We already know what we would like to do and when; the challenge that faces us is WHERE? Over the last few years marina dynamics have been changing as a result of many factors including storm events and corporate buyouts. As a result available marina space is more limited and fewer marinas are willing or able to host rendezvous. At this moment; we are communicating with Marina Jack Yacht Basin in Sarasota, FL about hosting our event. They are only willing to commit to reserving 10 slips for us which could severely limit attendance as well as participation in one of the best attributes of our rendezvous: The Open Boats Visitations. This leads us to seek alternatives to committing to use this venue for our next rendezvous.. CAN YOU HELP US? We are asking you, the club membership, to assist in investigating potential locations for our next rendezvous. If you know of a marina that would be willing and able to host us... please assist us in performing the initial investigation and then pass the information along so we can follow-up for further due diligence. Here''s the criteria that is required: Somewhere in Florida (or decidedly South) Willing to accommodate up to 20 boats that average 50'' LOA Hotel accommodations nearby; walking distance preferred Meeting space that will accommodate 100 people for meetings and several smaller rooms for seminars. Local catering services available A nearby restaurant or meeting space for our Saturday Night Dinner and Program Please assist us by having a serious conversation with a candidate marina that you believe can fulfill the above requirements; please contact them and then pass the information along to Steve Schmidt: steve@safeharborex.com or 240-367-7537 Please do not pass on names of places you think "might" be an option... we need names of places that can meet all 6 requirements and would enthusiastically be willing to host our event. Even if you are unable to assist with the above request, we still want to hear from you! We need to gauge interest in attending the next rendezvous. We’re not asking for any commitments at this point; only your response to the idea. It would be incredibly helpful if you could send a quick note in response to this message answering the following two questions: If we held a rendezvous in Florida next late February or March: Would you likely attend? Would you likely bring your vessel? This message is being sent through the Forum and via email to our membership mailing list. Please reply through only one so we avoid inadvertent double counts. Hope to hear from you soon and possibly see you next spring! DeFever Cruisers

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• Posted 8/13/2022: DeFever NEWS is no longer published, We now use our online Forum.