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Inn to begin offering yacht cruises

BY MARCY SHORTUSE –The Guide Docks have a new resident, one that will take the Gasparilla Inn & Club’s reputation for luxury accommodations to an even higher level.

As of the first of the year, a 55-foot Fleming classic motor yacht has been employed to take guests of the Inn on cocktail cruises around the island, or possibly even an overnight venture to nearby locations.

Peter Garrett, the owner of the yacht, said he was very pleased to be contacted by the Inn to contract his services.

“We’ve always wanted to have a charter business,” he said. “The Fleming is a very popular luxury yacht, a lot of people like them. We thought it would be a great idea to do charters for the Inn, and meanwhile we’re available in Florida all the way up to Maine and everywhere in between.”

In the summertime the yacht will be in port in Maine. In the winter, when it’s not in use by private charter parties, it will reside at the Pink Elephant docks for guest use.

It will be Capt. Brian Knight at the helm of the yacht when it leaves the docks in Florida, though, and he is the person to contact to make all arrangements for trips taken by Inn guests. The manager of the Gasparilla Inn Marina said he is ready to day-trip or make an overnight voyage on the Fleming.

“I think this is a unique opportunity for the Inn and its customers, and I’m looking forward to taking people out,” he said. “I’ve been taking out boats in the 40-foot range since I was about 16, and I like this one. It’s a beautiful boat and people will really enjoy it.”

While Brian is out on the yacht touring with customers, Garrett sits in his office in snowy Washington D.C. He has owned the boat for two years, and has taken it out for personal use as well.

“There’s an awful lot of snow here,” he said. “I miss the boat. We’ve been down there and stayed on the boat, sometimes at the Inn. It’s a great trip, we love it, our kids love it. It’s a great, safe boat for children and for those on the island who have grandkids visit, it’s a perfect way to spend time together.”

Jack Damioli, the president and general manager of the Inn, said they have had a great reaction from clients who have already been out on the yacht.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer an experience that compliments the registry of the Inn by providing this classic motor yacht for sunset cruises and our guests’ enjoyment,” he said.

The yacht can be seen at the what is known as the “4th Street Docks.” All of the docks across from the Pink Elephant were recently redone, courtesy of the Gasparilla Inn & Club. Part of the docks are owned by the county, part are owned by the Inn.

“We value the working relationship we have developed with the Inn, and we accommodate each other on many things,” said Bob Green, the senior supervisor of Lee County Parks and Recreation. “New docks were needed, and we think it’s great we can share the space.”

Up to 12 people can board the boat for short sunset cocktail cruises, and four people can stay on the boat for overnight trips.

For more information on chartering the boat, contact the Gasparilla Inn & Club at 964-2201.