <li>Kid’s Craft Night: Thursday, April 18th, 6-8pm</li> <li>Manicures and Martinis: Thursday, April 25th</li> <li>Kid’s Movie Night: Chasing Mavericks, Friday, April 26th, 6-9pm</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-April-2013-230 Marker/Charting Confusion and Increased Shoaling on AICW’s Passage through Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/MarkerCharting-Confusion-and-Increased-Shoaling-on-AICWs-Passage-through-Georgias-St.-Andrew-Sound-229 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This report originally appeared on the SSECN during the fall of 2012. It has&nbsp;moved&nbsp;back up to a current posting as additional information has confirmed the&nbsp;navigational advice originally presented. We&nbsp;suggest that all northbound snowbirds and year round Georgia cruisers&nbsp;read the complete text:</p> <p>“All AICW cruisers bound through southern Georgia within the next six months (at least), listen up! It appears we have a serious problem on the AICW&rsquo;s passage through often rough St. Andrew Sound, south of Jekyll Creek/Island. The data detailed below was sent to the Cruisers&rsquo; Net by way of fellow cruising guide author, Captain John Kettlewell…</p> <p>Be sure to pass #32 to its western and southwestern flanks, without straying too far from this aid to navigation. Under no circumstances should you attempt to pass #32 to its northerly side. Ignore strangely placed marker #31A. From #32, southbound AICW craft should point to eventually come abeam of marker #33 well to its western side. Note that it&rsquo;s a long gap between #32 and #33! OK, again&nbsp;we need to more input on this situation. Please let us hear from you! The SSECN is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!”</p> <p><a href="http://cruisersnet.net/nav-alerts/important-markercharting-confusion-and-increased-shoaling-on-aicws-passage-through-georgias-st-andrew-sound-st-m-690-81012/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the full article.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of CruisersNet.net.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/MarkerCharting-Confusion-and-Increased-Shoaling-on-AICWs-Passage-through-Georgias-St.-Andrew-Sound-229 The Watch - March 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-March-2013-221 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>Winter is thankfully coming to an end. The staff and I are eager and preparing for a busy boating season. We always look forward to this time of year when the Club and Marina are in full swing.</p> <p>We are excited to announce that we have hired a new Executive Chef, Andrew Haapala. Chef Andrew comes to us from Myers Park Country Club. We are happy to have him and know he will be a great addition to the Club.</p> <p>The Fleet Committee, with the hard work of Mr. Goodman, has created a 2013 Lake Norman Recreational Boating Guild for you to enjoy. Members of the Club that would like a complimentary copy can stop by the main office. Additional copies can be purchased in the Ship&rsquo;s Store starting in June.</p> <p>We have many new things planned this year and hope you will take full advantage of the Club this spring. If you have any questions regarding activities or would like to make suggestions, please call the Club at 704-765-1043. Thank you for your support over the winter and we look forward to serving you this season.</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News: 2013 &ldquo;Recreational Boating Guide&rdquo; by David Goodman</strong></p> <p>I would like to take some time and recognize our very own Educational Chair, Mr. David Goodman. Mr. Goodman or &ldquo;David&rdquo;, as he would prefer to be called, is a family man, great husband, father, grandfather, strong supporter, experienced boater and he truly puts the “pro” in professional. Mr. Goodman was asked to be the Club&rsquo;s &ldquo;Boating Safety and Educational Chair&rdquo; in 2012 and immediately took a strong interest in the boating education program.</p> <p>As a strong supporter of the boating education program myself, I am extremely grateful for Mr. Goodman&rsquo;s commitment. He noticed right away the lack of interest in boating safety and education. As a result, the 2013 “Recreational Boating Guide&rdquo; was developed. This guide is unique in that its main focus is recreational boating. Over the years I have noticed that new boaters, as well as local boaters, are often in need of this type of information. Lake Norman boating tends to be taken very lightly. As mentioned, most boaters don&rsquo;t have an interest in boating education unless mandatory or something bad happens. You will find that Mr. Goodman&rsquo;s guide to recreational boating is just that, a “guide&rdquo; to help you become a more informed boater and much more!</p> <p>The goal is to use this information as a contrivance to further educate our members as well as a great reference tool to keep on your boat. This brief introduction about Mr. Goodman doesn&rsquo;t begin to describe the kind of person he is or explain his enthusiasm for boating and the time spent compiling this useful information. So please seek out a copy of the “Recreational Boating Guide” to truly appreciate him and his passion for boating. He genuinely cares and hopes that all boaters can and will benefit from this guide. Please stop by the Club and pick up your very own copy!</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>We are Going Green!</strong></p> <p>Every member will automatically be sent their newsletter by email unless you call to tell us you still want your newsletter printed and mailed. In order to do this, please make sure you have your current email registered with us so that we can email you each month. We will have printed versions available at the Club and can still mail out paper copies to those who request it. To continue to receive our monthly newsletter, be sure to contact the Club to verify that we have your current email address. This will not only reduce our postage, supply and labor costs, but our members will get their newsletter much sooner.</p> <p><strong>Murder Mystery Dinner: &ldquo;Murder at the Windsor Ridge Winery&rdquo;</strong><br />Saturday March 2nd, 6:30pm</p> <p>Join Inspector Merlot and Bridgette Boudreaux as we search for the murderer of the winery&rsquo;s assistant wine maker. Chuck and Jamey Johnson from Shadow Springs Vineyards in Hamptonville, NC will aide you in solving this terrible crime and will also give you insight into the unique Shadow Springs wines that will be paired with dinner. Tables of 4 and 6 persons requested. Cost is $60++ and includes Shadow Springs wine with dinner.</p> <p><strong>March Madness Bracket Challenge</strong></p> <p>Brackets will be available digitally (and hard copies in the Clubhouse) starting Monday, March 18th and are due no later than tip off of the first game of the first round on Thursday, March 21st. The &lsquo;Play in Round&rsquo; will not be counted, only the round of 64.</p> <p><strong>Viewing Party on the Veranda</strong><br />Friday, March 22nd, 6-8pm</p> <p>Join us for draft specials and the unveiling of standings after the first day of the first round. Prizes for first, second, and third place winners will be given! Each member may fill out one bracket only. Ties will be decided by the total points scored in the National Championship game.</p> <p><strong>Spring Commissioning Workshop</strong><br />March 23rd, 10am-12pm</p> <p>Learn what to do to get your boat ready for the season. We’ll discuss boat details, new dock lines, new fenders, oil changes, haul outs and more.</p> <p><strong>Pre-Season Boat Show &amp; Boating Safety Day</strong><br />April 20th-21st</p> <p>Come out and enjoy a day of fun in the sun on&nbsp;April 20th from 10am-5pm. Learn about boating safety, enjoy&nbsp;hot dogs and&nbsp;cold drinks, and check out the new boat lines for 2013 from the local dealers! April 21st will be another day to test drive that new boat you&rsquo;ve been eyeing. Dealers will be available from 12-5pm.</p> <p><strong>Pool News</strong></p> <p>The PYC Swim Club season is right around the corner and we are excited for the best season yet. Every year we aim to introduce a fun, fit and exciting team environment. Every age group will increase their skills and endurance to earn a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the season. We will compete against each other and competing against a neighboring club in the area is on the horizon! Attend the early season introductory meeting to get more details, become familiar with our new swim coach and register. Private and group lessons will also be available.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Murder Mystery Dinner: &ldquo;Murder at the Windsor Ridge Winery&rdquo;: Saturday, March 2nd, 6:30pm</li> <li>St. Patty&rsquo;s Day Specials: Saturday, March 16th</li> <li>ACC Tournament Semifinal Day Draft Up: March 16th, 12-4pm</li> <li>Wine Society: Wine 101 &ldquo;A Taste of Place&rdquo;: Thursday, March 21st, 6:30pm</li> <li>March Madness Viewing party on the Veranda: March 22nd, 6-8pm</li> <li>Easter Brunch: Sunday, March 31st, Two Seatings 11:30am and 1:30pm</li> <li>Sunday Ala Cart Brunch: Sundays, 11am-2pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Introductory Swim Club Meeting: Friday, March 8th, 5pm in the Library</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Wreck-It Ralph, Friday, March 8th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Video Game Night: March 15th, 6&ndash;9pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Here Comes the Boom, Friday, March 22nd, 6-9pm</li> <li>Yoga: Wednesday, March 13, 6pm and Wednesday, March 20, 6pm</li> <li>Spring Commissioning Workshop: March 23rd, 10am-12pm</li> <li>Kick Start Fitness: Wednesday, March 13, 6pm and Saturday, March 23rd, 9am</li> <li>Kids Craft Night: Thursday, March 28th, 6-8pm</li> <li>Bunny Brunch, Egg Hunt &amp; Petting Zoo: Saturday, March 30th, Buffet 9:30-11:30am</li> <li>PYC Pre-Season Boat Show &amp; Boating Safety Day: April 20th-21st</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-March-2013-221 March Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/March-Newsletter-220 <p><strong>March Marina Specials</strong></p> <ul> <li>$25 Off a Half Day Boat Rental or $50 Off a Full Day Boat Rental. Limit 1 per customer per month. </li> <li>$10 Off any Boat Wash. Service must be completed by March 31st.</li> </ul> <p><strong>St. Patty’s Day </strong><br />Sunday, March 17th</p> <p>Celebrate St. Patty&rsquo;s Day at RHYC with a hearty bowl of traditional Irish Stew served with warm, crusty bread specially-priced at $10.95. Wash it down with a Guinness Draught, or sip on a warm Irish Coffee or a smooth Bailey&rsquo;s Irish Cream as you enjoy the Pub atmosphere complete with sounds of Irish folk music.</p> <p><strong>Easter Egg Decorating Party</strong> <br />Sunday, March 24th, 3:30-5PM</p> <p>Bring the family and join the Easter Bunny for a fun afternoon of Easter egg decorating. Grab a fistful of candy while you use your wildest imagination to decorate your basket of eggs. Cost is $4.95 per person and includes hard boiled eggs, decorating supplies and a tasty afternoon snack. Please RSVP by Saturday, March 23rd.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Easter Sunday Brunch</strong> <br />Sunday, March 31st, Noon-3PM</p> <p>Celebrate Easter Sunday with a delicious brunch buffet including classic eggs benedict, sliced glazed ham, smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onions and capers, Chef&rsquo;s selection of vegetables, southern fried potatoes, fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, assorted sweet breakfast pastries and more. Cost is $15.95 for adults and $6.95 for children 10 and under. Please RSVP by Friday, March 29th.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Reserve Harbor History: A Few Interesting Facts</strong></p> <ul> <li>RHYC is located on the grounds of the former Turkey Hill Plantation which was owned by the Allston family. During a period of time in the 1700&rsquo;s, the Allston family actually owned four-fifths of the plantations on the Waccamaw Neck. </li> <li>According to a knowledgeable lowcountry historian, there is a story that General George Washington may have visited Turkey Hill Plantation during his Southern Tour. It seems that on the morning of April 29, 1791 on his journey from Brookgeen to Georgetown, he was ahead of schedule and may have made an early morning, possibly pre-dawn, stop at Turkey Hill Plantation. <br />Josias Allston, father of Benjamin, Sr., sold Turkey Hill Plantation to Joseph Allston, his first cousin, in 1772. Josias retained only a 105 square foot plot of land for his family burial ground. This plot is the very cemetery now located at RHYC. </li> <li>There are two generations of the Allston family buried in the cemetery at RHYC. Benjamin Allston, Sr. and Benjamin Allston, Jr., their wives and children, along with their house slaves were laid to rest on the family burial plot. <br />Although neither Josias nor Joseph Allston is buried on the cemetery plot, Joseph&rsquo;s wife, Charlotte Mary Allston is buried here at RHYC. </li> <li>So, if you are boating in the wee, pre-dawn hours and go very slowly, or walk along the RHYC boardwalk at dusk, the mist may reverberate with the historical souls buried here&hellip;you will never be alone at RHYC!</li> </ul> <p><strong>Hours of Operation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM </li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed on Tuesdays </li> <li>Pool: Open for Sunbathing Mon-Wed 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk, Closed on Tuesdays</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/March-Newsletter-220 Welcome Andrew Haapala http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Welcome-Andrew-Haapala-222 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>“The culinary industry has been my work and my passion since I was 15 years old, and finally in 2001, I began my cooking career as the Restaurant Chef at the Baltimore Country Club.&nbsp;For the next 5 years I continued my culinary path working for two more prestigious clubs in Maryland, the Chevy Chase Club and the Country Club of Maryland.&nbsp;Upon moving to Charlotte, NC in 2006, I began my first Executive Sous Chef position at The Club at Longview.&nbsp;After a year there I began my most&nbsp;recent position held at the Platinum Club, Myers Park, and remained there for 6 years before accepting the Executive Chef position here at your beautiful Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I greatly appreciate and thank you for the opportunity to lead the culinary team at the Peninsula Yacht Club.&nbsp;I am excited to get started and I look forward to meeting you all.”</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Welcome-Andrew-Haapala-222 The Watch - February 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-February-2013-211 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>We are excited about this month. The team has several enticing events planned including the monthly Wine Society,&nbsp;First Annual Chili Cook Off, Commodores Ball, and a special Valentine&rsquo;s Day dinner with live entertainment. Just to let you know, Commodores hours in the lounge are still going on and will continue throughout the year, so come in and get out of the cold.</p> <p>The PYC will be in attendance at the upcoming Mid Atlantic Boat Show in Charlotte. Be sure to stop by our booth and say &ldquo;hello.&rdquo; Let your friends and neighbors know that we are currently accepting new members and have slips available.</p> <p>Renovation is in full swing, and we have completed the bar layout and picked out the equipment. The framing and windows are to start soon! Keep watching for photos on our Facebook page.</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News - It’s Time to go Boating!</strong></p> <p>Well&hellip;not quite yet&hellip;but we can definitely get ready can&rsquo;t we? We have a lot of exciting things going on here at &ldquo;your&rdquo; Peninsula Yacht Club and I predict it will be one of the best years ever! Some of the exciting things to look forward to will be an assortment of hands-on educational activities like Boating For Ladies, Boating Safety Classes, Boat Shows, Spring Commissioning Work Shops, Vessel Safety Checks and much more.</p> <p>A brand new Ship&rsquo;s Store will also be opening in just a few months to provide you with all your boating needs at very competitive prices. A new look, a new location and even better service!</p> <p>There is a lot of buzz in the boat-buying industry as well as here at PYC. Here at&nbsp;PYC, during what is usually a slower time of year, Clair has been very busy giving tours and showing slips&hellip;a great indication for what is to come.</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina Manager Reminder</strong></p> <p>Although we are wishing and waiting for warmer weather, it’s still cold. Some of the worst weather has come in February and sometimes as late as March (hopefully not this year), so please check on your boat periodically. February is a great month to take inventory of all the&nbsp;items you might need for the season to come. Here are some things to consider.</p> <ul> <li>Dock lines</li> <li>Mooring snubbers</li> <li>Fenders, fender covers and fender lines</li> <li>Details</li> <li>Oil change</li> <li>Impeller check</li> <li>Haul-outs</li> <li>Prop inspections</li> <li>Bottom cleaning/painting</li> </ul> <p>Call the PYC Ship&rsquo;s Store for any assistance you might need. Let us take care of all your boating needs!</p> <p><strong>Valentine&rsquo;s Day Dinner: Thursday, February 14th, 5-9pm</strong></p> <p>Featuring a special five course Valentine&rsquo;s Day Dinner. Cost is $75++ per couple and includes a bottle of house wine!</p> <ul> <li>First Course: Amuse Bouche</li> <li>Second Course: House or Caesar Salad</li> <li>Third Course: Crab BLT, Calamari or Arancini</li> <li>Fourth Course: Shellfish Cioppino, Angus Beef Tenderloin or Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta</li> <li>Fifth Course: Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries, S&rsquo;mores Parfait or Cinnamon Infused Cr&egrave;me Brulee</li> </ul> <p><strong>Chili Cook Off: Saturday, February 23rd, 11am-3pm</strong></p> <p>Think you have the best chili recipe in town? Come prove it! Registration is free for contestants. Entry tickets for attendees are $10+ and include chili samples and keg beer. Categories include: Best Vegetarian and Best Meat. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category and the Best Dressed Chef/Table!</p> <p><strong>Member Dining Rewards</strong></p> <p>In an effort to provide more value for our members, we have created the Member Dining and Rewards Program. Ask any of our dining room managers and they will be happy to issue you a card for&nbsp;lunch and dinner rewards, and also tell you&nbsp;about the program.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Groundhog Day Appetizer Special: Saturday, February 2nd</li> <li>Draft Up: February 9th, 12-4pm</li> <li>Valentine&rsquo;s Day Dinner: Thursday, February 14th, 5-9pm</li> <li>Commodores Ball: Saturday, February 16th, 7pm</li> <li>President’s Day Feature: George Washington Cherry Cobbler, Monday, February 18th</li> <li>Wine Society: Thursday, February 21st, 6:30pm</li> <li>Chili Cook Off: Saturday, February 23rd, 11am-3pm</li> <li>Game Night: Saturday, February 23rd, 7pm</li> <li>Sunday Ala Cart Brunch: Sundays, 11am-2pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>New Member Meet-n-Greet: Friday, February 1st, 6-8pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Ice Age, Friday, February 8th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Mommy &amp; Me: Finger Painting &amp; Finger Sandwiches, Wednesday, February 20th, 10:30am</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Hotel Transylvania, Friday, February 22nd, 6-9pm</li> <li>Kid Craft Night: February 28th, 6-8pm</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-February-2013-211 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-219 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-219 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-217 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-217 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-218 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-218 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-216 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-216 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-215 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-215 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-214 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-214 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-213 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-213 What’s In Your Ditch Bag? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-212 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every boater should be prepared and have all the the right tools on hand&nbsp;to be heard, be seen and be found in case of an emergency. So what should a well-stocked ditch bag contain? Below are a few key&nbsp;items for your survival&nbsp;in the event of&nbsp;a boating emergency:</p> <ul> <li>EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)</li> <li>VHF Radio</li> <li>Radio Battery</li> <li>4 Space Blankets</li> <li>Plastic Drop Cloth</li> <li>4 Trash Bags: 2 Black and&nbsp;2 White</li> <li>Duct Tape</li> <li>Batteries: 4 D and&nbsp;24 AA</li> <li>Flashlight</li> <li>6 Protein Bars</li> <li>8 Cups Dog Food</li> <li>Spool of Twine</li> <li>4 Packs of Waterproof Matches</li> <li>Aluminum Foil</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>7 Light Sticks</li> <li>2 Hooded Ponchos</li> <li>3 Sunglasses</li> <li>Steel Wire</li> <li>Electrical Wire</li> <li>2 Electrical Tape</li> <li>2 Towels</li> <li>Purell</li> <li>Reading Glasses</li> <li>Gloves, 2 Pair</li> <li>2 Hats</li> <li>2 Water Bottles</li> <li>Distress Kit</li> <li>First Aid Kit</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/ditchBag.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more ditch bag information.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Whats-In-Your-Ditch-Bag-212 February Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/February-Newsletter-210 <p><strong>February Marina Specials</strong></p> <ul> <li>$25 Off a Half Day Boat Rental or $50 Off a Full Day Boat Rental. Limit 1 per customer per month. </li> <li>$50 Off a $300 Boat Service. Service must be booked by February 15th. Includes Compounds, Washes, Waxes, Winterizations and Hull restorations. </li> <li>Free Chocolate Valentine Heart for everyone in your boating party on Valentine&rsquo;s Day.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Valentine’s Weekend Sweetheart Dinner </strong><br />Saturday, February 16th, 6PM</p> <p>Enjoy a romantic, candlelit evening featuring Chef Curtis&rsquo; exquisitely prepared three-course dinner for two. Dinner includes a mellow Snifter of Cognac, Glass of Wine, or After-Dinner Cocktail of your choosing. The evening is priced at $75.00 per couple. Reservations are limited and required no later than Wednesday, February 13th. Please call 843-235-6949 to make your reservation. Selections include:</p> <ul> <li>Appetizer Course: Choice of Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail or Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio </li> <li>Entr&eacute;e Course: Choice of Roasted Rack of Lamb or Alaskan Salmon Filet </li> <li>Dessert Course: Chef Curtis&rsquo; romantic creation of a delectable and decadent dessert for two</li> </ul> <p><strong>Apres Mardi Gras</strong> <br />Saturday, March 2nd</p> <p>Even if you missed Mardi Gras this year, you can still come by RHYC all day on Saturday, March 2nd and enjoy a heaping bowl of Chef Curtis’ rendition of Emeril Lagasse&rsquo;s classic gumbo recipe. The gumbo is teaming with crab, shrimp, white fish and oysters and is served over white rice, garnished with parsley and green onions, and dusted with file powder. A complimentary New Orleans praline will be served with every order of gumbo. Large Bowl (a meal in itself): $12.95, Small Bowl: $7.95.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>St. Patty’s Day</strong> <br />Sunday, March 17th</p> <p>Celebrate St. Patty&rsquo;s Day at RHYC with a hearty bowl of traditional Irish Stew served with warm, crusty bread specially-priced at $10.95. Wash it down with a Guinness Draught, or sip on a warm Irish Coffee or a smooth Bailey&rsquo;s Irish Cream as you enjoy the Pub atmosphere complete with sounds of Irish folk music.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Did You Know: Winter Boat Maintenance Tips</strong></p> <ul> <li>Did you know that with lack of use over the winter, your boat has accumulated water, acids and other by-products which can harm its functionality in the long run? </li> <li>Did you know that by winterizing your boat including the drive system, engine, fuel, gears and cooling system, you can make your investment pay off in the long run? </li> <li>Did you know that keeping an eye out for gel-coat blisters along the hull of your boat is important for assuring that the integrity has not been compromised by water intrusion? </li> <li>Did you know that lack of use of the boat over the winter months can lead to problems when boating season arrives in the Spring? </li> <li>Did you know that the services offered at RHYC can take the worry out of winter boat woes? Yes indeed, the RHYC 13-Point Inspection Checklist included in our PIC Program ensures that your boat is in tip-top running condition when you are ready to go boating. </li> <li>Did you know that RHYC offers an entire menu of services which can be performed over the winter months to make certain that the hull&rsquo;s integrity and appearance are in top notch condition, protecting your investment for years of boating fun? Yes again, and if you book any $300 boat service by February 15th, you will receive $50 Off! </li> <li>Did you know that our Captains will be happy to talk to you today and arrange for an inspection of the boat to assure proper engine performance, instrument function and boat handling, and also make recommendations to keep your boat in pristine condition? Yes again!</li> </ul> <p>So call Mitch and Cliff to set up your service program and enjoy peace of mind in knowing your boat is ready to go when you are!</p> <p><strong>Easter Egg Decorating Party </strong><br />Sunday, March 24th, 3:30-5PM</p> <p>Bring the family and join the Easter Bunny for a fun afternoon of Easter egg decorating. Grab a fistful of candy while you use your wildest imagination to decorate your basket of eggs. Cost is $4.95 per person and includes hard boiled eggs, decorating supplies and a tasty afternoon snack. Please RSVP by Saturday, March 23rd.</p> <p><strong>Easter Sunday Brunch </strong><br />Sunday, March 31st, Noon-3PM</p> <p>Celebrate Easter Sunday with a delicious brunch buffet including classic eggs benedict, sliced glazed ham, smoked salmon with cream cheese, red onions and capers, Chef&rsquo;s selection of vegetables, southern fried potatoes, fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, assorted sweet breakfast pastries and more. Cost is $15.95 for adults and $6.95 for children 10 and under. Please RSVP by Friday, March 29th.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Hours of Operation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM </li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed on Tuesdays </li> <li>Pool: Open for Sunbathing Mon-Wed 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk, Closed on Tuesdays</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/February-Newsletter-210 &quot;Sweet 16&quot; Facelift for Peninsula Yacht Club http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Sweet-16-Facelift-for-Peninsula-Yacht-Club-208 <p>Peninsula Yacht Club celebrates its 16th year with extensive renovation work to expand amenities.</p> <p>In the context of modern-day parenting, a &ldquo;Sweet 16&rdquo; celebration never seems complete unless the lucky teenager is lavished with at least one extravagant gift.</p> <p>In the case of the 16-year-old Peninsula Yacht Club in Cornelius &mdash; site of a few Sweet 16 parties itself &mdash; that&rsquo;s no exception. Work is now under way by parent company Morningstar Properties on the club&rsquo;s first significant renovation to its entire downstairs.</p> <p>&ldquo;This is pretty major,&rdquo; says Bruce Furman, the club&rsquo;s general manager.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lakenormancitizen.com/opinion/lori-helms--pulse-blog/item/3554-pyc-gets-a-facelift-for-its-sweet-16.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the full article.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of LakeNormanCitizen.com.</em></p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Sweet-16-Facelift-for-Peninsula-Yacht-Club-208 &quot;Sweet 16&quot; Facelift for the Club http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Sweet-16-Facelift-for-the-Club-207 <p>Peninsula Yacht Club celebrates its 16th year with extensive renovation work to expand amenities.</p> <p>In the context of modern-day parenting, a “Sweet 16” celebration never seems complete unless the lucky teenager is lavished with at least one extravagant gift.</p> <p>In the case of the 16-year-old Peninsula Yacht Club in Cornelius &mdash; site of a few Sweet 16 parties itself &mdash; that’s no exception. Work is now under way by parent company Morningstar Properties on the club’s first significant renovation to its entire downstairs.</p> <p>“This is pretty major,” says Bruce Furman, the club’s general manager.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lakenormancitizen.com/opinion/lori-helms--pulse-blog/item/3554-pyc-gets-a-facelift-for-its-sweet-16.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the full article.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of LakeNormanCitizen.com.</em></p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Sweet-16-Facelift-for-the-Club-207 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-200 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-200 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-199 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-199 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-198 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-198 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-197 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-197 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-196 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-196 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-195 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-195 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-194 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a &ldquo;clean&rdquo; start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We&rsquo;ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-194 Get a Clean Start to 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-193 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few years ago, the folks at ActiveCaptain.com began collecting a list of favorite boating tips gathered from their community of boaters. In the spirit of making a “clean” start to the new year, we thought we would share a few of their boat cleaning tips below. The full list of tips&nbsp;is maintained on their website and can be accessed by clicking <a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>Neatsfoot Oil</strong>: Great for anything leather. We use it on our fender holders and on the chafing gear on our mooring lines.</p> <p><strong>MagicEraser</strong>: This will clean just about anything. We’ve used it on our fenders, as well as in the heads and galley.</p> <p><strong>OxiClean</strong>: Yes, the stuff made for the laundry. Use the powdered version to clean your topsides - it works great!</p> <p>Captain Steve Putnam has another use for OxiClean: We also use it to soak our power cords when they begin to get sticky and dirty. Soak for one hour, wipe with a 3M scrub pad and rinse. Clean as a whistle with no residue.</p> <p><strong>303 High Tech Fabric Guard</strong>: We use this on all of the canvas on the boat - bimini, dinghy cover, etc. It repels water and even makes it easier to clean the seagull droppings.</p> <p><a href="https://activecaptain.com/articles/misc/productsTips.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more boat cleaning&nbsp;tips.</p> <p><em>Courtesy of ActiveCaptain.com.</em></p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Get-a-Clean-Start-to-2013-193 The Watch - January 2013 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-January-2013-190 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>On behalf of the PYC team, we want to wish all of our members and their families a Happy New Year! We are starting 2013 with&nbsp;great excitment around the club and a robust calendar of events. One event you will want to be a part of is the First Annual PYC Polar Plunge! We will be serving breakfast and warm drinks after your dip in the chilly Lake Norman waters. I anticipate this event will be an exciting event for years to come. Another big event is the annual Mid-Atlantic boat show&nbsp;February 7th-10th. We are headed down to Charlotte to help promote the club. This is a great event for members and non-memebers alike, as it brings in boat dealers from all over the region. If you have ever wanted a boat, or maybe would like to upgrade, this is a great event to attend. Come help support your club!</p> <p>A special thank you to Amy Roberts who served as our 2012 Commodore. Amy brought a lot of energy and leadership with her that will be missed. A warm welcome to Clement Caddell as our new 2013 Commodore, along with several new committee members.</p> <p>For an update on renovations, we have officially begun, as we are tearing down walls and removing old stairwells. We will be working hard to keep areas open for member functions and run all activities as normal. Above you can see the updated drawings. This is an exciting time for the club and will be well worth the wait.</p> <p>Thank you for your continuing support of the Yacht Club.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News - The Marina Ship&rsquo;s Store is Under Construction</strong></p> <p>As you all know the entire downstairs is being renovated here at the club. What I want everyone to know is that the&nbsp;Ship&rsquo;s Store and marina&nbsp;are still functioning! Clothing items will be on display upstairs in the dining room and lounge to aid in some of your last-minute shopping! Sizes and other selections will be available upon request. All phone calls will still be taken or returned, all emails will be read and responded to, and all merchandise, fuel and services will still be available.</p> <p>If you go to the <a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com" target="_blank">www.PeninsulaYacht.com</a> you will see a brand new order form that will allow you to place orders online. Orders are&nbsp;emailed directly to the marina&hellip;very easy and convenient! Also, you will see that a concierge form is provided. If you need your boat pumped out, refueled, uncovered, ice delivered or whatever the case might be, just fill out the concierge form and press send. The form will be emailed&nbsp;to&nbsp;the marina&nbsp;so we can get all your needs taken care of. Please give us at least 24-48 hours notice on all refuels, pumpouts and cleaning to better serve you. This will be an ongoing service, not just during renovation!</p> <p>A new program has been developed with the help of West Marine that will allow us to provide the same product as West Marine at competitive prices. So let us take care of you and save you a trip.</p> <p>The new Ship&rsquo;s Store will provide a more convenient, visible and accommodating area so that&nbsp;once you arrive you will never want&nbsp;to leave! We will always have what you need, and if we don&rsquo;t have it we can get it. Why not let us be your exclusive, on the water, one-stop shop!</p> <p>So please don&rsquo;t let all the dust, hustle and bustle of the construction keep you from getting the products and service you need!</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina Manager Reminder</strong></p> <p>The dock water has been shut off for the winter! Water will be available upon request on the fuel dock only.</p> <p><strong>Member Referral Program</strong></p> <p>The Member Referral Program will put cash back into your pocket and add friends to our club community! It&rsquo;s easy! Fill out a Member Referral card, and for each new member that you refer in 2013 that joins the club, you will receive a &ldquo;thank you&rdquo; credit on your account:</p> <p>WHO: Member Referrals may be your neighbors, business associates, business affiliations, a doctor, dentist, often it is someone you know at another Club that may like to relocate to the area. Usually it&rsquo;s someone just like you!</p> <p>What if your referral joins the Club? If they join as a Yacht member you will receive a $250 credit to your account. If they join as a Social member you receive a $150 credit to your account. You then will have your name entered in the end-of-the-year drawing to win the GRAND PRIZE!</p> <p>Thank you to all of our members who referred new members during the 2012 Year! We apprciated your support of your club!</p> <p><strong>We&rsquo;re Going Green!</strong></p> <p>We are aiming for March 2013 to go digital with our newsletters! In order to do this, please make sure you have your current email registered with us so that we can email you each month. We will have printed versions available at the club and can still mail out paper copies to those who request it. To continue to receive our monthly newsletter, be sure to contact the club to verify that we have your current email address. This will not only reduce our postage, supply and labor costs, but our members will get the newsletter much sooner.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Sunday Ala Cart Brunch: Sundays, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Music in the Dining Room: Friday, January 5th, 6:30-9:30pm</li> <li>Draft Up: January 12th, 12-4pm</li> <li>Wine Society: Thursday, January 17th, 6:30pm</li> <li>Trivia Night: Saturday, January 19th, 7pm</li> <li>Italian Night: Saturday, January 26th</li> <li>Commodores Ball: Saturday, February 16th, 7pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>1st Annual PYC Polar Plunge: January 5th</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Journey 2 the Mysterious Island, Friday, January 11th, 6pm</li> <li>Kid Craft Night: Friday, January 18th, 6pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Rango, Friday, Jan 25th, 6pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Thank You to our Members!</strong></p> <p>The team at the Peninsula Yacht Club would like to thank our members for your contributions to the Staff Holiday Fund this past year! We greatly appreciate your kind generosity and we look forward to serving you in 2013!</p> <p>The PYC Team</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-January-2013-190 Happy Holidays & Details Only $11.00 Per Foot http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Holidays-Details-Only-11.00-Per-Foot-203 <p>Mayport Boaters,</p> <p>I would like to first wish you a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2013. Thank you for being our customer, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year. This post covers many interesting topics including fishing, weather conditions, events, marina news, Member specials and more. We hope you will find it both fun and informative. Let’s get started!</p> <p>Carol Peterson, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Holiday Hours</strong></p> <p>The marina will be open from 8am-2pm on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day in observance of the holiday. The marina will also be open from 8am-2pm on New Year’s Eve and will be closed on New Year’s Day.</p> <p><strong>All Details Only $11.00 Per Foot</strong></p> <p>Don’t miss out on our holiday boat detailing special! Now through January 7th, all details are $11.00 per foot! (Regularly $15.00 per foot.) Don&rsquo;t miss the chance to have your boat detailed for a lower cost. Call 904-246-8929 to schedule your service today!</p> <p>And do you have friends looking for a place to store their boats? Call the marina to inquire about our referral program.</p> <p><strong>Fishing News</strong></p> <p>Fishing is…slow. The local Captains have informed us that fishing has been tough even for them. But there is hope! Sheepshead are moving in towards the jetties and near shore wrecks. No surprise, but they are in the vicinity. The redfish have picked up in the creeks and warmer waters of the River and ICW. Florida Sportsman recommended sleeping in and sight fishing the mudflats around 11am for tailing reds, while fishing the deeper channels for schools of trout. Mayport Member Bruce Ream brought back a nice cobia from offshore on December 11th. And remember that grouper season closes on January 1st.</p> <p><strong>Weather News</strong></p> <p>Weather conditions have been rather unfavorable to say the least. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. While it is not a great time to enjoy the sun, it may be a good time to cast a rod. Many claim that fishing during low pressure (cloudy, muggy) days actually produces a better bite than on high pressure (bright, sunny) days. We have a good nor&rsquo;easter coming through, and that means some good fishing weather should follow! For tide information, stop by the Ship’s Store and ask for a Sea Tow tide table. We should receive the 2013 tide tables very soon.</p> <p><strong>Visit Us at the Jacksonville Boat Show</strong></p> <p>With 2012 coming to a close, it marks the end of another great year for boaters. The 2013 fishing tournament schedules are already rolling in from the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament to smaller marina tournaments. All tournament information will be posted at the marina, so why not come by to hang out and get the scoop on what is happening in the boating world! Also, a reminder that the 2013 Jacksonville Boat Show will take place January 25th-27th at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Morningstar Marinas will have a booth and we would hope to see many of our Members there!</p> <p><strong>Tips &amp; Reminders</strong></p> <p>A reminder about some of our marina tips to help us better serve our customers on a consistent basis:</p> <ul> <li>Please contact the marina 30 minutes prior to your arrival for weekday boat launches so we can ensure everything is ready for you and your party. Please provide a 1 hour notice on weekends.</li> <li>If you would like to take your boat out before our operating hours, we can launch your boat the night before.</li> <li>If you would like to keep your boat in the water after hours, simply tie up at the loading/unloading dock when returning to the marina.</li> <li>Please provide a 3 day notice for any trailer needs, and please be aware of the fees associated with putting your boat on a trailer. Initial storage and ending storage movements are free. All other movements include a fee of $3.00 per foot.</li> <li>Please park at the front entrance to the marina before approaching the blue cradles. If you have a medical need to park closer, please contact the marina prior to your visit.</li> <li>Please limit cradle use to a maximum of 1 hour on weekends to ensure all Members have an opportunity to use the cradles.</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t forget about the other services available at the marina such as bottom painting and our onsite mechanics with Mobile Marine Express (contact Mike Manier at 904-838-3743).</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Holidays-Details-Only-11.00-Per-Foot-203 Happy Holidays from Morningstar Marinas http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Holidays-from-Morningstar-Marinas-202 <p>Skipper&rsquo;s Landing Boaters,</p> <p>The marina will maintain normal hours of operation throughout the holidays: Wednesday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. From everyone here at Skipper&rsquo;s Landing, we wish you a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2013. Thank you for being our customer, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year.</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Skipper&rsquo;s Landing</p> <p><strong>To-Do List: Schedule Your Winterization</strong></p> <p>January and February are the months when your boat is at risk of cold weather damage. If you have not already completed your winterization, don’t gamble with an $8,000 repair due to the winter weather. Schedule your winterization now and know that your boat will be safe! Call us today at 704-508-4730 to schedule your service.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Holidays-from-Morningstar-Marinas-202 January Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/January-Newsletter-191 <p><strong>January Marina Specials</strong></p> <ul> <li>New Year Special: $25 Off a Half Day Boat Rental or $50 Off a Full Day Boat Rental. Valid during January, 2013. Limit one per customer per month. </li> <li>$50 Off Any $300 Boat Service booked by January 15th including Compounds, Washes, Waxes, Winterizations and Hull Restorations.</li> </ul> <p><strong>$50 Off Any $300 Service </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Receive $50 off any $300 service booked by January 15th! After a great season of boating fun, let Captain Mitch and Cliff give her a nice winter check-up. All prices quoted upon inspection of boat. Pricing may vary based upon condition and hull structure of boat. Our Ship&rsquo;s Store pricing is competitive with West Marine, so check out our dock lines, fenders, anchors and anchor lines. Come by the Ship&rsquo;s Store for more information. Services include:</p> <ul> <li>Boat Wash: From $3.00 per foot </li> <li>Hull Clean-up: From $3.00 per foot </li> <li>Wash and One Coat of Wax: From $10.00 per foot </li> <li>Complete Compound, Wash and Wax: Starting at $18.00 per foot (price may vary due to condition/oxidation of boat) </li> <li>Complete Battery Check-Up and Charge: $25.00 </li> <li>Winterizations: Outboard Motors $75.00, Inboard Motors $125.00 </li> <li>Gel Coat Repairs</li> </ul> <p><strong>Grand Strand Boat Show </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Come and see us January 11th, 12th and 13th at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Have some fun and see the 2013 lineup of new model boats. Stop by the Morningstar Marinas/RHYC booth at the Grand Strand Boat Show and sign up for your chance to win a free dinner gift certificate or free full day pontoon boat rental at RHYC. We look forward to seeing you there!<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Boat Show Promo </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />After a fun day at the Grand Strand Boat Show, come down to the Club and your ticket stub will entitle you to a free appetizer! Choose from one of five yummy appetizers including: Fried Oysters, Blue Crab Dip, Peel n&rsquo; Eat Shrimp, Mozzarella Sticks and Chicken Tenders. Please present your Grand Strand Boat Show ticket prior to ordering. Offer valid January 11th, 12th and 13th.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Oyster, Chicken &amp; Fish Fry Buffet </strong><br />Saturday, January 26th, 6-8PM</p> <p>Warm up your winter schedule and join us at RHYC for a delicious buffet. Cost is $15.95 for adults and $6.95 for children 10 and under. Please RSVP to the Club by Thursday, January 24th.</p> <ul> <li>Seasonal Berry &amp; Melon Salad </li> <li>Southern Sweet Potato Fries </li> <li>Low Country Cole Slaw </li> <li>Fresh Cut French Fries </li> <li>Hush Puppies with Honey Butter </li> <li>Batter Dipped Chicken Tenders with Chef&rsquo;s Choice Sauce </li> <li>Southern Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce, Lemon and Malt Vinegar </li> <li>Cornmeal Dusted Fried Oysters with Cocktail or Hot Sauce </li> <li>Home-Baked Peanut Butter Filled Brownies drizzled with Ganache</li> </ul> <p><strong>Valentine’s Weekend Sweetheart Dinner </strong><br />Saturday, February 16th, 6PM</p> <p>Enjoy a romantic, candlelit evening featuring Chef Curtis&rsquo; exquisitely prepared three-course dinner for two. Dinner includes a mellow Snifter of Cognac, Glass of Wine, or After-Dinner Cocktail of your choosing. The evening is priced at $75.00 per couple. Reservations are limited and required no later than Wednesday, February 13th. Please call the Club to make your reservation. Selections include:</p> <p><em>Appetizer Course</em>: Choice of:</p> <ul> <li>Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail for two with Garlic Crostini and Fresh Cucumber Rounds </li> <li>Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio: Filet Mignon wrapped on Italian Breadsticks with Tangy Dijon Dipping Sauce and Parmigiano- Reggiano Shavings</li> </ul> <p><em>Entr&eacute;e Course</em>: Choice of:</p> <ul> <li>Lamb for Lovers: Roasted Rack of Lamb with Rosemary and Mint Demi-Glace </li> <li>Sensuous Salmon: Alaskan Salmon Filet Smoke-Roasted on a Bourbon-Soaked Cedar Plank</li> </ul> <p>(Both entr&eacute;e selections are served with Balsamic-Glazed, Roasted Red Onion Wedges, Steamed Asparagus with Butter-Roasted Almonds and Chestnuts, and Boiled Fingerling Potatoes with Chive Butter.)</p> <p><em>Dessert Course</em>: Chef Curtis&rsquo; romantic creation of a delectable and decadent dessert for two.</p> <p><strong>Hours of Operation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM </li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays </li> <li>Pool: Open for Sunbathing Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM-Dusk</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/January-Newsletter-191 Mathews Rotary Rockfish Tournament http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Mathews-Rotary-Rockfish-Tournament-188 <p><strong>Rockfish Tournament This Saturday</strong>&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />The <a href="http://www.rockfishtourney.com/" target="_blank">Mathews Rotary Rockfish Tournament</a> will take place this Saturday, December 8th. Lines go in the water at sunrise, weigh-ins will take place from 2-4pm, and awards will be given at 5pm. The registration and raffle event is on Friday, December 7th from 4-8pm.</p> <p>Over $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winning contestants! This is a charity event with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Rotary&rsquo;s scholarship program and community projects.</p> <p>The cost to participate is $150 per boat for four anglers and $25 per additional angler. (One fish per division per boat.) <a href="http://www.rockfishtourney.com/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for an entry form or more information, or contact event coordinator David Fitch at 804-725-8371 or <a href="mailto:dfitch1@gmail.com">dfitch1@gmail.com</a>. We hope all of our customers will be able to participate in this wonderful event!</p> <p><strong>Schedule Your Winter Service </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Overnight temperatures are in the 30’s, so now is the time to schedule your winter service if you have not already done so. Protect your boat during the cold months so you can spend more time enjoying the water in the spring.<br />&nbsp;<br />Please contact the marina to secure your reservation as our service schedule is filling up quickly. We offer a full line of winter services including details, winterizations and shrink wrapping. Call the marina today at 804-725-9343 to schedule your service!</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynns Island</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Mathews-Rotary-Rockfish-Tournament-188 Holiday Customer Appreciation Party http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Holiday-Customer-Appreciation-Party-187 <p>Golden Isles Boaters,</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas will host a Holiday Customer Appreciation Party this Saturday, December 8th from 6-8pm in the marina courtyard/harbor room located below the marina business office. The party will be catered by Coastal Kitchen offering beer, wine and light hors d&rsquo;oeuvres. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience. We hope to see you there!</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Holiday-Customer-Appreciation-Party-187 The Watch - December 2012 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-December-2012-175 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>I am writing to provide some exciting news about the future improvements at the Club. I am pleased to announce that starting in December of this year; the Club will begin renovations.</p> <p>The primary focus is to enclose the lower level of the clubhouse and to relocate and improve our Ship&rsquo;s Store, the Commodores Room, and other member areas located downstairs. In addition, we plan to replace the existing exterior staircase and upgrading the facade on the lake side of the clubhouse. These changes will not only improve the appearance of the clubhouse, but will also enhance and expand our ability to provide programming and activities.</p> <p>During the renovations, the Club will remain open for member services with construction primarily limited to the lower areas of the clubhouse. The Ship&rsquo;s Store operations will be moved, but will continue to be open for all services.</p> <p>We expect to have the project complete before the start of the 2013 boating season. Periodical updates, throughout the winter, will be in our newsletters and sent to all members as the project progresses.</p> <p>We are committed to the long term success of the Club and ensuring that our facilities are the best on Lake Norman. Most importantly, this renovation will be completed as all other capital projects without assessment to the Clubs members.</p> <p>Thank you for your continuing support of the Yacht Club.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News</strong></p> <p>December, what a great month to enjoy some time with family and also a time to recap a great year! I would like to first thank everyone for a great year and want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season&nbsp;and a wonderful New Year! As I look back over the 2012 boating season, I have learned a lot and hope you have as well. We try to offer a lot of exciting, fun and interactive activities to help educate our members and all of us as boaters on Lake Norman. If we can become more educated ourselves, then we can educate others as we interact! With that being said I would like to know what you want to do and what you would like to learn more about. We are careful not to overload our members with long hours in a classroom, but want to offer more classes or courses that will get you on the water, on your boat, using your skills and testing your knowledge. So please share with me any ideas that you might have to better educate our boaters! Here are a few ideas to get you started:</p> <p>1. Navigating Lake Norman<br />2. Nighttime Navigation<br />3. Boating for Ladies</p> <p>Please send me any ideas, comments or concerns to <a href="mailto:hsmith@peninsulayacht.com">hsmith@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>PYC Marina Ship’s Store</strong></p> <p>The ship&rsquo;s store will be relocated for renovation. First of all the change will be well worth it! The gas pumps will be open normal hours and you will still be able to get assistance the same as you always have! During the week and on the weekends, the marina staff will be out on the docks and in the marina and will be happy to help with any of your needs. Do your Holiday shopping with us here at the Peninsula Yacht Club! Even though the store is being renovated, all items will still be available! Check out the dining room for a beautiful display of this seasons sweat shirts, polos, t&rsquo;shirts, etc. All you have to do is pick your size and item of choice and we will pull the order, wrap it and have it ready for pick up!</p> <p><strong>Accounting News</strong></p> <p>As a reminder, The Peninsula Yacht Club is able to automatically charge your credit card or debit cards for the balance of your monthly member statement. The process is simple and can be handled by simply filling out the &ldquo;Credit Card authorization Form&rdquo; from accounting and we will handle the rest. You will be sent your monthly statement from the accounting office via e-mail or US Mail (your choice) and your charges will be billed to the card on file within the last 5 days of the month. If a correction needs to be made, simply notify accounting immediately and we will take care of that correction before your card is charged. If you are interested, please contact: Ellen Henderson, Club Accountant, at <a href="mailto:ehenderson@peninsulayacht.com">ehenderson@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>15% Off All PYC Ship&rsquo;s Store Merchandise</strong></p> <p>Do all your last minute holiday shopping at the PYC Marina Ship&rsquo;s Store. Mention this offer for great savings! Offer expires December 31, 2012.</p> <p><strong>We&rsquo;re Going Green!</strong></p> <p>We are aiming for March 2013 to go digital with our newsletters! In order to do this, please make sure you have your current email registered with us so that we can email you each month. We will have printed versions available at the club and can still mail out paper copies to those who request it. To continue to receive our monthly newsletter, be sure to contact the club to verify we have your current email address. This will not only reduce our postage, supply, and labor costs, but our members will get the newsletter much sooner.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Sunday Brunch: Sundays, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Holiday Sip &amp; Shop: Saturday, December 1st, 6:30-9pm</li> <li>Adult Holiday Party: Saturday, December 22nd, 7-9pm</li> <li>Music in the Dining Room: Friday, December 7th, 6:30-9:30pm</li> <li>2012 New Years Eve Fire &amp; Ice: Monday, December 31st, 7pm til Midnight</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lighted Boat Parade: Saturday, December 8th, 6:15pm </li> <li>Brunch with Santa: Sunday, December 9th &amp; 16th, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Kid’s Movie Night: Men in Black 3, Friday, December 14th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Family Holiday Extravaganza: Thursday, December 20th, 5-8pm</li> <li>Family Gingerbread House Building: Thursday, December 20th, 4-7pm</li> <li>Kid’s Movie Night: The Santa Clause, Friday, December 28th, 6-9 pm</li> <li>The 1st Annual PYC Polar Plunge: January 5th</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&amp;pageid=300319&amp;ssid=184546&amp;vnf=1" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the full issue.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-December-2012-175 Winter Hours & Holiday Boat Parade http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Winter-Hours-Holiday-Boat-Parade-185 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>Winter hours are now in effect at the marina. We are open Wednesday-Monday 8am-5pm. The marina will be closed on Tuesdays throughout the winter beginning next Tuesday, December 4th.</p> <p>Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit this weekend? The Geechee Sailing Club and TMI are hosting the Thunderbolt Holiday Boat Parade this Saturday, December 1st starting at 6pm at Thunderbolt Marina. All boaters are welcome! Bring a chair and line the bluff on River Drive to view the festive display of boats on parade. Enjoy chili, hot dogs, sweet tea, desserts and holiday music! Awards will be given at 8pm at Thunderbolt Marine. Contact Judy Grissette, Geechee Sailing Club Cruise Chair, at 912-897-7127 to register.</p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Winter-Hours-Holiday-Boat-Parade-185 December Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/December-Newsletter-186 <p><strong>HAPPY HOLIDAYS!</strong><br />The Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store will close at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 24th and will reopen on Wednesday, December 26th. The Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store will also be closed on Tuesday, January 1st. The Clubhouse &amp; Restaurant will be closed Monday, December 24th through Wednesday, January 2nd and will reopen on Thursday, January 3, 2013. The entire staff at RHYC wishes you and your family a happy holiday season!<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>DECEMBER MARINA SPECIAL</strong><br />Holiday Special! $25 Off a half-day boat rental or $50 off a full-day boat rental during the month of December. (Limit 1 per customer per month).<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>REFERRAL PROGRAM</strong><br />Start earning dollars today and make your marina experience at RHYC even better when you are boating and spending time with your friends. All you need to do is refer a friend to RHYC, and once that friend signs an annual slip contract, your account will be credited $125. Easy money and more fun at RHYC! Stop by the marina for all the details.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>NEW RHYC LOGO&rsquo;D GEAR HAS ARRIVED</strong><br />Come by and see the new arrivals in RHYC logo&rsquo;d gear including lined windbreakers, fleece pullovers, vests, long-sleeved t-shirts, baseball caps, visors, backpacks and Tervis Tumblers. These items are fast becoming the coolest look along the waterway, so be sure to stop by soon to place your order for holiday gift-giving.</p> <p><strong>HOLIDAY MEMBER MIXER</strong><br />Saturday, December 15th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM</p> <p>Join in with fellow RHYC members around the Christmas tree and fireplace to share some holiday cheer. Enjoy complimentary hors d&rsquo;oeuvres and drink specials. For those wishing to stay on for dinner, Chef Curtis will be cooking up a special holiday menu to tantalize your palate. Please RSVP to the Club by Thursday, December 13th.</p> <p><strong>HOLIDAY RIVER EXPLORATION SPECIAL</strong><br />Receive $25 or $50 off as you enjoy a holiday cruise on the river aboard one of RHYC&rsquo;s 22&rsquo; Pontoon or our 16&rsquo; Skiff. Our new, discounted rental rates are in effect through March 31st. And don&rsquo;t forget, Harbor Members receive a 20% discount and Social Members receive a 10% discount on all rental boat rates at RHYC. Rental rates do not include gas. Call the Marina for rental boat reservations.</p> <ul> <li>22&rsquo; Pontoons Capacity 8 people: $175 Half day and $300 Full Day</li> <li>16&lsquo; Carolina Skiff Capacity 3 people: $99 Half day and $149 Full Day</li> </ul> <p><strong>HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS</strong><br />Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Sundays All Day</p> <p>Join us at the bar, fireplace patio or poolside for specially-priced longneck beers, house wine and well drinks. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s daily appetizer specials during Happy Hour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00-7:00 PM and all day on Sundays.</p> <p><strong>HOURS OF OPERATION</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM, Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM</li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays</li> <li>Pool: Open for Sunbathing Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM-Dusk</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/December-Newsletter-186 Happy Thanksgiving http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Thanksgiving-182 <p><strong>Thanksgiving Hours</strong></p> <p>The marina will have limited operating hours on Thursday, November 22nd in observance of Thanksgiving. The Dock Office will be open from 7:00am - 3:00pm. The Business Office and rack storage will be closed for the day. We would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our customers!</p> <p><strong>New Access Codes Effective Today</strong></p> <p>New gate codes to the dock gate and marina bathrooms on the second floor went into effect today, November 20th. Please contact the marina office for the new codes.</p> <p><strong>Holiday Customer Appreciation Party</strong></p> <p>Morningstar Marinas will host a Holiday Customer Appreciation Party on December 8th from 6-8pm in the marina courtyard/harbor room located below the marina business office. The party will be catered by Coastal Kitchen offering beer, wine and light hors d&rsquo;oeuvres. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience. We hope to see everyone there!</p> <p><strong>Boat Decorating Contest</strong></p> <p>Get in the holiday spirit and decorate your boat with holiday cheer! The contest winner will receive a $250 dockage credit. Wet slip and dry storage boats can be entered into the contest, and boats will be reviewed on December 20th. Call the marina for details.</p> <p><strong>Service Specials</strong></p> <p>Enjoy these limited time service specials!</p> <ul> <li>15% off any full detail completed before December 15, 2012.</li> <li>$2.00/foot off bottom paint jobs completed before December 15, 2012.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Hours of Operation</strong></p> <p>November Hours of Operation:</p> <ul> <li>Dock Office: 7:00am to 6:00pm (M-Su)</li> <li>Rack Storage: 7:30am to 5:00pm (M-Su)]</li> <li>Business Office: 8:00am to 5:00pm (M-Sa), 12:00pm to 5:00pm (Sunday)</li> </ul> <p>December Hours of Operation:</p> <ul> <li>Dock Office: 7:00am to 6:00pm (M-Su)</li> <li>Rack Storage: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Wed-M) (Closed Tuesday)</li> <li>Business Office: 9:00am to 5:00pm (M-Sa), Closed Sunday (Business Office Only)</li> </ul> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Happy-Thanksgiving-182 Thanksgiving Hours http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Thanksgiving-Hours-181 <p><strong>Thanksgiving Hours</strong></p> <p>The marina will be closed on Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd in observance of Thanksgiving. We would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our customers!</p> <p><strong>Winter Services</strong></p> <p>Don’t forget, now is the time to schedule your winter service if you have not already done so. Don’t risk expensive repairs to your boat that can easily be avoided with proper care and maintenance. We offer a full line of winter services including details and shrink wrapping. Call the marina at 252-776-0823 to schedule your service! Boat winterizations are available through Overby Marine by calling 252-586-3593.</p> <p>Adam Keisler, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Eaton Ferry</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Thanksgiving-Hours-181 Holiday Party & Boat Decorating Contest http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Holiday-Party-Boat-Decorating-Contest-174 <p><strong>Holiday Customer Appreciation Party </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Morningstar Marinas will host a Holiday Customer Appreciation Party on December 8th from 6-8pm in the marina courtyard/harbor room located below the marina business office. The party will be catered by Coastal Kitchen offering beer, wine and light hors d&rsquo;oeuvres. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience. We hope to see everyone there!</p> <p><strong>Service Specials </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />Enjoy one of these limited time service specials!</p> <ul> <li>15% off any full detail completed before December 15, 2012. </li> <li>$2.00/foot off bottom jobs completed before December 15, 2012. </li> <li>Cabretta Marine Service Special: 10% off invoice on work completed before February 1, 2013.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Boat Decorating Contest </strong><br />&nbsp; <br />Get in the holiday spirit and decorate your boat with holiday cheer! The contest winner will receive a $250 dockage credit. Wet slip and dry storage boats can be entered into the contest, and boats will be reviewed on December 20th. Call the marina for details.</p> <p><strong>New Access Codes </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />On Tuesday, November 20th, we will change the access codes to the dock gate and marina bathrooms on the second floor. Please contact the marina&nbsp;office&nbsp;for the new codes.</p> <p><strong>New Hours of Operation </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />November Hours of Operation:</p> <ul> <li>Dock Office: 7:00am to 6:00pm (M-Su) </li> <li>Rack Storage: 7:30am to 5:00pm (M-Su) </li> <li>Business Office: 8:00am to 5:00pm (M-Sa), 12:00pm to 5:00pm (Sunday)</li> </ul> <p>December Hours of Operation:</p> <ul> <li>Dock Office: 7:00am to 6:00pm (M-Su) </li> <li>Rack Storage: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Wed-M) (Closed Tuesday) </li> <li>Business Office: 9:00am to 5:00pm (M-Sa), Closed Sunday (Business Office Only)</li> </ul> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Holiday-Party-Boat-Decorating-Contest-174 A Visit from the Navy & US Coast Guard http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/A-Visit-from-the-Navy-US-Coast-Guard-189 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We enjoyed having members of the Navy&nbsp;and the&nbsp;US Coast Guard at the marina this week. They used the marina to load and unload equipment onto their vessels, and luckily a member was able to capture this beautiful photo from the water&nbsp;during sunset.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/A-Visit-from-the-Navy-US-Coast-Guard-189 Baby, It’s Cold Outside! Is Your Boat Protected? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Baby-Its-Cold-Outside-Is-Your-Boat-Protected-166 <p>Eaton Ferry Boaters,</p> <p>Overnight temperatures are dipping into the 30’s. Now is the time to schedule your winter service if you have not already done so. Don’t risk expensive repairs to your boat that can easily be avoided with proper care and maintenance. Protect your boat during the cold months so you can spend more time enjoying the water in the spring. We offer a full line of winter services including details and shrink wrapping. Call&nbsp;the marina&nbsp;at 252-586-4661 to schedule your service!</p> <p>Boat winterizations are&nbsp;available through Overby Marine&nbsp;by calling&nbsp;252-586-3593. Already winterized your boat, but the weather looks pretty this weekend? Morningstar Marinas offers pontoon boat rentals all winter long. Storage customers will receive an additional discount off already discounted winter rates!</p> <p>Adam Keisler, General Manager</p> Morningstar Marinas | Eaton Ferry News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Baby-Its-Cold-Outside-Is-Your-Boat-Protected-166 Join Our Seminar on Seatrout, Redfish & Stripers http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Join-Our-Seminar-on-Seatrout-Redfish-Stripers-165 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas and Freedom Boat Club are hosting a Fall Fishing Seminar presented by Capt. Jack McGowan of&nbsp;<a href="http://morningstarmarinas.createsend1.com/t/y-l-jituiit-cykjkdthd-j/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800080;">Coastal River Charters</span></a>. The seminar will take place on Wednesday, November 14th on the marina&nbsp;porch&nbsp;at 6:30pm.</p> <p><em><strong>Seatrout</strong></em>: Numbers are up! We&rsquo;ll talk about&nbsp;fishing strategies to target this fish, why they show up and where, what you can try when the bite is not on, and a little about conservation.</p> <p><strong><em>Redfish</em></strong>:&nbsp;We have been blessed with a good redfish fishery. There are many ways to approach this fish: fly, artificial, live and dead bait. We&rsquo;ll talk about their habits&nbsp;and how to catch a trophy! Lastly, a little on conservation.</p> <p><strong><em>Stripers</em></strong>: In recent years the bite has been waning, but it is possible to target and catch this fish on fly, artificial or bait. We&rsquo;ll discuss&nbsp;this fish&nbsp;not as a primary target, but as an option. On some days the striper bite could be on!</p> <p>We look forward to seeing you at the seminar!</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Join-Our-Seminar-on-Seatrout-Redfish-Stripers-165 Baby, It’s Cold Outside! Is Your Boat Protected? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Baby-Its-Cold-Outside-Is-Your-Boat-Protected-173 <p>Gwynn’s Island Boaters,</p> <p>Overnight temperatures are dipping into the 30’s. Now is the time to schedule your winter service if you have not already done so. Don’t risk expensive repairs to your boat that can easily be avoided with proper care and maintenance. Protect your boat during the cold months so you can spend more time enjoying the water in the spring rather than repairing your engine.<br />&nbsp;<br />Please contact the marina to secure your reservation as our service schedule is filling up quickly. We offer a full line of winter services including details, winterizations and shrink wrapping. Call the marina today at 804-384-9698 to schedule your service!</p> <p>The marina hours of operation are now Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday to Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm. These new hours will allow us to safely put boats away as the building gets dark beginning at 4:00pm due to the time change. Thank you.</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynn’s Island</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Baby-Its-Cold-Outside-Is-Your-Boat-Protected-173 The Watch - November 2012 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-November-2012-180 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>We are happy to announce that the private member side of our website will be ready for all of our PYC members on November 1st. You will be able to view your profile,&nbsp;upload a photo, change&nbsp;personal information, view&nbsp;statements, make reservations for events and dining, and view the Club calendar and photo gallery of events. To log in:</p> <ol> <li>Go to <a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com" target="_blank">PeninsulaYacht.com</a></li> <li>Look in the top right corner and you will see &ldquo;member login&rdquo;</li> <li>Your username will be your member number + relationship code. For example: John Smith - S-12341, His Spouse: Jane Smith - S-12342</li> <li>Your password will be the member&rsquo;s last name. For example: John Smith - Smith</li> </ol> <p>We hope you find that this is a great way to be more involved with the Club activities so that you don&rsquo;t miss some great things going on. See you at the Club!</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News - Things to Think About Over the Winter</strong></p> <p>As you tuck your boat in for the winter it&rsquo;s very important to take the necessary precautions to eliminate possible dangers and/or costly repairs. During the winter months it&rsquo;s very easy to put your boat away and forget about it&hellip;&rdquo;out of sight out of mind!&rdquo;</p> <ul> <li>Batteries: The most common occurrence I see involving a sinking boat is boats that take on water due to dead batteries. Typically what will happen is boat batteries, without battery chargers, tend to drain down over the winter months. A number of things can cause dead batteries but most commonly it is when the automatic bilge pump turns on continuously due to days, weeks and months of rain, snow and ice. The end result is eventually your boat takes on enough water causing it to sink! This can be a very costly situation; due to salvage, clean up, etc., that can be avoided!</li> <li>Light Bulbs: Don’t use light bulbs to heat&nbsp;your boat! Bulbs become very hot and can also burst causing sparks where fumes exist.</li> <li>Power Cords: If using an extension cord, make sure it is for outdoor use, weather proof, heavy duty and at least 12 gauge. All cords should be GFCI protected!</li> <li>Fuel: The most commonly asked question is &ldquo;Should I take on fuel for the winter?&rdquo; The answer is yes and the reason for that is you want to fill that void to eliminate condensation during times of low usage. You will want to also stabilize that fuel to keep it fresh. Call the Ship&rsquo;s Store for refueling and stabilizer options. Remember our fuel has no ethanol!</li> </ul> <p>These are just a few things to think about during this slow time of the year. Please call the Ship&rsquo;s Store if you have any questions.</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>PYC Marina Ship’s Store</strong></p> <p>Christmas is just around the corner, so what better place to do your shopping than the Ship&rsquo;s Store? We have just received a fantastic assortment of new, colorful fall and winter merchandise including crew sweatshirts, hoody sweatshirts, polo&rsquo;s, jackets, Tervis Tumblers and much more! Find great savings on remaining 2012 merchandise. And for that unique gift idea, check out our catalogs so we can order exactly what you want. Here are just a few gift ideas for that special someone:&nbsp;clocks, boat mats, flags, ship&rsquo;s bell, brass weather stations and more!</p> <p><strong>Having the Family Over for the Holidays but Don&rsquo;t Feel Like Cooking All Day?</strong></p> <p>Let us do all the cooking for you! Need a fruit and cheese tray to keep your dinner guests happy? How&nbsp;about some passed&nbsp;hors d&rsquo;oeuvres that look like you slaved away in the kitchen all day? Whether you need a few appetizers or an entire Thanksgiving meal, the Peninsula Yacht Club staff is here to help. Let Sous Chef Jamie wow your guests while you take all the credit. Call today to customize your stress-free holiday menu. Order for Thanksgiving or throughout the holiday season. Orders must be placed 5-7 business days in advance. Contact Erin Walters at <a href="mailto:ewalters@peninsulayacht.com">ewalters@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Sunday Brunch: Sundays, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Commodores Hours: Fridays, 6-7:30pm</li> <li>Music in the Dining Room: Friday, November 2nd, 6:30-9:30pm</li> <li>Annual Wine Dinner: Thursday, Nov.15th, 6:30pm</li> <li>Thanksgiving Feast: Thursday, November 22nd, 11am-2pm</li> <li>Holiday Sip &amp; Shop: Saturday December 1st, 6:30pm-9pm</li> <li>Adult Holiday Party: Saturday, December 22nd, 7-9pm</li> <li>2012 New Years Eve Fire &amp; Ice: Monday, December 31st, 7pm til Midnight</li> </ul> <p><br /><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Leafy Lake Link-Up: Saturday, November 3rd, 1-5pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Madagascar 3, Friday, November 9th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Cookie Cutting &amp; Decorating: November 16th, 6-8pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: The Polar Express, Friday, November 23rd, 6-9pm</li> <li>Lighted Boat Parade: Saturday, December 8th, 6:15pm</li> <li>Brunch with Santa: Sunday, December 9th &amp; 16th, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Family Holiday Extravaganza: Thursday, December 20th, 5-8pm</li> <li>Family Gingerbread House Building: Thursday, December 20th, 4-7pm</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com/files/Nov2012.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the full issue.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-November-2012-180 November Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/November-Newsletter-164 <p><strong>Happy Thanksgiving!</strong><br />The Marina and Clubhouse will be closed on Thursday, November 22nd in observance of Thanksgiving Day. The entire staff at Reserve Harbor&nbsp;wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving, and we look forward to seeing you on Friday!</p> <p><strong>November Marina Special</strong><br />Receive a free Reserve Harbor&nbsp;koozie with a $25 Ship&rsquo;s Store Purchase. Valid during November, 2012. (Excludes fuel. Limit 1 per customer.)</p> <p><strong>Referral Program</strong><br />Start earning dollars today and make your marina experience at Reserve Harbor&nbsp;even better when you are boating and spending time with all your friends. All you need to do is refer a friend to Reserve Harbor, and once that friend signs an annual contract, your account will be credited $125. Easy money and more fun at RHYC! Stop by the marina for all the details.</p> <p><strong>New Reserve Harbor Logo’d Gear Has Arrived</strong><br />Come by and see the new arrivals in Reserve Harbor logo&rsquo;d gear including lined windbreakers, fleece pullovers, vests, long-sleeved t-shirts, baseball caps, visors and backpacks. These items are fast becoming the coolest look along the waterway, so be sure to stop by soon to place your order for holiday gift giving.</p> <p><strong>Let Us Host Your Holiday Party</strong><br />The holidays are just around the corner and it&rsquo;s time to start planning your holiday party. Let us take care of everything and plan your event from start to finish. Chef Curtis will create a delicious menu for your upcoming neighborhood, office or organization&rsquo;s holiday party. From a simple cocktail gathering or a plated sit-down dinner, to a buffet complete with an assortment of sumptuous selections, Reserve Harbor&nbsp;can accommodate your group and create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Please contact Curtis or Christine at 843-235-6949 to start planning your event today. We look forward to creating an event which will be truly unforgettable!</p> <p><strong>Member Appreciation Day</strong><br />Saturday, October 13th was enjoyed by our members who came out for some free homemade chili, drafts and beautiful sunshine&hellip;check out the smiling faces of our friends in the photo above!</p> <p><strong>Autumn Rental Boat Discounts</strong><br />Enjoy fall foliage on the river with a relaxing cruise aboard our 22&rsquo; pontoon boats or our 16&rsquo; skiff. New, discounted rental rates are in effect November 1st through March 31st. Don&rsquo;t forget, Harbor Members receive a 20% discount, and Social Members receive a 10% discount on all rental boat rates. Rates do not include gas. Call the Marina at 843-235-8262 for reservations.</p> <ul> <li>22&rsquo; Pontoons Capacity 8 people: $175 Half day and $300 Full Day</li> <li>16&lsquo; Carolina Skiff Capacity 3 people: $99 Half day and $149 Full Day</li> </ul> <p><strong>Autumn Happy Hours</strong><br />Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Sundays All Day</p> <p>Join us at the bar, fireplace patio or poolside for specially-priced longneck beers, house wine and well drinks. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s daily appetizer specials during Happy Hour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00-7:00 PM and all day on Sundays.</p> <p><strong>Football Season Fun<br /></strong>Kick-off the season with friends, fans and college alumni as you cheer for your favorite college or pro football team at Reserve Harbor. Enjoy Chef Curtis&rsquo; weekend tailgate appetizers along with drink specials and free popcorn, chips and salsa during the games.</p> <p><strong>Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!</strong><br />What could be more fun on a cool autumn evening than one of Chef Curtis&rsquo; delicioso pizzas? C&rsquo;mon down to Reserve Harbor&nbsp;and enjoy a fresh-made piping hot pizza or order one to go. Toppings include: mozzarella cheese, tangy pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, Canadian bacon, hickory-smoked bacon, mushrooms, peppers, onions and black olives. Additional toppings can be added to our select pizzas for $1.00 each.</p> <p><strong>Hours of Operation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM,Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM</li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed on Tuesdays</li> <li>Pool: Open for Sunbathing Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk, Closed on Tuesdays</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/November-Newsletter-164 Start the Fishing Season Off Right http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Start-the-Fishing-Season-Off-Right-146 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>We hope you are enjoying the fall boating season. To kick off the season we have a special offer for you: 40% off all fishing rods! (Limited time only.)&nbsp;Come in and get your premium rod today so you can start the fishing season off right.</p> <p>Also, as the year is coming to an end, we will need to have an updated copy of your boat insurance on file. If you do not have a current insurance form with us, we ask that you please send a copy to us in an email, or fax a copy to the marina. Please call the marina office with any questions or concerns.</p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Start-the-Fishing-Season-Off-Right-146 Take Advantage of Fall Days on the Water http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Take-Advantage-of-Fall-Days-on-the-Water-201 <p>Skipper’s Landing Boaters,</p> <p>With fall officially in full swing and winter on its way, it’s time to go ahead and schedule your winterization service. Be sure to take advantage of the winterization special below! Also, please note that our fall/winter hours are now in effect, but there is still time to come out and enjoy the lake before things cool off. Those taking advantage of these fall days on the water are experiencing perfect, mid-80s temperatures, low humidity, and a very calm and peaceful lake. For the kids and water sports enthusiasts, you will be happy to know that lake temperatures are still in the mid-70s. We hope to see you at the marina a few more times before putting your boat away for the winter!</p> <p>Dave Pagliughi, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Fall/Winter Marina Hours</strong></p> <p>Effective October 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013:</p> <ul> <li>Open Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM</li> <li>Closed Mondays and Tuesdays</li> </ul> <p><strong>Winterization Special</strong></p> <p>Call us on or before October 14th to schedule your winterization and receive $20.00 off your service! After this date, all winterizations scheduled will be at full price. Call us to schedule your service.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Take-Advantage-of-Fall-Days-on-the-Water-201 The Watch - October 2012 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-October-2012-176 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>Can you smell the fallen leaves yet? At last a break from the summer heat, but not a break from a full calendar of events. I am excited for my first Fall at the club! We have great events from the Haunted Harbor and Adult Costume Party to our monthly Wine Society night. I am sure you will find something you would enjoy. Did I forget to mention we will have a new menu October 11th? Starting this month we have decided to mix it up a bit and add some Fall Family flare. You can see a copy of the new menu, after its release, on our website.</p> <p>Thanks to all our members and the Fleet Committee for a successful and enjoyable and memorable summer!</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News - Swimming in the Marina</strong></p> <p>The boating season is over but I want to explain the importance of why you shouldn&rsquo;t swim in the marina. There is no better way to cool off than jumping in the water on a hot summer day after cleaning your boat. But doing so in the marina is not without risk and is not safe! Around the marina there are a lot of hidden dangers, sharp props, boats moving in and out of slips and most important the possibility of stray current. There have even been&nbsp;cases of people drowning in marinas that at first were unexplained but when traced back&nbsp;led to&nbsp;a type of electrocution, or&nbsp;electric shock drowning. When in doubt, stay out!</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>Ship&rsquo;s Store News</strong></p> <p>For the Month of October, take advantage of great savings on all your winterization needs. Enjoy 10%-30% off the following: engine winterizations, head treatments, anti-freeze, fuel stabilizer and more!</p> <p><strong>Be Prepared for Old Man Winter!</strong></p> <p>Take advantage of a free Winterization Workshop on October 20th from 10am-12pm&nbsp;and get all your questions answered about what and when to do all your winter time preparation. Remember, we live in an area that makes it very easy to be unprepared. Should you Winterize or not? What about bilge heaters? Plan to attend for a wealth of information on winter time preparation. Please register with Harry at <a href="mailto:hsmith@peninsulayacht.com">hsmith@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Accounting News</strong></p> <p>As a reminder, The Peninsula Yacht Club is able to automatically charge your credit card or debit cards for the balance of your monthly member statement. The process is simple and can be handled by simply filling out the &ldquo;Credit Card authorization Form&rdquo; from accounting and we will handle the rest. You will be sent your monthly statement from the accounting office via e-mail or US Mail (your choice) and your charges will be billed to the card on file within the last 5 days of the month. If a correction needs to be made, simply notify accounting immediately and we will take care of that correction before your card is charged. If you are interested, please contact Ellen Henderson, Club Accountant, at <a href="mailto:ehenderson@peninsulayacht.com">ehenderson@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Member Referral Grand Prize</strong></p> <p>Win a two night stay at the Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway Country Club! Everytime you give us a name of your friend, neigbor, co-worker, hairdresser, or even someone you just met, and they join the club, your name will be entered into a drawing for a two-night stay a the Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway! In addition, you will also receive a &ldquo;thank you&rdquo; credit on your account per member referral. Email or call the membership department with your referral&rsquo;s contact infomation.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Sunday Brunch: Sundays, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Commodores Hours: Fridays 6:00-7:30pm</li> <li>Fall &amp; Winter Dining Room &amp; Member&rsquo;s Lounge Hours: Starting October 1st</li> <li>Music in the Dining Room: Friday, October 5th, 6:30-9:30pm</li> <li>New Menu Release: Thursday, October 11th</li> <li>Wine Society: Thursday, October 18th, 6:30pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: The Lorax, Friday, October 12th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Leukemia Cup Regatta: Saturday, October 13th</li> <li>New Member Meet-n-Greet: Friday October 19th, 6-8pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Pirates Band of Misfits, Friday, October 26th, 6-9pm</li> <li>The Haunted Harbor: Saturday, October 27th, 4-9pm</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com/files/Oct2012NewsletterWeb.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the full issue.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-October-2012-176 Boating Season Isn’t Over Yet http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Boating-Season-Isnt-Over-Yet-150 <p>Eaton Ferry Boaters,</p> <p>As a reminder, our off-season hours will go into effect beginning Monday, October 1st. Our new hours will be Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Sundays and Mondays.</p> <p>Remember, boating season isn’t over yet. The great thing about fall is you don’t have to be out on the water until 9:00 PM to see a great sunset. The combination of stunning sunsets and beautiful fall colors means great fall boating. We look forward to seeing you again at the marina!</p> <p><strong>Winter Services</strong></p> <p>Don’t forget to give your boat a bath before putting it away for the winter. Morningstar Marinas offers a full line of detail and shrinkwrapping services. Schedule your detail or shrinkwrap by October 1st and receive 25% off the quoted price!</p> <p>And why not get a jump on scheduling for your boat winterization? Call Overby Marine at 252-586-3593 to schedule your winterization service.</p> <p>Already winterized your boat, but the weather looks pretty this weekend? Morningstar Marinas offers pontoon boat rentals all winter long. Storage customers will receive an additional discount off already discounted winter rates!</p> <p>Adam Keisler, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Eaton Ferry</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Boating-Season-Isnt-Over-Yet-150 October 2012 Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/October-2012-Newsletter-145 <p><strong>OCTOBER MARINA SPECIAL</strong><br />Free croakies with any Ship&rsquo;s Store purchase. Valid during October 2012. (Limit 1 per customer per month).</p> <p><strong>RHYC REFERRAL PROGRAM</strong><br />Start earning dollars today and make your marina experience at RHYC even better when you are boating and spending time with all your friends. All you need to do is refer a friend to RHYC, and once that friend signs an annual contract, your account will be credited $125. Easy money and more fun at RHYC! Stop by the marina for all the details.</p> <p><strong>FALL FOLIAGE ON THE RIVER</strong><br />Now that fall is showing her full color on the river, why not enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard one of our 22&rsquo; pontoons or our 16&rsquo; Carolina Skiff. Don&rsquo;t forget, Harbor Members receive a 20% discount, and Social Members receive a 10% discount on all rental boat rates. Rental rates do not include gas. Call the Marina to make your reservation.</p> <ul> <li>22&rsquo; Pontoons Capacity 8 people: $250 Half Day and $400 Full Day</li> <li>Carolina Skiff Capacity 3 people: $125 Half Day and $199 Full Day</li> </ul> <p><strong>LET RHYC HOST YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY</strong><br />The holidays are just around the corner and it&rsquo;s time to start planning your holiday party. Let us take care of everything and plan your event from start to finish. Chef Curtis will create a delicious menu for your upcoming neighborhood, office or organization&rsquo;s holiday party. From a simple cocktail gathering or a plated sit-down dinner, to a buffet complete with an assortment of sumptuous selections, RHYC can accommodate your group and create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Please contact Curtis or Christine at 843-235-6949 to start planning your event today. We look forward to creating an event which will be truly unforgettable!</p> <p><strong>AUTUMN HAPPY HOURS</strong><br />Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Sundays All Day</p> <p>Join us at the bar, fireplace patio or poolside for specially-priced longneck beers, house wine and well drinks. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s daily appetizer specials during Happy Hour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00-7:00 PM and all day on Sundays.</p> <p><strong>FOOTBALL SEASON FUN<br /></strong>Kick-off the season with friends, fans and college alumni as you cheer for your favorite college or pro football team at RHYC. Enjoy Chef Curtis&rsquo; weekend tailgate appetizers along with drink specials and free popcorn, chips and salsa during the games.</p> <p><strong>MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY</strong><br />Saturday, October 13th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM</p> <p>We are celebrating Member Appreciation Day with free chili, cheese, chips and salsa served on our cozy fireplace patio. Enjoy a free helping of Chef Curtis&rsquo; hot and hearty chili, then cool down with frosty draft beer pints for only $1.50. Bring the family and watch college football with your fellow members.</p> <p><strong>KIDS HALLOWEEN COSTUME &amp; PUMPKIN DECORATING PARTY</strong><br />Saturday, October 27th, 2:00 -4:00 PM</p> <p>Bring all the kids in their Halloween costumes and join the fun at RHYC. Decorate your own personal pumpkin, bob for apples and show off your best Halloween tricks while you enjoy Halloween treats, cupcakes and frightening fruit punch. Please RSVP by Friday, October 26th.</p> <p><strong>PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA!</strong><br />What could be more fun on a cool autumn evening than one of Chef Curtis&rsquo; delicioso pizzas? C&rsquo;mon down to RHYC and enjoy a fresh-made piping hot pizza or order one to go. Toppings include: mozzarella cheese, tangy pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, Canadian bacon, hickory-smoked bacon, mushrooms, peppers, onions and black olives. Additional toppings can be added to our select pizzas for $1.00 each.</p> <p><strong>FALL HOURS OF OPERATION</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse: Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM,Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM</li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM</li> <li>Pool: Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk</li> <li>Dates to Remember: The Club will close at 5:00 PM on Friday October 5th, Saturday October 6th, Friday October 19th and Saturday October 20th.</li> <li>Effective November 1st: Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store Open Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/October-2012-Newsletter-145 Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Boys-Girls-Club-Fundraiser-172 <p>Gwynn&rsquo;s Island Boaters,</p> <p>The proceeds from all boat washes scheduled this week will go directly to the <a href="http://www.bagclub.com/" target="_blank">Mathews Boys and Girls Club</a>. You get a clean boat and support the kids all at once! This is a great time to schedule your wash at only $2.50 per foot, a savings of $1.00 per foot. Don&rsquo;t put your boat away dirty. Make sure she is shined up and ready to go next spring. Please call the marina to schedule your discounted boat wash today. Thank you in advance for supporting the kids!</p> <p>Also, a reminder that our new hours are now in effect. The marina is open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily through the rest of the year.</p> <p>Lastly, winterize your boat early (by October 31st) and receive $25.00 off the price! Take advantage of this Early Bird Special and prepare your vessel for the colder weather. If your boating season has already concluded we can go ahead and complete your winterization at this time, or we can schedule your service for a later date of your choosing. Contact the marina to schedule your service!</p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynns Island</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Boys-Girls-Club-Fundraiser-172 Young Angler Reels in a 61 Lb. Black Drum http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Young-Angler-Reels-in-a-61-Lb.-Black-Drum-130 <p>When Tiffany Reynolds turned 9 years old and asked to go fishing for her birthday, she had no idea what was in store. This young angler ended up catching a 61 pound, 46&rdquo; Black Drum! The fish was quite a task to reel in as Tiffany&nbsp;only weighs 60 pounds herself. With the help of her Dad,&nbsp;the fish was pulled in to the boat, and Tiffany was all smiles with the attention she received when she&nbsp;returned to the marina with her catch!</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Young-Angler-Reels-in-a-61-Lb.-Black-Drum-130 The Watch - September 2012 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-September-2012-177 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>Summer is almost over and so is summer camp. I would like to take this time to thank Marty, the camp counselors, and lifeguards, for a fantastic summer camp season. I believe it was a huge success because of all of their hard work. Parents that allowed us to teach and have fun with your kids, thank you! I look forward to an even better camp next year!</p> <p>September is a popular month for outdoor dining at the club. We stress the importance of making reservations for lunch and/or dinner and whether you prefer to dine inside or on the veranda. By properly preparing for your arrival we can anticipate certain needs you and your guests may have. Below are tips for problem-free reservations that will ensure your table is waiting for you.</p> <ul> <li>Call the club for dining reservations, even if you are already on your way to the club</li> <li>Give your name, member number, reservation time, and the number of people in your party</li> <li>Be sure to include guests and chidren in your count</li> <li>Inform us on any special request you may have including outside or inside preference</li> </ul> <p>Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the club.</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News - Boating Etiquette</strong></p> <p>Boating on Lake Norman can be fun but also challenging at times. We all, as boaters, need to remember how important it is to be aware of and have respect for other boaters. Staying observant could help avoid accidents!</p> <p>There are a number of different types of boats and it&rsquo;s very important to remember the importance of boat etiquette and&nbsp;safety. <a href="http://www.boatus.com/foundation/guide/navigation_2.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn about the “rules of the road” courtesy of BoatUS.com.</p> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>The 20th Anniversary of the Peninsula Cup Regatta Weekend: September 14-16th</strong></p> <p>The premier regatta on Lake Norman, and one of the few regattas that always has a Cruising Division. The competition in the Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Divisions is intense, but the Cruising Division is a great way to race even if your boat is not in racing trim. If you are a novice racer, this is the perfect opportunity to experience a first class sailing event. The PYC Fleet Committee cordially invites you to join them on YACHTA, YACHTA, YACHTA to enjoy watching the Saturday races. There will be a cruise for the morning and afternoon races.</p> <p><strong>Ship&rsquo;s Store News</strong></p> <p>To make way for new fall merchandise, check out the&nbsp;Ship&rsquo;s Store for great savings on 2012 summer merchandise!&nbsp;Select items are&nbsp;10-40% off! Remember, our marine products are affordable and comparable to West Marine.</p> <p><strong>Pool News</strong></p> <p>We&nbsp;would like to&nbsp;thank Ollie Smithers for&nbsp;her hard work this summer. Ollie is an Appalachian State University student who for many years has worked as a life guard here at&nbsp;Peninsula Yacht Club. This summer she stepped up as Head Life Guard and Swim Instructor, helping to make this summer a success. Thanks again Ollie for all your hard work!</p> <p><strong>A Note from Ollie Smithers</strong></p> <p>Special thanks to all of our Swim Club participants this year! We had a great year with great swimmers. Come out next year for the team if you can. Thanks for everyone who came out to the Saturday morning meets and cheered on the swimmers. You all&nbsp;improved over the summer and did a great job!</p> <ul> <li>Sharks: Alana Guerry, Austin Blitstein, Brittany Blitstein, Colette Sparks, Gabby Dupont, Grace Rainey, Hayley Sottosanti, Jack Martel, Lexi Whiteside, Lydia Sparks, Madeline Pagliughi, and Morgan Brian.</li> <li>Minnows: Chloe Dupont, Emily Guerry, Jackson Krupinski, John Poleck, Jonathan Alessi, Peyton Turner, Reagan Rainey, Sean Confoy and Taylor Blitstein.</li> <li>Guppies: Adam Sparks, Ethan Lott, Harlow Krupinski, Jake Plyler, Mariah Reid, Matthew Dupont, Nina Whiteside, Seth Yaekel, Sloan Turner, and Stephanie Poleck.</li> </ul> <p>Ollie Smithers, Head Life Guard/Swim Instructor</p> <p><strong>Summer Camp 2012</strong></p> <p>Kids camp at PYC this year was the most attended in recent memory. For some, it was the first experience of life on the water and sailing. For others, it was another action-packed summer that brought friends together at the club. The membership should be commended on the amount of non-member campers we opened our docks up to. Many of whom are not from the immediate area or even the Carolinas. Our program is growing each year! The campers have fun with our staff imparting lessons on and off the water. Thank you to all of our campers for a great summer!</p> <p>Marty Wyss, Summer Camp Director</p> <p><strong>Member Dining Rewards</strong></p> <p>In an effort to provide more value for our members, we offer a Member Dining and Reward Program. Ask any of our Dining Room Managers and they will be happy to issue you a card for both Lunch and Dinner rewards and tell you all about the program.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>1/2 Price Wednesdays: Wednesday Nights</li> <li>Sunday Brunch: Sundays, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Commodores Hours: Fridays 6:00-7:30pm</li> <li>Low Country Oyster Roast: Saturday, September 15th, 6-10:00 pm</li> <li>Wine Society: Thursday, September 20th, 6:30pm</li> <li>Trivia Night: Saturday, Sept 22nd, 8pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Labor Day Picnic: Monday, September 3rd, 11am-3pm</li> <li>First Friday Race Series: Friday, September 7th</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back, Friday, September 7th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Phineas and Ferb The Movie, Friday, September 21st, 6-9pm</li> <li>The Haunted Harbor: Saturday, October 27th, 4-9pm</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com/files/Sept2012Newsletter.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the full issue.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-September-2012-177 Labor Day Cookout, Ship’s Store Sale & New Hours http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Labor-Day-Cookout-Ships-Store-Sale-New-Hours-134 <p>Skipper’s Landing Boaters,</p> <p>It is hard to believe that summer is already coming to an end, and days on the lake will soon be replaced by school activities, fall sports, family gatherings and holidays. It has been a very busy summer here at the marina and we hope you have enjoyed your many times out on the water. We would like to thank you for your business and for your loyalty. We work hard to give you a first class experience and a top notch facility, but at the end of the day, it is you, the customer, who makes this such a special place. So once again, we thank you.</p> <p>Labor Day weekend is here and it is shaping up to be beautiful weather. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80&rsquo;s with partly cloudy skies.</p> <p>We are celebrating the holiday weekend with a cookout on Sunday. We will be cooking up hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, so be sure to stop by the grill to grab a bite before heading out on the water. Come on out and enjoy one of the last summer weekends on the water. We hope to see you here!</p> <p>Dave Pagliughi, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Weekend Forecast Courtesy of Steve Udelson</strong></p> <p>The “unofficial” end of summer will clearly feel like a typical summer weekend. Moisture from what was Hurricane Isaac makes a run at us but don’t worry; this will only mean late day thunderstorms will dot the Carolinas through Labor Day. Afternoon highs will touch 90 or so before the scattered storms roll in. Winds will average 5-10 mph and lake water temperatures are in the mid 80s.</p> <p><em>Forecast courtesy of Steve Udelson, Chief Meteorologist from WSOC-TV and Morningstar Boater.</em></p> <p><strong>Marina Hours</strong></p> <p>Labor Day Weekend Hours:</p> <ul> <li>Friday through Sunday - Open 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM</li> <li>Monday (Labor Day) - Open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM</li> </ul> <p>Fall Hours Beginning Tuesday, September 4th:</p> <ul> <li>Monday through Friday&nbsp;- Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM</li> <li>Saturday and Sunday&nbsp;- Open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ship’s Store Sale</strong></p> <p>To celebrate this holiday weekend, everything in our Ship&rsquo;s Store will be marked down 15%! There are several tubes left in stock, as well as some life jackets, miscellaneous hardware for your boat and cleaning supplies. (This offer excludes fuel, food, drinks and ice.)&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Pontoon Boats For Sale</strong></p> <p>In the market for a pontoon boat? We have two previous rental boats that are now for sale. Call us at the office or stop by for more information!</p> <p>2005 Bennington 257L</p> <ul> <li>25&rsquo; LOA</li> <li>12 Person Capacity</li> <li>Repowered in 2008 &ndash; Evinrude 90 HP E-Tec</li> <li>All New Upholstery in 2010</li> <li>Bimini Top</li> <li>AM/ FM Stereo/ CD Player with Auxiliary Inputs</li> </ul> <p>1999 Sun Tracker 21&rsquo; Party Barge</p> <ul> <li>21&rsquo; LOA</li> <li>12 Person Capacity</li> <li>Repowered in 2011 &ndash; Mercury 60HP EFI Bigfoot 4-stroke</li> <li>All New Upholstery in 2010</li> <li>Bimini Top</li> <li>Brand New Sony Stereo with AM/FM CD and Auxiliary Inputs</li> </ul> <p><strong>Winterization Special</strong></p> <p>It is hard to believe, but it is already time to start thinking about your winterization. To help us plan ahead, we are offering a special incentive of $40.00 off your winterization if you place your service order before September 15th. Call us today at&nbsp;704-508-4730 to schedule your service.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Labor-Day-Cookout-Ships-Store-Sale-New-Hours-134 There’s Still Time http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Theres-Still-Time-158 <p>Golden Isle Boaters,</p> <p>I know we have all been keeping an eye on Hurricane Isaac and although we are in the clear on St. Simons Island, I would ask that we keep those who have been affected in our thoughts throughout the coming days.&nbsp; Ironically enough, Memorial Day weekend was a wash out this year with the affects of tropical storm Beryl, but it looks like Labor Day Weekend weather is expected to be outstanding!&nbsp;Weather will be in the low to mid 80&rsquo;s, with 5-10 mph winds and only a 20 percent chance of rain.&nbsp; Doesn&rsquo;t get much better than that, so let&rsquo;s take advantage of this long weekend and get out on the water!</p> <p><strong>Thank you!</strong></p> <p>I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their understanding regarding the limited dry storage launch hours and days throughout the past weekend due to the Golden Isles Kingfish Classic.&nbsp;However, we did utilize this opportunity to take care of some maintenance items on the forklift so as to minimize any additional downtime on the lift in the future!</p> <p><strong>Fuel Coupon</strong></p> <p>With the upcoming holiday weekend upon us, along with the projected rising fuel cost due to Hurricane Isaac shutting down oil rigs in the gulf, we would like to offer all of our members $0.10/gallon off on fuel Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday &amp; Monday).&nbsp;The weather is expected to be excellent so we want to help eliminate any reason you may try to find to not take full advantage of getting out on the water for an enjoyable and memorable Labor Day. Please present this coupon to guarantee your discount.</p> <p><strong>There’s Still Time…</strong></p> <p>I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer boating season but the beauty of living in sunny southeast coastal Georgia is that we have a good portion of our boating season still in front of us!&nbsp;As a result, if you have been considering getting your bottom painted, boat washed, waxed, detailed, etc.; let us write up a quote to help you maintain your boat to the level you expect and allowing you to fully enjoy your boat to it’s fullest potential.</p> <p><strong>Happy Labor Day!</strong></p> <p>Lastly, if there is anything I can do for you my door is always open so please do not hesitate to contact me personally at any time. Thank you again for being a part of Morningstar Marinas at Golden Isles as we wish you a safe and memorable Labor Day weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Theres-Still-Time-158 Labor Day Weekend http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Labor-Day-Weekend-149 <p>Eaton Ferry Boaters,</p> <p>It is hard to believe that my first summer on Lake Gaston has come and gone! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and thank all of you for allowing Morningstar Marinas to be an integral part of your summer.&nbsp;</p> <p>This boating season has seen several improvements to the marina, including the addition of the new bathrooms. Work has already started on other improvements that will continue to ensure that Morningstar&nbsp;is the premier facility on Lake Gaston.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are expecting beautiful weather this weekend on the lake. Come see us and let us make your Labor Day weekend a memorable one!</p> <p><strong>End of Season Sale!</strong></p> <p>Be sure to stop in this Saturday and Sunday - September 1st and 2nd to receive 15% off anything in the Ship Store! (This offer excludes gas and oil.)</p> <p><strong>Fall Hours (Beginning Tuesday September 4th):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Tuesday through Friday &ndash; 9:00am-5:00pm</li> <li>Saturday through Sunday &ndash; 8:30am-6:00pm</li> <li>Closed Monday&rsquo;s</li> </ul> <p><strong>Winterization Services</strong></p> <p>Want to give your boat a bath before putting it up for winter?&nbsp; Want to keep it clean while it is stored for winter?&nbsp; If your answer is yes, then Morningstar Marinas offers a full line of detail and shrinkwrapping services.&nbsp; Schedule your detail or shrinkwrap by October 1st and receive 25% off the quoted price!</p> <p>Get an early jump on scheduling to have your boat winterized.&nbsp; Call Overby Marine at 252-586-3593 to schedule your winterization services.</p> <p>Already winterized your boat, but the weather looks pretty this weekend? Morningstar Marinas offers pontoon boats for rent all winter long. Marina storage customers receive an additional discount off already discounted winter rates!</p> <p>Adam Keisler, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Eaton Ferry</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Labor-Day-Weekend-149 Enjoy Free Steamed Crabs This Weekend! http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Enjoy-Free-Steamed-Crabs-This-Weekend-171 <p>Gwynn&rsquo;s Island Boaters,</p> <p>In addition to the sun and water tempting you out this Labor Day weekend, we will also be having FREE steamed crabs on Saturday afternoon!&nbsp;Steaming is set for 2:00pm which will be just in time as you return from the water - so be sure to stop by and join us to celebrate!</p> <p><strong>4th Annual Boy’s and Girl’s Club Visit</strong></p> <p>This past week we had the <a href="http://www.bagclub.com/" target="_blank">Boys and Girls Club</a> here for three consecutive days - totaling 60 kids!&nbsp; We taught them how to fish and for some of them it was even their first time fishing! We caught over 50 fish off the dock with our dockhands untangling the lines and getting the fish off the hook for the kids. We had hot dogs on the grill, popsicles, and even a water balloon fight. The kids and employees all had a great time. This is our 4th year hosting the kids here at the marina. I&rsquo;d like to say THANK YOU to all of our customers who donated their new or used fishing poles to this event. Without all the donations we wouldn&rsquo;t be able to have as many kids as we do.</p> <p><strong>Boat Wash Special/Donation</strong></p> <p>Mark your calendars for the end of September! We will be having a boat wash special for only $1.50 per foot. The washes will be done by the teenagers at the Mathews Boys and Girls Club and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the club. This event will be held the last two Saturdays of September.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t worry if you are not going to be able to come out in person, you can schedule your cleaning today by calling Tina at the office (804-725-9343) and then mailing in a check for the amount to cover the length of your boat ($1.50 per foot). Checks can be written out to Mathews Boys and Girls Club. Thank you all in advance for supporting the kids!</p> <p><strong>Marina Hours</strong></p> <p>Labor Day weekend will be our last weekend with extended hours.&nbsp; Starting September 4th we will return to opening at 8:00am and closing at 5:00pm Sunday through Saturday.</p> <p><strong>Rockfish Tournament</strong></p> <p>Don&rsquo;t forget - the Rockfish tournament will be held in December this year. So get out and practice starting in early October when Rockfish season starts.</p> <p><strong>Well Wishes!</strong></p> <p>Lastly, but certainly not least, we&rsquo;d like to say goodbye to Daniel Mitchem. He has been here to help with docking your boat and fuel sales for two years now. Daniel will be gone after Labor Day and moving on to a career at the Newport News Shipyard. His fun personality will be greatly missed around the marina, but we wish him all the luck and hope to see him often in the future!</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynns Island</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Enjoy-Free-Steamed-Crabs-This-Weekend-171 Thanks for Another Great Summer http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Thanks-for-Another-Great-Summer-144 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>There is good news for anyone who missed boating last weekend. It looks like another great Saturday and unday to be out on the water! The weather will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 80s. Don&rsquo;t miss the last official weekend of summer. Come enjoy some time on the water with family and friends. Please remember to call an hour in advance to have your boat launched without any delays.</p> <p><strong>Labor Day Cookout</strong></p> <p>We will&nbsp;host an end of year customer/employee appreciation cookout on Labor Day. So don&rsquo;t forget to stop by the patio for some good food and cold drinks. We will start up the grill around noon and go until the food runs out!</p> <p><strong>Fishing Rod Sale</strong></p> <p>If you feel like getting somebody special a present or just looking to buy yourself something (you deserve it!), the Ship’s Store will be offering a 30% discount off all fishing rods. We carry premium <a href="http://www.stcroixrods.com/" target="_blank">St. Croix</a> and <a href="http://www.winstonrods.com/" target="_blank">R.L. Winston</a> rods.</p> <p><strong>Change in Hours of Operation</strong></p> <p>A&nbsp;reminder that our hours of operation will change after Labor Day. Beginning Tuesday, September 4th we will be operating 8:00-5:00pm Monday-Friday, and 8:00-6:00pm Saturday-Sunday.</p> <p><strong>Reminder: Crabbing for Charity&nbsp;Tournament September 15th</strong></p> <p>Don&rsquo;t forget, Bahia Bleu will host the 8th Annual Crabbing for Charity Tournament on Saturday, September 15th. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food, music and games with your fellow boaters. Awards will be given for the heaviest dozen crabs, and all proceeds will be donated to the charity of the winner&rsquo;s choice.</p> <p>Registration is 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, and weigh-in is from 3:00-5:00 PM. Awards will be given at 5:00 PM while a low country crab boil is enjoyed by all. Hot dogs and hamburgers will also be provided along with entertainment for kids and adults.</p> <p>Contact the marina for more information, or contact Michelle Bazemore at 912-897-6532.</p> <p><strong>And Last, But Certainly Not Least…</strong></p> <p>…from all of us at Bahia Bleu, thanks for another great summer! See you on the water!</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Thanks-for-Another-Great-Summer-144 Are You Ready to Take the Plunge Into Boat Ownership? http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Are-You-Ready-to-Take-the-Plunge-Into-Boat-Ownership-121 <p>Still not sure if you are ready to take the plunge into boat ownership?&nbsp;Boating is more affordable than you might&nbsp;think. Check out this <a href="http://www.discoverboating.com/buying/financing/loancalculator-clean.aspx" target="_blank">boat loan calculator</a> courtesy of Discover Boating to determine how much in total price you can afford.</p> <p>Check out <a href="http://www.growboating.org/" target="_blank">growboating.org</a> for more boating tools!</p> Tips http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Are-You-Ready-to-Take-the-Plunge-Into-Boat-Ownership-121 Bilge Cleaning & Water Conservation http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Bilge-Cleaning-Water-Conservation-157 <p>Golden Isle Boaters,</p> <p>Rain rain, go away, come again some other day. Well, it has been a wet couple of weeks, and I know we could all use a little sunshine, but honestly, we can&rsquo;t really complain considering the drought conditions throughout the rest of the country. It looks like the weather is expected to improve this weekend, so for those of you on the fence as to whether or not you are going to fish the Golden Isles Kingfish Classic, it&rsquo;s time to get off the fence and get out and fish.</p> <p><strong>Forklift Maintenance</strong></p> <p>In an effort to keep our forklift in top working condition, we will be replacing the hydraulic fluid in our forklift on the morning of Friday, August 24th. We apologize for any inconvenience.</p> <p><strong>Rack Storage Reminder</strong></p> <p>As a reminder, the rack storage docks will be utilized exclusively for the tournament on Thursday, August 23rd and Friday, August 24th, but will be available again starting Saturday, August 25th. For those not fishing in the tournament but wishing to use your boat on these two days, please remember all rack storage boats will need to be out of the water no later than 2:00 PM on the 23rd &amp; 24th. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience.</p> <p><strong>Bilge Cleaning</strong></p> <p>I know we all take the preservation of the Golden Isles seriously, and in turn I ask that everyone take a look at your bilge; if it needs to be cleaned, please do so in a safe and environmentally-friendly fashion. Bilges need to run periodically, but when they do, we need to make sure we are acting as good stewards of our waterways and doing everything we can to prevent pollutants going overboard. If you have any questions as to best practices for cleaning your bilge, please do not hesitate to contact the Marina Office.</p> <p><strong>Water Conservation</strong></p> <p>One final note, as mentioned above, the majority of the country is experiencing major drought conditions, and whether we want to believe it or not, fresh water is a precious resource. That being said, I ask that everyone be conscious when using water throughout the marina. Please make sure you turn the faucet off behind you. If your dock hose is leaking, it may be time to replace the gasket and/or potentially the hose. There is no need for a hose to continually leak and/or spray water due to its deteriorating condition. If you see a hose bib that is leaking, please notify the marina office so we can repair it immediately. We need not waste this precious resource.</p> <p>On behalf of myself and the rest of the Morningstar Marinas organization, I would like to thank you for being a part of the Morningstar family. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend on the water.</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Bilge-Cleaning-Water-Conservation-157 Mathews Heritage Day http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Mathews-Heritage-Day-170 <p>Gwynn&rsquo;s Island Boaters,</p> <p>This weekend be sure to come to the marina and see the 63&rsquo; log boat (one of the last in existence) and some homemade wooden boats. We will be celebrating Mathews Heritage Day from 11:00am - 4:00pm on Saturday. There will be live music and free food served by the Mathews Lions Club.</p> <p>Remember, all Morningstar gear is marked down in the office, so you will want to take advantage of this sale while supplies last. Morningstar Tervis Tumblers are buy one get one half off, and many more items are discounted.</p> <p>We look forward to seeing you at the marina!</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Gwynns Island</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Mathews-Heritage-Day-170 20% Discount on Marine Accessories http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/20-Discount-on-Marine-Accessories-143 <p><strong>Weekend Promotion!</strong></p> <p>With just one more weekend before August comes to a close, be sure to come by to enjoy the beautiful 80 degree and sunny weather we are expecting this weekend. Also, you will receive a 20% discount on all marine accessories while you&rsquo;re here! It’s sure to be a fun time on the water before the kids have to start back up at school.</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/20-Discount-on-Marine-Accessories-143 September Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/September-Newsletter-118 <p><strong>SEPTEMBER MARINA SPECIAL</strong></p> <p>20% Off Any Ship&rsquo;s Store Purchase (Excluding fuel). Valid during September 2012 (Limit 1 per customer per month).</p> <p><strong>RHYC REFERRAL PROGRAM</strong></p> <p>Start earning dollars today and make your marina experience at RHYC even better when you are boating and spending time with all your friends. All you need to do is refer a friend to RHYC, and once that friend signs an annual contract, your account will be credited $125. Easy money and more fun at RHYC! Stop by the marina for all the details.</p> <p><strong>NEW! PEAK PERFORMANCE AND INSTRUMENT CHECK</strong></p> <p>RHYC now offers its members a monthly service program to ensure that your boat is in top running condition when you are ready to go boating. Every month we will launch your boat, check all instrumentation, run the engine, check all fluids and battery charge. Our Captains will take the boat out on the waterway and give her a test run to ensure proper engine performance, instrument function and boat handling. Once all checks are complete, we will call to update you on her performance and make any recommendations to keep your boat in tip-top running condition. Our Performance and Instrument Check Program starts at $29 per month, so call Mitch and Cliff today to set up your monthly program and enjoy peace of mind in knowing your boat is ready to go when you are.</p> <p><strong>SIGNATURE TERVIS TUMBLERS</strong></p> <p>Quickly becoming the coolest accessory on the waterway, get your RHYC Tervis Tumbler today as supplies are limited. Our tumblers are $19.95 each or two for $35.00 (cost includes a blue spill-resistant lid).</p> <p><strong>RENTAL BOATS</strong></p> <p>Now that summer is over, enjoy a relaxing fall cruise on the river aboard one of our 22&rsquo; pontoons or our 16&rsquo; Carolina Skiff. Don&rsquo;t forget, Harbor Members receive a 20% discount, and Social Members receive a 10% discount on all rental boat rates. Rental rates do not include gas. Call the Marina to make your reservation.</p> <ul> <li>22&rsquo; Pontoons Capacity 8 people: $250 Half Day and $400 Full Day</li> <li>Carolina Skiff Capacity 3 people: $125 Half Day and $199 Full Day</li> </ul> <p><strong>LABOR DAY PARTY WITH CARIBBEAN STEEL DRUMS BY THE POOL - NEW DATE!</strong><br />Saturday, September 1st, 4:30 - 7:30 PM</p> <p>Join us poolside at RHYC and celebrate Labor Day with a touch of the islands featuring steel drum favorites performed by Tim Peterman and Pan Fusion. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s sumptuous Labor Day specials along with our popular adult and kid&rsquo;s menus as you relax by the pool. Whatever your pleasure, the music will be up-beat and entertaining while you enjoy poolside fun!</p> <p><strong>AUTUMN HAPPY HOURS</strong><br />Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Sundays All Day</p> <p>Join us at the bar, fireplace patio or poolside for specially-priced longneck beers, house wine and well drinks. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s daily appetizer specials during Happy Hour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00-7:00 PM and all day on Sundays beginning September 13th.</p> <p><strong>FOOTBALL SEASON FUN</strong></p> <p>Kick-off the season with friends, fans and college alumni as you cheer for your favorite college or pro football team at RHYC. Enjoy Chef Curtis&rsquo; weekend tailgate appetizers along with drink specials and free popcorn, chips and salsa during the games.</p> <p><strong>MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY</strong><br />Saturday, October 13th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM</p> <p>We are celebrating Member Appreciation Day with free chili, cheese, chips and salsa served on our cozy fireplace patio. Enjoy a free helping of Chef Curtis&rsquo; hot and hearty chili, then cool down with frosty draft beer pints for only $1.50. Bring the family and watch college football with your fellow members.</p> <p><strong>KIDS HALLOWEEN COSTUME &amp; PUMPKIN DECORATING PARTY</strong><br />Saturday, October 27th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM</p> <p>Bring all the kids in their Halloween costumes and join the fun at RHYC. Decorate your own personal pumpkin, bob for apples and show off your best Halloween tricks while you enjoy Halloween treats, cupcakes and frightening fruit punch. Please RSVP by Friday, October 26th.</p> <p><strong>NEW FALL HOURS OF OPERATION - EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 10TH</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse Thursday-Saturday Noon - 9:00 PM,Sundays Noon - 8:00 PM</li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM</li> <li>Pool Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Sunday 9:00 AM - Dusk</li> <li>Dates to Remember The Club will close at 5:00 PM on Friday September 14th, Saturday September 15th, Friday October 5th, Saturday October 6th, Friday October 19th and Saturday October 20th.</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/September-Newsletter-118 Photo Scavenger Hunt http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Photo-Scavenger-Hunt-129 <p>Kings Point Boaters,</p> <p>In honor of school starting, we are going to give out your first homework assignment- Kings Point’s&nbsp;photo scavenger hunt! This is the best homework ever because there will be&nbsp;cash prizes. You may submit your photos to <a href="mailto:kingspoint@morningstarmarinas.com">kingspoint@morningstarmarinas.com</a> until the CMS school year officially begins on Monday, August 27th. The winner will have one photo for each category, and will be chosen by avid photographer and Kings Point General Manager,&nbsp;Bill Young.</p> <p><em>Prizes</em>:</p> <ul> <li>First Place: $100 in store credit good for anything from gas to rent</li> <li>Second Place: $50 in store credit</li> <li>Third Place: $25 in store credit</li> </ul> <p><em>Categories</em>:</p> <ul> <li>People having a good time at Kings Point! </li> <li>Boat picture </li> <li>Lake sunrise or sunset </li> <li>Picture of your favorite lake activity (skiing, wakeboarding, enjoying beverages, etc.)</li> <li>Animal enjoying lake (dog, fish, bird, etc.)</li> </ul> <p>So ready, set, go! You have plenty of time to snap some winning photos from your favorite spots on Lake Norman. Get out there and enjoy before it&rsquo;s time for the kids to sharpen their pencils and head back to school!</p> <p>Bill Young, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Fueling</strong></p> <p>We have noticed and have had reports of members carrying gas cans onto their boats. We want to remind everyone that there should be absolutely no fueling of boats at your dock. The practice itself is unsafe for the marina and your fellow marina members. In addition, we wanted to make sure our members are aware of the harmful effects of ethanol gas on all boat engines. When ethanol reacts with boat fuel tanks and the water almost always present in them, it creates an engine-clogging sludge that will damage fuel filters, carburetors, hoses, and can even ruin your engine. Here at Kings Point, we offer only non-ethanol fuel to protect your boat.</p> <p><strong>Sailboat Assistance</strong></p> <p>Sailboat Owners- Tuesday through Thursday we are happy to assist you if you need to access your mast.</p> <p><strong>Dry Stack Member Reminder</strong></p> <p>Please remember that bimini poles need to be secured when returning your boat to the dry stack. The forklift driver cannot see the starboard side of the boat.</p> <p><strong>Closing Boats</strong></p> <p>Just a reminder that we are not able to run the fork lift during lightning. This can affect when we are able to put out closing boats at the end of the night. Due to the frequent afternoon/evening thunderstorms recently at the marina, it is recommended to call in your closing boat earlier in the day. This will assure that we can get you put into the water before we close (or have to stop the lift for the evening).</p> <p><strong>Weekend Forecast Courtesy of Steve Udelson</strong></p> <p>As a cold front sits on top of us and essentially washes out over the weekend, we will need to keep an eye to the sky for showers and thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday. Afternoon highs both days will be held to the mid to upper 80s with morning lows in the upper 60s. Winds may be gusty around any thunderstorms, so boaters should watch carefully for darkening clouds.</p> <p><em>Forecast courtesy of Steve Udelson, Chief Meteorologist from WSOC-TV and Morningstar Boater.</em></p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Photo-Scavenger-Hunt-129 Cookout August 18th http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Cookout-August-18th-133 <p>Skipper’s Landing Boaters,<br />&nbsp;<br />We are cooking out on Saturday August 18th from 11:00am to 2:00pm with all the favorites - hamburgers, hot dogs and some heavy hors d&rsquo;oeuvres. So come on out and join us for one of the last few weekends of summer!</p> <p>We look forward to seeing you at the marina!</p> <p>Dave Pagliughi, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Weekend Forecast Courtesy of Steve Udelson</strong></p> <p>We are finally getting a break from the heat! As a cold front sits on top of us and essentially washes out over the weekend, we will need to keep an eye to the sky for showers and thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday. Afternoon highs both days will be held to the mid to upper 80s with morning lows in the upper 60s. Winds may be gusty around any thunderstorms, so boaters should watch carefully for darkening clouds.</p> <p><em>Forecast courtesy of Steve Udelson, Chief Meteorologist from WSOC-TV and Morningstar Boater.</em></p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Cookout-August-18th-133 Tarpon Tournament Results http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Tarpon-Tournament-Results-156 <p>Golden Isles Boaters,</p> <p>I want to thank all of you who participated in the 3rd Annual St. Simons Island Tarpon Tournament. We had a great turn out, fun-filled awards banquet with food, drink, music and even a birthday celebration. So, for those of you who missed the tournament this year, we expect to see you at the 4th Annual Tournament next year. Tournament results are as follows:</p> <ul> <li>1st Place: Captain Mark Noble, Anglers - Bill Bowers, Richard Gerewer, and John Middleton</li> <li>2nd Place: Captain TJ Ryan, Anglers - David Reddick, Jacob Lucius, and Adam Hendon</li> <li>3rd Place: Captain Skip Evans, Anglers - Chip Evans, Rawls, Mitchell and Chris</li> <li>Top Angler: Bill Bowers</li> </ul> <p><strong>Golden Isles Kingfish Classic</strong></p> <p>Remember that the Golden Isles Kingfish Classic (GIKC) is coming up next weekend (Thurs August 23rd through Saturday August 25th) and in turn, the Dry Storage Rack docks will be reserved for tournament boats only on the 23rd &amp; 24th.&nbsp; We apologize for any inconvenience, but all rack storage boats not fishing the tournament will need to be out of the water no later than 3:00pm on Thursday August 23rd and Friday August 24th.&nbsp; The docks will be re-opened on Saturday for all to enjoy.&nbsp; Again, we greatly appreciate your understanding throughout the tournament dates.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Weekend Promotion</strong></p> <p>Bring a copy of this coupon to the dock office Friday, August 17th through Sunday, August 19th and receive $0.10/gallon off your fuel purchase!</p> <p>I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend on the water.</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Tarpon-Tournament-Results-156 Ice Cream Giveaway http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Ice-Cream-Giveaway-142 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>Don’t let the 40% chance of thunderstorms deter you from stopping by the marina this weekend! We will be having an ice cream giveaway - when you buy one ice cream get a second ice cream of equal value free! Temperatures will be in the high 80’s so come on down and cool off with us for one of the last few weekends of summer!<br />&nbsp;<br />Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> <p><strong>Fly Fishing Seminar</strong></p> <p>Mark it on your calendars! Morningstar Marinas, Bahia Bleu Marina, and Captain Jack McGowan/Coastal River Charters are hosting a Fly Fishing Seminar on August 20th, 2012 at 6:30pm. This introduction to Inshore Fly Fishing will cover:</p> <ul> <li>Rods, reels, lines and leaders - getting the right tackle for the fish you are after!</li> <li>Proven fly patterns</li> <li>How to rig your rod</li> <li>Casting - How to develop a consistent cast plus providing additional time to participants&rsquo; to practice what they are learning!</li> </ul> <p>When it&rsquo;s all put together, the questions of what to look for, how to select the water you are going to fish, and the hook set - fighting your fish, will be answered!</p> <p>Fish on!</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Ice-Cream-Giveaway-142 Launch Basin Refresher & Happy 40th Bill! http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Launch-Basin-Refresher-Happy-40th-Bill-128 <p>Kings Point Boaters,</p> <p>School is almost here, not only will it be harder to use your boat, but many of the Kings Point Staff will be leaving us for the summer. In order to prepare for school, here is the end of summer assignment:&nbsp; Come out to the marina and have a great time on the lake!</p> <p>This Saturday and Sunday, we&rsquo;ll be having a clearance sale on the fenders in stock - 15% off! Come check out our inventory!<br />&nbsp;<br />Bill Young, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Launch Basin Refresher</strong></p> <p>With all of our new members this summer, we wanted to remind all of our customers of the launch and return procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you ever have questions we will walk the dock with you and answer all of your questions.</p> <p>Looking at the docks from the tarmac, we have two docks:&nbsp; the one on the left that is attached to the gas hutch is our LAUNCH DOCK (it is straight); the one on the right is our RETURN DOCK (it has an angle).</p> <p><em>LAUNCH DOCK </em>- There are two sides to the launch dock and you can be launched on either side when it is really busy (this is why we ask all customers to have four lines on their boat).&nbsp; If your entire party is not here or you think it will take some time before you leave the launch area ask to be put on the “HOLDING SIDE” this is the left side of the launch dock.&nbsp; You can take as long as you need on the holding side.&nbsp; The holding side is also where you can park your boat at night if you are going to use it again the next day.&nbsp;&nbsp; Boats parked on the holding side WILL NOT be put away the following morning.&nbsp; If the holding side is full and you want to be left out, try to park as far out on the return dock as possible and leave your bimini top up and your outdrive down.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><em>RETURN DOCK </em>- when you are done using your boat or are bringing your boat around for service or to use the work racks, the boat is to be docked on the RETURN DOCK.&nbsp; Always try to dock on the left side of the return dock (inside), as we are then able to launch and retrieve boats at the same time.&nbsp; The boat should be docked with the stern or motor towards the bulkhead, the outdrive needs to be in the trailer position (fully raised) with the bimini in the lowered position.&nbsp; A good rule of thumb is to make sure everything is below the windsheild, and within the rubrail of your boat (bimini poles should be secured). During busy periods, dock towards the end of the RETURN DOCK to allow us to lift boats up that are covered and ready for storage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Weekend Forecast Courtesy of Steve Udelson</strong></p> <p>A cold front will finally push through this weekend with Saturday being the big question mark. There is no doubt the better boating day will be Sunday with lots of sun, lower humidity and highs in the upper 80s. Saturday will start unsettled with showers, and we will see the rain chance drop through the afternoon. I would say if we catch a break Saturday, by later in the afternoon we should dry out but you should keep an eye on the radar to see how quickly the showers push out. Highs Saturday afternoon will reach the mid 80s.</p> <p><em>Forecast courtesy of Steve Udelson, Chief Meteorologist from WSOC-TV and Morningstar Boater.</em></p> <p><strong>Happy 40th Bill!</strong></p> <p>We also don’t want to forget to wish Bill (Forever) Young a Happy 40th Birthday from all the Kings Point staff and members.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Launch-Basin-Refresher-Happy-40th-Bill-128 Three More Weekends until Labor Day! http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Three-More-Weekends-until-Labor-Day-169 <p>Gwynn&rsquo;s Island Boaters,</p> <p>We only have three more weekends until Labor Day! Put the kids in the car and come down to the water to end the summer on a&nbsp;fun note. There will be free ice cream this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. We are putting all Morningstar items on sale, so get them while they last. The apartment is available on weekdays for the month of August and September if you need an inexpensive getaway. Call the marina to book your stay!</p> <p>August 25th is our 2nd Annual Heritage Day. Learn about the history of Mathews by visiting&nbsp;seven locations and&nbsp;learning about how they&nbsp;each contributed to our past. We will have free food and a band at the marina from 11:00am - 1:00pm, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Coast Guard Auxiliary will&nbsp;be offering free vessel safety checks. You won&rsquo;t want to miss it!</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas at Gywnn’s Island</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Three-More-Weekends-until-Labor-Day-169 Fly Fishing Seminar http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Fly-Fishing-Seminar-141 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>We are looking forward to a little bit cooler of a weekend! Weather looks to be partly cloudy with a high of 91 degrees with just a slight chance of rain.</p> <p>Don&rsquo;t forget about the St. Simon&rsquo;s Island Tarpon Tournament taking place August 2nd - 4th. Hosted by Morningstar Marinas |&nbsp;Golden Isles, and the Golden Isles Charter Fishing Association, it&rsquo;s sure to be a fantastic time for all!</p> <ul> <li>First Place: $1000</li> <li>Second Place: $700</li> <li>Third Place: $300</li> </ul> Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> <p><strong>Fly Fishing Seminar</strong></p> <p>Mark it on your calendars! Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu and Captain Jack McGowan/<a href="http://www.coastalrivercharters.com/" target="_blank">Coastal River Charters</a> are hosting a Fly Fishing Seminar on August 20th, 2012 at 6:30pm. This introduction to Inshore Fly Fishing will cover:</p> <ul> <li>Rods, reels, lines and leaders - getting the right tackle for the fish you are after!</li> <li>Proven fly patterns</li> <li>How to rig your rod</li> <li>Casting - How to develop a consistent cast plus providing additional time to participants&rsquo; to practice what they are learning!</li> </ul> <p>When it&rsquo;s all put together, the questions of what to look for, how to select the water you are going to fish, and the hook set - fighting your fish, will be answered!</p> <p>Fish on!</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Fly-Fishing-Seminar-141 Secrets of Lake Norman & Movie on the Lake http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Secrets-of-Lake-Norman-Movie-on-the-Lake-127 <p>Kings Point Boaters,</p> <p>We are nearing the end of our favorite season&mdash;boating season. The kids will be returning to school, and the busy school year will pull you away from the water. Don&rsquo;t forget this weekend is the state&rsquo;s annual back-to-school tax-free holiday&hellip;perfect reason to escape the crowds and hop on the lake. As an added incentive, we are doing our own tax holiday on any boating items in the Ship’s Store. We will cover your taxes Friday, Saturday and Sunday! We&rsquo;ve stocked up our inventory, so come check it out.</p> <p>Bill Young, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Storm Recovery</strong></p> <p>Last Friday afternoon, we had the worst storm we&rsquo;ve seen move over the marina this summer. Visibility went to nearly zero, and winds were gusting at what we can guess 40 to 50 miles per hour. Our dockhands walked the docks picking up debris and emptying water off of covers. If you haven&rsquo;t already been out to check on your boat, we encourage you to do so. If you need assistance or are unable to make it out give the office a call, and we&rsquo;ll be sure to check for you.</p> <p><strong>Secrets of Lake Norman</strong></p> <p>New to boating or new to the area? Lake Norman boasts a few spots to enjoy the best of the lake with friends, family, and fellow boaters. We decided to list a few for you check out:</p> <ul> <li>The Sandbar&mdash;most popular hangout on the south end of the lake (by markers D2 and D4). Pay attention to the shoal markers. Do not go between the shoal markers and the islands. If you&rsquo;re looking for a party, this is the place to line up. Music, bikinis, and beverages&hellip;just make sure you are tying up properly to protect your boat. </li> <li>Mini-Myrtle&mdash;shoreline for the family. Located on the east side of the lake near Michael Jordan&rsquo;s mansion and the campus of Davidson College (north of Langtree Road in Work Creek). Drop anchor on the backside of this island to protect your family and boat from wakes and enjoy the quiet sandy beach of the shoreline!</li> <li>Cocktail Cove&mdash;on the north side facing the new Trump National Golf Club (between D7 and D9 just north of Yacht Cove). This once party spot has been turned into a lazy, quiet spot by new ordinances limiting the number of boats allowed to tie up. </li> <li>Lake Norman State Park&mdash;13 mile shorelines of natural beauty (marker 19 to 21 on main channel). This park has it all! Walk the beach, rental a paddle boat or canoe, bike the trails, have a picnic, or do it all! Go to <a href="http://www.ncparks.gov">www.ncparks.gov</a> to check it out.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Movies&nbsp;at McGuire Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax</strong></p> <p>Take the kids out for a great family friendly movie on the lake Friday, August 17th at 8:30pm. It will take place at Energy Explorium at McGuire Nuclear Station. Go to <a href="http://www.visitlakenorman.org/">www.visitlakenorman.org</a> for a full schedule of events around the lake.</p> <p><strong>Bilge Cleaning</strong></p> <p>Make sure your bilge is clean! With heavy rains your bilge is emptied, with all of its contents. Make sure there is no oil or gas in your bilge. Even the smallest amount when mixed with water will contaminate the lake. If you come to get gas from us, be sure to ask for a free bilge pad. For your convenience, we have them right at the gas dock.</p> <p><strong>Weather</strong></p> <p>Another great boating weekend is in store for us, with just a few possible isolated thunderstorms. Friday will get to a high of 89 degrees with a 40% chance of evening thunderstorms. Saturday will be a nice break from the heat with a perfect high of 85 degrees. Only a 30% chance of rain, so that means there is a 70% chance of a perfect day on your boat! Sunday may offer the nicest weather of the weekend, with a high of 88 degrees and only a 20% chance of rain. Since you can&rsquo;t use the weather as an excuse, we hope to see you all out for a fantastic weekend of boating!</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Secrets-of-Lake-Norman-Movie-on-the-Lake-127 Sale On Morningstar Gear & August Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Sale-On-Morningstar-Gear-August-Events-168 <p><strong>August Sale on Morningstar Gear</strong></p> <p>Sport your love for the marina with pride! For the month of August, all Morningstar gear is on sale. Stop by the Ship’s Store to get your Tervis Tumblers, coozies, sweatshirts and more. All complete with the Morningstar Marinas logo!</p> <p>We look forward to seeing you (with your Morningstar accessories) out on the water this weekend!</p> <p><strong>August Events</strong></p> <p><em>Free Ice Cream &ndash; August 11-12</em></p> <p>I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! There is no better way to beat the summer heat than with a refreshing ice cream treat! Stop by the marina to receive free ice cream for all members in your boating party.</p> <p><em>Free Coast Guard Checks - August 18</em></p> <p>Prevent an embarrassing day on the lake when you are pulled over and all of your friends speed by having fun. Stop by the marina for a free coast guard check to make sure that your boat is ready for a safe day on the water. Please make sure that the owner of the boat is present for the inspection. Curious about what they will be looking for? Check out the sample vessel safety check form with the required items.</p> <p><em>Heritage Day &ndash; August 25 (10am-4pm)</em></p> <p>Join us for an exciting Heritage Day event at the marina. Last year&rsquo;s event included homemade boats, work boats, and exciting tours of the Milford Haven Coast Guard station. Stop by this year for a fun day with family and friends.</p> <p>Be on the lookout for more events to be added as the month progresses.</p> <p>Tina Minor, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas at Gwynn&rsquo;s Island</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Sale-On-Morningstar-Gear-August-Events-168 The Watch - August 2012 http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-August-2012-178 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>A Note from the General Manager</strong></p> <p>The PYC is a year round Club but let&rsquo;s face it, summer is the best time to be here! It’s sailing time, it’s cruising time, time to socialize, time to party, time to dance, eat some great food and time to get wet!</p> <p>Let’s not forget summer safety! Please look at the Marina Safety section! We have alot of members and their guests around the Club this time of year, and everyone needs to be knowledgeable around the marina.</p> <p>I am looking forward to seeing my first Carboard Boat Race. I&rsquo;ll see you out there!</p> <p>Bruce Furman, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Marina &amp; Boating News - Marina Safety</strong></p> <p>PYC is the most beautiful and pristine facility anywhere on Lake Norman&hellip;and I am sure you would agree! Please help keep PYC the safest and cleanest marina on Lake Norman! Here are few things to help keep your vessel safe for yourself and for others.</p> <ul> <li>Check on your boat regularly. (At least once a week)</li> <li>Keep clean and covered. (Tarps, and covers that don&rsquo;t fit properly tend to pool water and will sink a boat)</li> <li>Routinely check bilge for oil, gas, etc.</li> <li>Inspect shore power cords. (Look for any burn marks! If found replace immediately!)</li> <li>Remember no swimming in and around the Marina. Boats maneuvering and movement is tough enough without having swimmers in the water, and there can also be dangerous stray currents in the water from improperly bonded electrical systems.</li> <li>Make sure you, your family members, and guests are wearing non-slip shoes anywhere on the marina, but especially around the docks and on your boat.</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t leave loose items lying around on the dock or in visible areas of your boat. They could get kicked into the water, stolen, or present a tripping hazard. Please contact your PYC Marina Ship&rsquo;s Store if you notice anything unsafe or that needs to be addressed.</li> </ul> <p>Harry Smith, Marina Manager</p> <p><strong>Transient Dockage</strong></p> <p>Wondering where to dock if arriving by water? As a PYC Social Member you may wonder sometimes, &ldquo;Where can I dock for lunch, dinner, special events or pool use?&rdquo; Wonder no more! As you arrive, if during PYC Ship&rsquo;s Store hours, communicate with marina staff via VHF 11 or cell (704) 895-8217 to find the most convenient location for docking&nbsp; You will be directed to the best available slip to allow for a most enjoyable visit to your PYC. If after PYC Ship&rsquo;s Store hours, the following slips are available on a first come first serve basis.</p> <ul> <li>G-Dock (Gas Dock) - Slips 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (front fueling slips available after hours)</li> <li>Docks A-M End Caps</li> </ul> <p><strong>The 20th Anniversary of the Peninsula Cup Regatta Weekend: September 14-16th</strong></p> <p>Mark your calendars! The Annual Peninsula Cup Regatta is fast approaching. This is the premier regatta on Lake Norman, and one of the few regattas that always has a Cruising Division. The competition in the Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Divisions is intense, but the Cruising Division is a great way to race even if your boat is not in racing trim. If you are a novice racer, this is the perfect opportunity to experience a first class sailing event.</p> <p><strong>Ship&rsquo;s Store News</strong></p> <p>All your marina needs are right at your fingertips at prices that are affordable. Remember, if we don’t have it, we can get it! We have what you need on hand so you don&rsquo;t have to leave the marina.</p> <p><strong>Pool News</strong></p> <p>The pool is open daily from 10am-8pm! With August being one of the hottest months, come get refreshed at the PYC pool! For parties during pool hours or private parties after hours, please contact us so we can set up a fun and exciting package custom to your needs. Don&rsquo;t forget the poolside coctail service offered Fridays-Sundays from 11am-5pm. Our next Flick-n-Float will be August 18th.</p> <p><strong>Accounting News</strong></p> <p>As a reminder, The Peninsula Yacht Club is able to automatically charge your credit card or debit cards for the balance of your monthly member statement. The process is simple and can be handled by simply filling out the &ldquo;Credit Card authorization Form&rdquo; from accounting and we will handle the rest. You will be sent your monthly statement from the accounting office via e-mail or US Mail (your choice) and your charges will be billed to the card on file within the last 5 days of the month. If a correction needs to be made, simply notify accounting immediately and we will take care of that correction before your card is charged. If you are interested, please contact Ellen Henderson, Club Accountant, at <a href="mailto:ehenderson@peninsulayacht.com">ehenderson@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Member Dining Rewards</strong></p> <p>In an effort to provide more value for our members, we have created the Member Dining and Reward Program. Ask any of our Dining Room Managers and they will be happy to issue you a card for both Lunch and Dinner rewards and tell you all about the program.</p> <p><strong>Member Referral Grand Prize</strong></p> <p>Win a two night stay at the Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway Country Club! We are rolling out our grand prize for member referrals! Every time you give a us a name of your friend, neighbor, coworker, hairdresser, or even someone you just met, and they join the club, your name will be entered into a drawing for a two-night stay in one of the Greystone Inn&rsquo;s deluxe rooms! It’s three hours away from Cornelius, close enough to go anytime but far enough for a wonderful get-a-way! The package includes:</p> <ul> <li>Two rounds of golf</li> <li>Exceptional breakfast, afternoon tea, hors d&rsquo; oeuvres and a six-course dinner.</li> <li>Complimetary usage of resort amenities including tennis, canoes/kayaks, hiking, champagne cruises and much more!</li> </ul> <p>The drawing will be held at the end of the year! (Thank you Santa!) In addition, you will also receive a &ldquo;thank you&rdquo; credit on your account per member referral. Email <a href="mailto:cknox@peninsulayacht.com">cknox@peninsulayacht.com</a> or call with your referral&rsquo;s contact infomation.</p> <p><strong>Plan Your Function at PYC</strong></p> <p>As members, you know how great the Peninsula Yacht Club is. Why not let your business partners, clients, and friends in on the secret? Plan your next function here at the PYC and let us take care of all the details. Whether it’s an all-day meeting, afterhours networking mixer, a week-long training or team-building exercise, we can meet all your needs. Want to avoid all the craziness downtown during the DNC? What a perfect time to utilize the Club! Members receive advantages such as waived facility fees, use of the Club’s resources and other discounts. So get out of that stuffy office and enjoy the Yacht Club not only on the weekends, but also during the week! Contact Erin Walters at <a href="mailto:ewalters@peninsulayacht.com">ewalters@peninsulayacht.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Club Dining &amp; Bar Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>1/2 Price Wine: Wednesday Nights</li> <li>Sunday Brunch: Sundays, 11am - 2pm</li> <li>Music in the Dining Room: Friday, August 3rd, 6:30pm</li> <li>Wine Society: Thursday, August 16th, 6:30pm</li> <li>Trivia Night: Saturday, August 18th, 8pm</li> <li>Low Country Oyster Roast: Saturday, September 15th, 6-10:00 pm</li> </ul> <p><strong>Club Events &amp; Kid&rsquo;s Activities</strong></p> <ul> <li>First Friday Race Series: August 3rd &amp; September 7th</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Everyone’s Hero, Friday, August 10th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Cardboard Boat Race Family Carnival: Saturday, August 11th, 1:30pm</li> <li>Rock the Dock &ldquo;K” Dock: Saturday, August 11th, 7-10pm</li> <li>PYC Raft Up: Saturday, August 18th</li> <li>Kid&rsquo;s Movie Night: Spy Kids, Saturday, August 18th, 7-10pm</li> <li>Parent&rsquo;s Night Out: Diary of a Whimpy Kid, Friday, August 24th, 6-9pm</li> <li>Labor Day Picnic: Monday, September 3rd, 11am-3pm</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.peninsulayacht.com/files/August2012.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the full issue.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/The-Watch-August-2012-178 Enter the St. Simons Island 3rd Annual Tarpon Tournament http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Enter-the-St.-Simons-Island-3rd-Annual-Tarpon-Tournament-140 <p>Bahia Bleu Boaters,</p> <p>This weekend we are expecting partly cloudy skies with temperature highs in the 90s. To beat the heat, we’re offering a weekend promotion on ice cream. Buy one ice cream, get one free this weekend only!</p> <p>There is still time to enter the St. Simons Island 3rd Annual Tarpon Tournament! This event is quickly approaching and will take place August 2nd-4th at our sister marina, Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles. As a Morningstar customer, you will receive free trailer and dockage fees if you participate in the tournament. Call the marina office to reserve your space or stop by to pick up an entry form. We hope everyone will come out to fish and be a part of this great event!</p> <p>Ron Thomas, General Manager<br />Rory Jose, Operations Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Bahia Bleu</p> Events http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Enter-the-St.-Simons-Island-3rd-Annual-Tarpon-Tournament-140 Jet Ski Dam2Dam Run http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Jet-Ski-Dam2Dam-Run-126 <p>Kings Point Boaters,</p> <p>We continue to have a great boating season! The weather has been working with us, and we have been getting just enough rain to keep the lake levels up and the lake temperatures down. This is a great combination for boating, so come on out and see us before the kids go back to school!</p> <p>Bill Young, General Manager</p> <p><strong>Weekend Forecast Courtesy of Steve Udelson</strong></p> <p>A weak cold front will push in late Friday, setting off some thunderstorms on Friday evening. It will also help take the edge off the extreme heat this weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday we will have lots of sun with only a small token chance of a late day thunderstorm (mainly on Sunday). Afternoon highs will push into the mid 90s both days. Lake water temperatures are about 90.</p> <p><em>Forecast courtesy of Steve Udelson, Chief Meteorologist from WSOC-TV and Morningstar Boater.</em></p> <p><strong>Jet Ski Dam2Dam Run</strong></p> <p>Join the 1st Annual Dam2Dam Jet Ski Charity Run on Lake Norman on August 25th! The ride runs from Cowan’s Ford to Lookout Shoals Dams. Riders line up at 7:00 AM at Beatty’s Ford Park, and the launch will happen at 7:15 AM. You must register to participate by calling 704-530-2632 or visiting <a href="http://mylkn.com/dam2dam/" target="_blank">mylkn.com/dam2dam</a>. Riders will receive a Dam2Dam t-shirt and biscuits in the park from 6:30-7:00 AM.</p> <p><strong>Swimming &amp; Fishing Around the Docks</strong></p> <p>For the safety of our boating customers, we do not allow fishing from the docks. We also discourage swimming around the docks due to the boat traffic and potential of electric shock. All boaters have the responsibility of keeping electrical cords out of the water; however wind, storms and wake can cause cords to contact the water if not secured properly. The American Boat and Yacht Council has written a <a href="http://www.abycinc.org/news/pr072412.pdf" target="_blank">press release</a> for the boating industry and also attached a link to a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7-s_mdEPb0&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">YouTube video</a>. This is to inform you of the risks of swimming around the docks. It is important that we all participate in keeping our marina a safe and enjoyable environment for all to enjoy. Thank you.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Jet-Ski-Dam2Dam-Run-126 Bait Has Arrived http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Bait-Has-Arrived-155 <p>Golden Isles Boaters,</p> <p>We are only two weeks out from our St. Simons Island 3rd Annual Tarpon Tournament! Reserve your tournament space now by filling out a tournament registration form in the marina business office (Unit 206) or at the Golden Isles Charter Fishing Association office (Unit 104). The tournament is coming up on August 2-4, with the Captain&rsquo;s Meeting on the 2nd and fishing on the 3rd and 4th. This is a boat tournament hosted by Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles and the Golden Isles Charter Fishing Association. We hope everyone will come out to fish and be a part of this great event.</p> <p><strong>Bait Has Arrived!</strong></p> <p>We have just received our first shipment of live bait and will have live and dead shrimp available throughout the rest of the season. Please see the forklift operator for your bait needs.</p> <p><strong>Free 7lb. Bag of Ice</strong></p> <p>This weekend only we are offering a free 7lb. bag of ice to all customers who present this coupon. Valid Friday, 7/27 - Sunday, 7/29. Coupon must be presented.</p> <p><strong>Dock Carts</strong></p> <p>Please keep in mind that your fellow Morningstar boaters may need to use the dock carts after you. We ask that you please refrain from discarding of trash in the dock carts, and leave the carts in the same condition as you would like to find them. Thank you.</p> <p>Chris Ferguson, General Manager</p> <p>Morningstar Marinas | Golden Isles</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Bait-Has-Arrived-155 Carefree Boat Club and the YMCA Give Children the Opportunity to Learn About Boating http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Carefree-Boat-Club-and-the-YMCA-Give-Children-the-Opportunity-to-Learn-About-Boating-120 <p><a href="http://www.carefreeboats.com/lakenorman/" target="_blank">Carefree Boat Club</a> partnered with the <a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/" target="_blank">YMCA of Greater Charlotte</a> to host 40 children from the <a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/programs/socialresponsibility/giving/yreaders.aspx" target="_blank">Y Readers program</a> in a boating program at Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point.</p> <p>The Y Readers program is a nationally recognized literacy program that provides literacy support including guided reading, self-selected reading, writing and phonics. The program gives participants exposure to experiences they do not usually have, such as boating.</p> <p>While at the marina, the kids participated in arts and crafts, learned nautical terms and basic boating information, and even learned how to drive a boat under the watchful eyes of the Carefree Boat Club staff.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Carefree-Boat-Club-and-the-YMCA-Give-Children-the-Opportunity-to-Learn-About-Boating-120 Carefree Boat Club and the YMCA Give Children the Opportunity to Learn About Boating http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Carefree-Boat-Club-and-the-YMCA-Give-Children-the-Opportunity-to-Learn-About-Boating-119 <p><a href="http://www.carefreeboats.com/lakenorman/" target="_blank">Carefree Boat Club</a> partnered with the <a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/" target="_blank">YMCA of Greater Charlotte</a> to host 40 children from the <a href="http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/programs/socialresponsibility/giving/yreaders.aspx" target="_blank">Y Readers program</a> in a boating program at Morningstar Marinas | Kings Point.</p> <p>The Y Readers program is a nationally recognized literacy program that provides literacy support including guided reading, self-selected reading, writing and phonics. The program gives participants exposure to experiences they do not usually have, such as boating.</p> <p>While at the marina, the kids participated in arts and crafts, learned nautical terms and basic boating information, and even learned how to drive a boat under the watchful eyes of the Carefree Boat Club staff.</p> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/Carefree-Boat-Club-and-the-YMCA-Give-Children-the-Opportunity-to-Learn-About-Boating-119 August Newsletter http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/August-Newsletter-117 <p><strong>AUGUST MARINA SPECIALS</strong></p> <ul> <li>Free water for everyone in your party. (Limit 8 per customer per month).</li> <li>Free ice pops for kids of all ages, all day Saturday, August 4th. Yummy and refreshing!</li> </ul> <p><strong>RHYC REFERRAL PROGRAM</strong><br />Start earning dollars today and make your marina experience at RHYC even better when you are boating and spending time with all your friends. All you need to do is refer a friend to RHYC, and once that friend signs an annual contract, your account will be credited $125. Easy money and more fun at RHYC! Stop by the marina for all the details.</p> <p><strong>SIGNATURE TERVIS TUMBLERS</strong><br />Quickly becoming the coolest accessory on the waterway, get your RHYC Tervis Tumbler today as supplies are limited. Our tumblers are $19.95 each or two for $35.00 (cost includes a blue spill-resistant lid).</p> <p><strong>RENTAL BOATS</strong><br />Beat the summer rush and reserve your date for a fun summer cruise on the river aboard RHYC&rsquo;s new 22&rsquo; Pontoons or our 16&rsquo; Carolina Skiff. Don&rsquo;t forget, Harbor Members receive a 20% discount, and Social Members receive a 10% discount on all rental boat rates. Rental rates do not include gas. Call the Marina to make your reservation.</p> <ul> <li>22&rsquo; Pontoons Capacity 8 people: $250 Half Day and $400 Full Day</li> <li>Carolina Skiff Capacity 3 people: $125 Half Day and $199 Full Day</li> </ul> <p><strong>WELCOME RHYC NEW MEMBERS!</strong><br />We are happy to announce our new members for 2012. We encourage you to welcome them aboard as part of our RHYC family!</p> <ul> <li>James &amp; Molly Huntoon</li> <li>Jim &amp; Diana Lundie</li> <li>Richard &amp; Mary Lou Gienopie</li> <li>The Lalla Family</li> <li>Bill Jackson</li> <li>Dennis &amp; Darlene Dauzuk</li> <li>Gary &amp; Shirley Grooms</li> <li>Heath &amp; Gail Lewis</li> <li>Grigsby &amp; Peggy Arnette</li> <li>The Drew Streett Family</li> <li>The Hollister Family</li> <li>Donald &amp; Terri Brown</li> <li>The Maser Family</li> <li>The Michael Parsons Family</li> <li>Geoffrey &amp; Sharon Groat</li> <li>Clay &amp; Elaine Cavanaugh</li> <li>Greg &amp; Lindsay Weathers</li> <li>Don &amp; Deborah Randall</li> <li>Ron &amp; Yvonne Wilkes</li> <li>The Lee Milling Family</li> <li>Mark &amp; Jennifer Gallup</li> <li>Steven &amp; Deborah Baughman</li> <li>Clint &amp; Cheryl Paul</li> <li>Mike &amp; Kathy Bougher</li> <li>Kevin &amp; Carrie Ann Moore</li> <li>The Rocky Pearce Family</li> <li>Graham &amp; Rosemarie Ward</li> </ul> <p><strong>SUMMER HAPPY HOURS</strong><br />Join us at the bar or poolside for specially-priced longneck beers, house wine and well drinks. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s Daily Appetizer Specials during Happy Hour, held Monday through Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM through September 9th.</p> <p><strong>SUMMER WIND DOWN PARTY </strong>- With Music by Party Favor Band!<br />Sunday, August 12th, 4:00 - 8:00 PM</p> <p>As school days approach and our beautiful Pawleys Island summer winds down, come to RHYC and enjoy Chef Curtis&rsquo; sumptuous summer snacks and refreshing libations. Enjoy late afternoon music and fun as you gather by the pool with family and friends. No RSVP necessary, just come on down to RHYC and have some fun!</p> <p><strong>LABOR DAY PARTY WITH CARIBBEAN STEEL DRUMS BY THE POOL</strong><br />Sunday, September 2nd, 4:00 - 7:30 PM</p> <p>Join us poolside at RHYC and celebrate Labor Day with a touch of the islands featuring steel drum favorites performed by Tim Peterman and Pan Fusion. Enjoy Chef&rsquo;s sumptuous Labor Day specials along with our popular adult and kid&rsquo;s menus as you relax by the pool. Whatever your pleasure, the music will be up-beat and entertaining while you enjoy poolside fun at RHYC!</p> <p><strong>HOURS OF OPERATION</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clubhouse Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM</li> <li>Marina &amp; Ship&rsquo;s Store Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM</li> <li>Pool Daily 9:00 AM - Dusk</li> <li>Dates to Remember The Club will close at 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 4th and Thursday, August 16th. The Club will be closed from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 18th.</li> </ul> News http://www.morningstarmarinas.com/blog/post/August-Newsletter-117