Gulf Harbour Yacht Club History
The beginning of the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club goes back to conversations held in 1996 between Harbourmaster Perry Hodell and boating enthusiasts in the newly opened marina.
As a result of these early discussions an ad hoc committee was established consisting of Lou Fiore, Roland Eisenberg, Art Williams, Gene Custer and Perry Hodell, for the purpose of forming a cruise club to promote cruising on the Gulf Coast. Several planning meetings were held during the summer in the Harbourmaster’s office.
The first organizational meeting of the new cruise club was held in the aerobics room at the Sports and Fitness Center on September 27, 1996 at 6:00 PM. All Gulf Harbour boating enthusiasts were invited to this meeting (Note: the clubhouse was not yet completed). During the remainder of that year into 1997 much work was done organizing the club, writing the by-laws, planning cruises and holding social functions.
Major contributors to those early efforts included Lou Fiore, Roland Eisenberg, Art Williams, Harry Randall, Tom Simon, Phil and Anne Kniskern, Bob and Mary Stream, Rich and Joan Tringa, Al and Joan May, Gary Langberg and Gene Custer.
In November 1997, the first annual meeting of the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, Inc. was held in the clubhouse. Elected as flag officers were: Phil Kniskern, Commodore; Harry Randall, Vice Commodore; Roland Eisenberg, Rear Commodore; Vic Pfeiffer, Fleet Captain. Board members were Tom Simon, Treasurer; Gerry Langberg, Secretary. Directors were Joan Tringa, Gene Custer and Al DeGenova. The objectives of the club were agreed as follows: to promote enjoyment, fellowship and boating safety, sponsor cruises, and coordinate social activities for its members.
From the first organizational meeting in September 1996, to the current membership of almost 350 individual members, the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club has prospered in the spirit of working together toward common goals.
Prepared by:
Gene Custer (Commodore 2001 & 2002) and Roland Eisenberg (Rear Commodore 1997)