BOATERS CLUB PROMISES NO DUES, JUST MEMORIES BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

Remember Otis Redding’s classic song “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay”? It was that kind of easygoing feeling that prompted Maxine Wood and Bill and Jill Ovens to launch the Marinated Mariners in 2010. At Harbor Hills, we enjoy private access from the Orange and Wolf canals to Lake Griffin. Lake Griffin is connected to the Ocklawaha River and seven other lakes on the picturesque Harris Chain of Lakes.Twenty-one neighborhood captains, along with their friends and families, power up their boats to enjoy this distinctive community feature. Grand Commodore Dick Weiss has been at the helm since 2015. Dick has been an accomplished boater since his youth. He and his wife Nancy have served the club well. Dick explained that the “Blessing of the Fleet” kicks off the season in high gear. Bobby Deason delivered the blessing to seven boats with 45 crew in October. A truly magnificent day on the water was had by all.Each month, a different captain plans an excursion along the succession of nearby lakes. Lunches are enjoyed at waterfront restaurants such as Hurricane Dockside Grill, Gator Joe’s, Mission Inn and Puddle Jumpers. This month, the group will navigate to Tillys Restaurant in Eustis. The outing is organized by Jim and Marjorie Buyea.Commodore Dick describes a popular club activity as a “raft-up.” The fleet heads out to the water and creates a drifting community. Using a floating raft as a stepping stone, friends and families circulate from one boat to another, socializing and enjoying friendships, old and new. With strictly enforced by-laws of, “No dues, no meetings, no rules, just happy memories,” every member is sure to have a great time.