Fort Walton Yacht Club Letter Log
JULY 2018
30° 25.60’N 86° 35.58’W
Sailing to the Vortex and Wacky Float Sailstice Raft up
Captain Kip Keelin lead the journey on his Hobie 20 to the fresh spring vortex near Okaloo-
sa Island. Perfect winds and conditions allowed all participants to safely sail there and back.
New members, Juniors Grayson Fisher and Zach & Brett Peterson along with parents Robyn
and Jim Peterson (by PWC) joined the excursion. After beaching their vessels, the group
swam/waded out to snorkel and peer into the Okaloosa Island vortex springs. They joined
Commanders Richard & Diane Wells’ safety boat for some refreshing snacks of goldfish, Ga-
torades and Halo oranges. After setting the world record on the number of juniors that could
ride and plane on a Wave Runner, the group wrapped up and sailed back to the Yacht Club to
meet the Giant Pink Flamingo, relax on the beach, and celebrate the Summer Sailstice.
Our trusty friends the Giant Pink Flamingo and Big Yellow Ducky, anchored near the colorful
pennant laced gazebo, were welcomed by huge smiles and play from our tykes, toddlers and
teens. Many families, grandparents and children came out by land and by sea for the music
and festivities, relaxation on the beach and to enjoy new friendships while dining on
hamburgers, hotdogs, grapes, cookies and more! Juniors Conlin Arrowsmith and Jake
Poole caddied other club Juniors on their Hobies for rides in the bay. However, the best
of all, two of our very young members, welcomed and christened the Pink Flamingo early
in the day with a bounty of giggles and blessed this event with fantastic attendance.
Even some of our fun loving adult members joined for a burger and enjoyed relaxing in
the Flamingo. The Big Pink Flamingo and Big Yellow Ducky said their goodbyes at the
event end and floated home to their nest nearby in Cinco Bayou, in tow by a Wave Run-
ner captained by Junior William Wells. Such a silly and amusing sight at the Cinco Bayou bridge!
We look forward to seeing our Juniors with their families at the next event!
Remember, you don’t have to be a Junior to join us, just a Junior at heart!
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