Freeport, Florida

Established in 1951, the Fort Walton Yacht Club is a private members-only organization located on Smack Point at the western end of Choctawhatchee Bay in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Positioned on the Emerald Coast with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Destin Pass, the club boasts a rich history of sailing and boating excellence. Its unique setting combines waterfront views with a welcoming atmosphere that has attracted sailors, boaters, and families for over seven decades. The club features a clubhouse with both casual and elegant dining options, a marina with wet and dry slips, a swimming pool, and a strong tradition of hosting regattas and social events. The club offers a wide range of activities catering to boating enthusiasts and their families, including sailing lessons for all ages through a partnership with the Emerald Coast Sailing Association. Members participate in local and regional regattas, power boating events such as fishing trips and cruising, and numerous social gatherings like wine tastings, themed dinners, and family festivals. The facilities also accommodate private events with indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for celebrations and meetings. With a focus on fostering community and lifelong friendships, the club provides a family-friendly environment that supports both recreational and competitive boating along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions is a premier private sailing charter company based in Panama City, Florida, operating from Bristol Harbor near Historical Downtown Panama City on scenic St. Andrews Bay. Serving Panama City, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and the 30A area, the business offers a unique maritime experience aboard "La Bella Vita," a 38-foot Island Packet Yacht known for its comfort and safety. With a captain and crew passionate about sailing, the company provides personalized excursions that highlight the natural beauty and local charm of the Emerald Coast. The location is ideal for visitors seeking a small-town atmosphere with access to excellent dining, shopping, and entertainment. The company specializes in customizable sailing charters ranging from four to eight hours, including sunset and evening cruises, as well as small dock parties and special events such as anniversaries and proposals. Guests can explore St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island, and the Gulf of Mexico, with opportunities to anchor in secluded coves or enjoy dockside dining. Excursions accommodate up to six guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience, while dock parties can host up to twelve. The fully shaded and enclosed cockpit provides comfort in various weather conditions, and the crew prioritizes guest safety and satisfaction throughout each voyage.

Located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Sailing Moby operated an intimate sailing experience aboard a 34-foot catamaran accommodating up to six passengers. With eight years of service, the company specialized in personalized cruises around the beautiful Gulf and bay waters, emphasizing small group sizes to avoid overcrowding. This approach allowed guests to tailor their trips according to their preferences, making each outing unique. The vessel’s size and design provided a comfortable platform for a variety of water activities, setting it apart from larger, less flexible tour operators in the area. Sailing Moby offered a range of activities including Crab Island cruises, snorkeling, dolphin watching, fishing, swimming, and sailing tours. The company catered to diverse groups, including families and pet owners, with dog-friendly options available. Guests could select from tours lasting two to five hours, combining multiple activities such as trolling for fish while sailing or anchoring for a swim. The experience was described as friendly and accommodating, with opportunities to see local wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles, making it an engaging and memorable way to explore the Destin Harbor and surrounding waters.