The Race Club

“Island Home” was the name of the schooner built in 1885 on Plantation Key by “Johnny Brush” Pinder, to carry passengers and cargo between these Islands and to the mainland. Its name in Spanish, “Islamorada”, was later adopted as the name for the communities on these islands. The four spans of the Channel Two Bridge, built in 1907, represent the later connection of these four islands to the mainland via the Flagler Railroad, which was completed in 1912.

Alligator Reef Lighthouse was built in 1873, on the site of the wreck of the USS Alligator, which ran aground while on duty in 1821, protecting these islands from pirates. Today the lighthouse serves as both a beacon of safety and of welcome for mariners in our waters, and can be seen from the shores of all four islands.

The four islands themselves are individual in size, shape and character, but the people on them share the same spirit of pioneer confidence that drew the first settlers to these shores. A protective chain of offshore reefs provides the quiet waters and gentle waves that surround the islands. The abundant marine life of those reefs and the shallow waters surrounding these islands is represented by the flashing brilliance of a leaping tarpon.

Lignum Vitae blossoms in the seal represent the precious uniqueness and vitality of our native hardwood hammocks and tropical plant life. The coconut palm represents the warm welcome offered to those who, like the coconut palm itself, have come from other places to make this their new island home.

- Text from the Islamorada web site.

The Race Club’s Top 6 things to do in Islamorada

• Fishing or Snorkeling
• Feed the tarpons at Robbies Pier
• Swim with the Dolphins
• Day trip to Key West
• Bowling at the Fish Bowl
• The Turtle Hospital – 2396 Overseas Hgwy  MM 48.5  Marathon, FL 305-743-2552 www.turtlehospital.org

The Race Club recommends:

Florida Keys Dive Center

Please mention The Race Club for a special rate of $30 pp for 1/2 day snorkel charter, includes mask, fins and snorkel rental.

Dear Dive Professional;

I would like to take a moment to introduce our Dive Facility to you. We are Florida Keys Dive Center, a PADI 5-Star CDC Center, and the host dive facility for Ocean Point Suites. We have been in the same location since 1983 and have built an impeccable reputation. Our two US Coast Guard licensed boats are located directly behind the dive store only 10 feet from our rental room. We have 2 new 46 ft Newton Dive boats, the “Big Dipper” and “Orion”, which are certified for 49 passengers or 36 divers. These fast and spacious boats have allowed us to increase our range of dive sites farther north into the Pennekamp Park and south into the unexplored dive sites of Islamorada. Our location here in Tavernier/Plantation Key gives us superb access to a diverse menu of dive sites.  We run charters to an area between Key Largo to Islamorada and have over 50 different dive or snorkel sites to choose from.  We can dive Pennekamp Park, the 327′ Coast Guard Cutters Bibb and Duane wrecks, Conch Wall, and the 287′ freighter Eagle wreck, just to mention a few, along with the new 510ft troop carrier Spiegel Grove. Our boat captains are all US Coast Guard licensed and hold an Instructor rating.   Our dive store staff is comprised of three PADI Course Directors, two PADI Master Instructors, and the remaining staff and crew maintain at least a Divemaster rating with the majority holding an Instructor rating. We offer dry storage for your dive gear and a service department for any last minute repairs.

We hope that you would allow us to show you what fantastic Keys diving and snorkeling can be like.  Along with the great diving you’ll appreciate the family like atmosphere with a personal, friendly touch. Check out our web site to see more of our operation and services at www.floridakeysdivectr.com

Yours in diving,
Tom Timmerman

Florida Keys Dive Center
90451 Old Hwy
Tavernier, FL 33070
305-852-4599
800-433-8946
305-394-1388 (cell)
tomt@floridakeysdivectr.com
www.floridakeysdivectr.com

Robbie’s of Islamorada

Please mention The Race Club for a special rate

Hello Swim Team Members!

We here at Robbie’s of Islamorada would like to welcome your team to Islamorada, FL and also Robbie’s of Islamorada. We have many activities here at Robbie’s and would like to invite you to check us out.

The Captain Michael is our 65’ Custom-built Party Boat. She has an enclosed  cabin, two heads, sundeck, and can accommodate up to fifty people. Our professional and courteous crew will provide every assistance (from baiting your hook and netting your fish, to cleaning and filleting that catch once we’re back at dock).

We are offering a discounted rate for your team members at a rate of $30 per person. This discounted price includes your rod rental and a tip for the mates (over a 25% savings!!!). This discounted rate will apply to the four hour morning trip (9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) OR the afternoon trip (2:00 pm. – 6:00 pm). We also have a five hour night fishing trip from 7:30pm to 12:30am.

We provide all of the bait and tackle and you may elect to bring your own rod. While limited beverages are available for purchase on board, you may bring your own cooler.  We do ask you to refrain from bringing any glass containers on board.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be accomplished by provision of your name and telephone number; the number of anglers (and if adults or children); and the date and time of your trip.

The Captain Michael is very popular for special group events. While we limit the number of anglers on board to 50, we are licensed for up to ninety nine people.  What better way to commune with nature and each other.  Quotes can be provided for your special event and rates will depend on the time of year (in season or off season); holidays (usually busier during holidays); day of week; time of day; and number of people. Be assured, we will provide you with the best rate available without compromising those standards by which we have earned a reputation unsurpassed in the Keys. A fifty percent deposit and completion of our charter activities agreement can reserve the Captain Michael for your private charter.

Robbie’s of Islamorada also has a beautiful new forty three foot catamaran – the Happy Cat. There are a number of reefs in close proximity to the marina and we visit two of them on each of our snorkel trips.  Lasting from 2 ½ to three hours per trip. We have several trips daily. You would actually be in the water for about an hour and a half and your team’s discounted rate would be $30 per person. This discounted rate would include your snorkel gear and a tip for the mate. The Happy Cat sails at 9:00am for an eco-tour only and has snorkel trips at 12:00pm and 3:00pm daily.

We also have a restaurant here at Robbie’s named the Hungry Tarpon. The Hungry Tarpon is open for breakfast, lunch  and dinner. The Hungry Tarpon is now featuring Chef Joseph and his French Caribbean cuisine serving up the best dinner in town! We would like to offer a 10% discount at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant during your stay in Islamorada.

If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation for fishing or snorkeling you may give us a call at (305) 664-8070. If you would like to make a reservation for the restaurant you may give them a call at (305) 664-0535.

You may also visit us a www.robbies.com to take a look at our activities and Robbie’s of Islamorada itself. We are looking forward to seeing you soon here at Robbie’s. Good luck in your meets!! We hope you win!!

Sincerely,
Kiriane Kulkaski

Robbie’s of Islamorada
MM 77.5
Po Box 86
Islamorada, Fl 33036
Office: 305-664-8498
Fax: 305-664-8303
booth@robbies.com