Let's kickoff the Fall 2024 Cruising Season by joining The Best of Times and the Dolphin Cruising Group of Tampa Bay and the St. Pete Sailing Association at Emerson Point Preserve on the Manatee River. This cruise is hosted by Women Who Sail Tampa Bay and St. Pete Sail & Power Squadron. This is an annual all club sailing fleet rendezvous for DIYC, Dolphins, SPSA, TSS and any other sailing fleet clubs that wish to join us.

Emerson Point Preserve offers a network of hiking and kayak trails to experience a wide variety of coastal Florida wildlife and habitats. Ancient and historic remains of its inhabitants are accessible and well interpreted to give a sense of what life in Manatee County was like prior to and during its settlement.

For more information about Emerson Point Preserve and the Desoto National Monument directly across the Manatee River, visit the DBC Anchorage Forum, click here.

Feel free to arrive early or stay an extra day or two. Exploring the hiking paths on Emerson Preserve, or visiting the Desoto National Monument across the river, or simply kayaking around the Manatee River are all great experiences. 

REGISTRATION:

Please register for the event by clicking on the Blue Register Button so that we have an approximate headcount. After you have registered, if you need to Cancel click on the "Already Registered" link below the Blue Register Button.

WHAT'S HAPPENING:  

The Dolphin's and the St. Pete Sailing Association have reserved Pavilion #1 on Saturday 11/23 from 4pm to 9pm.  They will have charcoal grills firedup, so bring something to grill and a side dish to share.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE PRESERVE.

The only land access from the river anchorage is a small floating dinghy dock, so you will either need a dinghy or kayak to get to the pavilion or make arrangements with another participant to get back and forth from the pavilion. The park closes at sunset, so there will be no land access by car.

WHAT TO BRING:  

QUESTIONS:

If you have questions, please email or text Cruising Chair Gary Shellenberger.  Gary's cell number and email address can be found in our online directory.