About
This year CMCS is proud to present the 54th annual Summerset Regatta on the weekend of October 4th, 5th and 6th, 2019.
In 1965, a few adventurous sailors placed a classified ad in the local newspapers looking for “Anyone interested in racing sailboats from Fort Myers Beach to Naples”. That first race led to an annual event that sailors in Southwest Florida look forward to each year – known as the Summerset Regatta. This was also the genesis of the racing program for Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society (CMCS), now in our 49th year of operation. Today, sailors from Charlotte Harbor to Marco join in the fun of racing and cruising. Yachts race in Saturday’s buoy races and Sunday’s distance race(s) in the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers Beach.
The CMCS Summerset Regatta has a grand history as one of the oldest, continuously running regattas in Southwest Florida. Over the years, we have raced and partied, up and down the Gulf of Mexico coast. Although the venues have changed, the traditions have remained the same: buoy and distance races, social events and concluding with banquet Awards dinner. There are trophies, raffle prizes, door prizes for each yacht, lots of racing yachts, supportive cruising boats and sponsorships of all kinds, all coming together to make a memorable event and support great causes.
Summerset has always been a collaborative effort, with the end goal of making contributions to youth sailing and marine activities in SW Florida. In recent years we have seen our programs grow so that CMCS has been able to contribute nearly $100,000 to date for youth sailing programs throughout Southwest Florida. Locally, in the Fort Myers/ Cape Coral area, we have instituted a Grant Fund with the Edison Sailing Center whereby we award grants to children to learn to sail and safe boating. We also support the Ostego Bay Foundation and their education programs.
The Regatta’s off-water events will be held at Bonita Bills, The Nauti Parrot and Parrot Key Caribbean Grill at Salty Sam’s Marina, all in the Fort Myers Beach area. The proximity to restaurants and shopping promises convenience and opportunities for all participants and their families to enjoy during this fun-filled weekend. We have negotiated reduced rates for dockage for Summerset racers and cruisers at the Pink Shell and Salty Sam’s marina facilities. With the Saturday and Sunday events taking place in proximity, Salty Sam’s is considered regatta headquarters for the weekend.
We welcome everyone to learn more at our website (summersetregatta.com) and hope you will join us for the 54th annual Summerset Regatta organized and hosted by the award-winning Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society (CMCS) club. Please let the committee members know how we can make your visit to Ft. Myers Beach & Summerset Regatta an ideal event, and we look forward to seeing each one of you Oct. 4-6th, 2019.
Fair Winds & Copious Libations,
Jason Pim
Commodore
Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society (CMCS)
Register to Race
Sign-up for the full series of races on Saturday Oct. 5th and Sunday Oct. 6th
Register to Cruise
Join us to cruise to Fort Myers Beach, with the option to participate in the Sunday Cruisers Race