Tampa Yacht Club

From St. Pete we sailed into Hillsborough Bay where Tampa is actually located.  We have never visited the two Florida Council of Yacht Club members up in the bay so they were on our trip agenda.  We managed to make it safely into the marina despite nearly running into uncharted bits of old bridge and other nasty things.  The dockmaster was able to warn us off in time so alls well that ends well.  The club is a venerable old one with the current clubhouse being over 60 years old in the style of a southern mansion.  They had a live Christmas tree that Rockafeller Center would envy.  I can only imagine the logistical nightmare of getting it in the building and set up.  Fortunately we were able to enjoy its beauty.  Across the street is the fitness center and stables and tennis courts.  This club truly has it all!  We also met some very nice and interesting folks at the morning coffee klatch behind the dockmaster's office.  One in particular, Larry, was kind enough to take us shopping and then he and David shared information on the transceiver and getting weather faxes.  It rained most of the time we were there so we didn't explore the area.  We'll just have to go back!

These birds are everyone we visit.  They seem inured to the presence of humans
as they will be only feet from you drying out their feathers.  There are subtle color
differences between them making them interesting to compare.

Entrance to the club.

Front portico and drive.

The street between the two halves of the club.

Back lawn and pool as seen from the docks.

All snug on the lay along dock.

Fitness center with workout equipment and great showers.

The club is only 5 miles from downtown.  This was taken on our way out
when the weather finally cleared up.

I was able to walk the seawall around to get a picture of the transient dock.