Be one of the many who are purchasing Gulfstream Boat Club gift certificates for family and friends this holiday season. The wife who purchased an annual membership for the husband who has everything. The son who bought his mother a cruise that she can use to entertain visiting grandkids. The local businessman who got a corporate boat club membership for his partner—and himself!
We’re quite sure GBC gift certificates will be a versatile, affordable, and welcome option for several people on your holiday list. GBC gift certificates are available in any denomination, and can be purchased in our office seven days a week. Or give us a call at 561.865.7797, and we at the boat club will mail, email, or even hand deliver (within reason, please!) your gift certificate for you from our main office in Delray Beach.
Purchase any membership and receive a free GBC T-shirt or hat (a $25 value)! For a full list of our Gulfstream Boat Club membership options, view them here.
For ideas on giving a GBC boat cruise, fishing excursion, or other on-the-water experience as a gift, view the GBC Excursion Guide here. We can plan fishing trips, tubing adventures, cruises up to Peanut Island or down to Boca Raton, brunch at a dockside restaurant, a sunset cruise, even your next business or family event. We have center console, dual console, and deck boats available.
Boating is our passion; make it yours. Or if you’re already one of us, share that passion with a family member or friend! We have the fastest-growing fleet of cruising and fishing boats in South Florida, and our reputation for excellent service and safety is second to none. Gulfstream Boat Club gift certificates are one holiday gift that won’t gather dust in the closet. Call us at 561.865.7797 to purchase one today.
Delray Beach and Boynton Beach are full of the holiday spirit in December—and a TON of traffic. You’ll have a lot more fun at their family events if you know all the insider details. Gulfstream Boat Club has all the important road/bridge closure, trolley service, and parking information you’ll need for these fun events, courtesy of The City of Delray Beach!
Holiday Boat Parade
The annual Holiday Boat Parade will set sail on Friday, December 8. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., decorated vessels will proceed from the Lantana Bridge to the C15 canal, just south of Delray Beach.
Between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be restricted over the George Bush Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue and Linton Boulevard bridges at various times while the boat parade travels south.
Trolley Service – From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Downtown Roundabout will provide free, transit service along Atlantic Avenue between the Tri-Rail Station on South Congress Avenue to NE/SE 7th Avenue. NO SERVICE will be provided east of the Intracoastal Waterway during this time. Normal service will resume once bridge closures are no longer in effect.
Please expect delays in trolley service due to anticipated traffic. For more information, call the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation at (561) 243-7000 ext. 5100.
Holiday Parade
The City of Delray Beach is proud to sponsor the Delray Beach Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 9. In celebration of this year’s theme “Holidays in Candyland,” more than 70 entries are expected to participate. Santa will even make a special visit and ride on a fire truck with Delray Beach Fire Rescue. At 6 p.m., the parade will proceed down Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge to NW/SW 5th Avenue.
During the parade, the following road/bridge closures, paid parking facilities and modified trolley service will be in effect:
Road Closures – From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Ocean Blvd/A1A to NW/SW 8th Avenue. Roads will reopen to vehicular traffic as the parade completes that section of the route. Other sections of Atlantic Avenue will reopen right after the parade.
Additionally, northbound and southbound US1 Federal Highway (NE/SE 5th & 6th Avenues) at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the parade.
Detour Routes – Motorists are advised to use the following alternate routes during road closures: For eastbound/westbound travel, use George Bush Blvd or Linton Blvd. For northbound/southbound travel, use Ocean Blvd/SR A1A or Congress Avenue.
Motorists traveling in the downtown core area are advised that the following detour routes will be in effect during road closures: Eastbound traffic will be rerouted to either NW/NE 2nd Street or SW/SE 2nd Street. Westbound traffic will be rerouted to NW/NE 2nd Street.
Bridge Closure – The Atlantic Avenue bridge will be closed to boat trafficbetween 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Trolley Service – While road closures are in effect (2 p.m. to 10 p.m.), the Downtown Roundabout will provide free transit service along Atlantic Avenue between the Tri-Rail Station on South Congress Avenue and NW/SW 8th Avenue. Normal service will resume after roadways reopen. Please expect delays due to additional traffic generated by this event.
Parking Facilities
A $5 fee per vehicle, paid upon entry, will be in effect at the following locations beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 9:
Robert Federspiel Parking Garage – 22 SE 1st Avenue
Old School Square Parking Garage – 95 NE 1st Avenue
The north parking lot of City Hall – 100 NW 1st Avenue
South County Courthouse Parking Garage – 65 SW 2nd Avenue
Parking attendants accept cash only, upon entry, and will monitor the parking facilities until the posted closing times.
Boating is our passion; make it yours. We’re a small business proud to be based out of the great city of Delray Beach, Florida. If you’re interested in becoming a member of Gulfstream Boat Club, give us a call at 561.865.7797!
Packing up disaster relief supplies to deliver to Florida Keys residents.
Donations made it to the Florida Keys by boat.
Thanks to the generous donations of Gulfstream Boat Club and Boatsetter members, last week our team was able to deliver quite literally a boatload of supplies to areas of the Florida Keys destroyed by Hurricane Irma.
We took off early last Thursday from Gulfstream Boat Club in Delray in a 37-foot Boston Whaler full of food, water, diapers, school supplies, clothing, and more. Our plan was to get as far into the Florida Keys by Boat as we could with the fuel we had.
I spoke with Justin Stuckart, an Army vet who is working with Congressman Brian Mast to coordinate relief efforts throughout the Keys. Justin and I were in touch throughout the week. He also connected me with Tracy Garcia, a resident of Marathon, one of the hardest-hit places. She’s working every day to help get families back on their feet, and specifically to get the schools back open. Part of that mission includes getting students and their families much-needed supplies.
We delivered diapers, water, food, and more to Marathon Key.
On our way south we started calling marinas asking if we could take on some fuel, but most were closed or out of fuel. However, Valerie at Shelter Bay Marine in Marathon welcomed us. She invited us to coordinate with Tracy there. Shelter Bay was able to get us 100 gallons of fuel (which we needed to get home), and their team helped us unload. It was a wonderful moment of community.
Much of the Keys is still recovering from Hurricane Irma.
There is still a grave lack of fuel and power in Marathon, Big Pine, and Cudjoe Key. The residents we encountered were very thankful, but obviously tired, sad, and hurting. Seeing us show up with thousands of pounds of food, school supplies, clothing, and more brought them a good measure of joy and relief.
We’re feeling lucky that we did not sustain much damage from recent hurricanes, and feel compelled to help others that did.
With four major natural disasters in and near the U.S. during the last few months, we urge local businesses to lend a hand to their communities, and others in need. Thank you again for your support and donations. —Alex Warner, Owner, Gulfstream Boat Club
Each GBC boat is loaded with children’s life jackets—use them while doing water sports as well!
Children’s life jackets are a must in terms of boat safety.
There’s also a lot more that Gulfstream Boat Club offers to keep your family safe on a boating trip or fishing cruise.
Every new GBC member receives a free boating orientation. We’ll show you how to operate a boat, the features of each model, and of course where the adults and children’s life jackets are located. We require that children under the age of six wear a life jacket, and we strongly recommend it for older children and adults while on board, or when waterskiing, tubing, or doing other water sports.
Gulfstream Boat Club prides itself on keeping our boats expertly maintained and safe; and for you as a member, it’s one of the top benefits. Why own a boat?
Did you know that preventable injuries are the #1 cause of death of kids in the United States? Children’s life jackets are no joke. Here are some other boating safety tips to ensure a safe cruise from Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries.
Boating Safety Tips
Wear a Life Jacket
• Always have your younger children wear a life jacket while on boats, during water sports, or even on the dock. And make sure the life jacket fits snugly by having the child make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up. If the life jacket hits a child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose.
• According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety, babies should not travel on a boat — including rowboats, kayaks, motorboats, and sailboats — until they are at the appropriate weight to wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD); and no, car seats don’t count.
Keep Little Kids Warm
• Even if it’s a warm, sunny day when you take off on your South Florida cruise, the weather can change quickly.
• And infants and young kids are at a higher risk for hypothermia. If your children seem cold or are shivering, wrap them tightly in a dry blanket or towel.
Teach Your Kids Basic Boating Rules
The basic boat rules should be followed by everyone. Children need to be taught to keep their hands and feet inside the boat at all times, and not run in or around the boat.
Better Safe than Sorry
• A large portion of boating accidents involve alcohol consumption. To protect your safety and loved ones around you, hire a GBC captain if you’re thinking of drinking on the boat. We’re happy to be your designated driver!
• All GBC captains have CPR training. If you’re thinking of taking out a boat without a captain, it’s great to have someone on board who has had CPR training as well. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training.
• All drivers of a GBC boat must be 25 years of age. Florida law states that no one under the age of 14 may operate a personal watercraft at any time. If your teens would like to fish or cruise without you (gasp!), we’ll provide a fun and responsible captain to safely drive the boat. Oh, and Children’s life jackets are free!
Have you been a GBC member for a while, and would like a refresher course on our boats and boat safety? Or would you like a family member or two to have one as well? Just give us a call at GBC at 561.865.7797 to schedule!
Pack your cooler with homemade treats from Marianne’s before your next GBC cruise!
No need to ask Siri: Here’s GBC’s list of “Best Take-out Near Me”
There is only one thing that we at Gulfstream Boat Club love more than boating and fishing, and that is EATING. And if we can combine our three favorite activities, all the better!
Below is our list of restaurants, bakeries, and best take-out spots that can help you and your party with a packable picnic breakfast, lunch, or dinner for your boat cruise or fishing charter. Many of them are the small businesses that Delray Beach and Palm Beach County are known for (and then, of course, there’s Publix!). When you stop in to order your mouthwatering meal, let them know that GBC sent you!
Best take-out near me: Delray Beach
Subs, acai bowls, wraps: Surf Shack in Delray’s got what you are craving.
Marianne’s Gourmet Shop: A neighborhood favorite since 1998, Marianne’s is within walking distance of our location at Marina Delray. We could not live without it. Call ahead or just stop in to order sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more. They have a large selection of homemade frozen foods—and don’t leave without a few of their famous chocolate chip cookies for your trip.
The French Bakery & Café is located less than a mile from our Delray location, at the corner of George Bush Blvd and Federal Highway. The smells and sights of a traditional French bakery are irresistible. Artisanal breads and pastries, sandwiches, and other treats are homemade fresh every day. Try their gourmet iced teas and delicious raspberry white chocolate croissants (hope it makes it to the boat!).
Surf Shack’s Subs and Smoothies is a GBC captain favorite. It’s south of our location by a few miles, but their healthy smoothies, amazing acai bowls, and famous subs, wraps and sandwiches are worth the trip. Or call ahead and they’ll deliver your order to GBC!
Publix: It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s convenient. There’s nothing not delicious about “Pub subs.” Pick up your drinks, salads, and water as well at the location just a few blocks from GBC. And you can order ahead from the deli online.
Best take-out near me: Boynton Beach
Nomad Surf Juice and Coffee truck is the perfect stop before a morning cruise…
Our Boynton Beach location is at the Two Georges Marina, which is adjacent to Two Georges waterfront restaurant. If you don’t have time for lunch or dinner after your boat ride, try these nearby places for takeout to take ON the boat:
Tsunami Subs and Wraps is located at Woolbright Road and Federal Highway. Try your sandwich “Tsunami style”: with onion, lettuce, tomato, vinegar, oil, and special spices.
Seaside Deli and Market is a few miles south from our Boynton Beach location on A1A. It’s a great place to grab anything from breakfast sandwiches to beer before a long and satisfying day on the water.
Nomad Surf Juice & Coffee is new and right next door to Seaside Deli! The area’s favorite surf shop now has a fresh juice truck on the weekends; they’ve got super fresh smoothies, acai bowls, and more.
Best take-out near me: Palm Beach
Del Sol Bakery: Call ahead for a custom order, or just stop by for freshly baked croissants, cookies, and more!
Del Sol Bakery: This new family-owned bakery is just a two-minute drive from GBC’s location at the Palm Beach Yacht Center. The menu changes daily, but you’ll always find something to like: ham and cheese croissants, fresh breads, and salted caramel brownies are some of our favorites.
Best take-out near me: Lake Worth
Lilo’s in Lake Worth: tacos so delicious, they’ll probably be gone before you’re dockside…
Lilo’s Street Food and Bar: With locations and Lake Worth and Delray Beach, try Lilo’s “montaditos,” like tapas-sized sandwiches filled with lobster salad, goat cheese, and fig jam, or seared steak. Fresh chips and guacamole will definitely hit the spot once you’re cruising.
Tacos al Carbon: Well, maybe they’re not the best picnic food, but tasty tacos are surprisingly hard to find in South Florida, so order up some from the restaurant itself or for delivery from the Lake Worth Delivery Dudes!
Gulfstream Boat Club: we’re experts not only on Palm Beach County fishing and boating, but eating as well. Give us a call at 561.865.7797 and we’ll help get you started with all three!
By popular demand: Gulfstream Boat Share Club Corporate Memberships!
This level of membership is a terrific opportunity for local South Florida business partners, co-workers, even friends. We offer three flexible plans for an ultimate Boat Share Club experience.
Sharing a Corporate Membership with a colleague or two is a cost-effective way to enjoy GBC boats and excursions. And it’s a new way to entertain clients, family, bosses, visitors…Take a break from the chain restaurant or conference room meeting and combine business and pleasure!
GBC’s fleet includes more than 20 boats, ranging from 21 to 35 feet in length. We offer center console, dual console, and deck boats. Whether you are interested in cruising, fishing, or waterskiing, we have a boat experience for everyone and the right boat for you.
GBC has a top-notch staff of licensed captains, and our boats are kept to the highest safety and maintenance standards. All new members receive a free detailed orientation session on our boats, boat safety and operation, and more. We have four convenient locations in Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Lake Worth.
Gulfstream Boat Club offers three Corporate Membership plans:
100 Hours: A package of 100 hours on the water, and two years in which to use them.
Six Months Unlimited: Enjoy up to 250 hours on the water.
Annual Unlimited: Twelve months and up to 350 hours of boat usage.
Memberships include access to fishing gear, wakeboards, waterskis, and snorkel gear. Only one boat per day per membership.
Boating is our passion; make it yours. Call GBC today at 561.865.7797 for more information on how to become a GBC Corporate Member!
No one does July 4 better than Palm Beach County. And many of the area’s fireworks displays are viewable by boat. This year July 4 falls on a Tuesday, so many of the area’s activities take place the weekend beforehand.
Take a look at our list of boat-friendly fireworks and parties from Boca to West Palm Beach, then book a boat at the Gulfstream Boat Club location that works for you. Pack a picnic and some cold drinks and let the celebration begin!
Delray Beach
The City of Delray Beach has activities planned all day on Tuesday, July 4; don’t miss a second! Located beachfront at Atlantic Avenue, this annual event will feature live music beginning at 5:30pm. The sand sculpting contest is from 8am-noon (don’t forget to sign up in advance!). Try your hand at Soccer Darts and Mini-Putt (5-9pm), or try your mouth at the BurgerFi Burger and Custard Eating Contests. At 9PM, the fireworks show launches from the north end of the beach.
Check the website for more info on activities, street closures, beach access, and showers and facilities. Want to leave the car at home? Ride your bicycle to the event. Free Bicycle Valet bike racks will be available at no charge and Human Powered Delray staff will watch your bike.
Boats and bridges note: Atlantic Avenue Bridge will be closed to marine traffic from approximately 8pm to 10pm on Monday, July 4 to facilitate holiday celebrations. Boaters are advised to use caution. In addition, George Bush Blvd and Linton Blvd bridges will also be closed to marine traffic.
Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach’s free Fourth of July activities take place on Saturday, July 1, from 6PM to 10:30PM. Live music, kids’ activities, and a fireworks show at 9PM are just some of the fun festivities planned. Free shuttle service is available from Hester Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd and City Hall 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd to the site at 2240 N. Federal Highway.
Lake Worth
Lake Worth’s July 4 Celebration takes place on Tuesday at Bryant Park at the Intracoastal from 11am to 9:30pm. Bands, a water sports show, a car show, a kids’ area and bounce house, and a 9PM fireworks show will draw the crowds. For more information visit their Facebook event page.
West Palm Beach
More than 100,000 guests are expected to attend 4th on Flagler, West Palm Beach’s popular July 4 activities held from 5PM-10PM. Enjoy classic Americana bites and craft brews while taking in the sounds of live music on three stages of entertainment. There will be a military honor ceremony, larger-than-life versions of games like Human Foosball and bowling, and fun activities for the kids. Check the website for more information. Their 18-minute fireworks display features pyrotechnics synced to music over the Intracoastal.
Boca Raton
Boca’s Fabulous Fourth celebration takes place on Tuesday, July 4. The party kicks off at Spanish River Athletic Facility at deHoernle Park at 6:30 PM. Free family activities, food for purchase, and a classic rock band. The fireworks display is at 9:00PM.
Only a few boats left in our Delray GBC location for fireworks viewing; call 561.865.7797 to book. Happy Fourth!
Looking for a great Florida fishing challenge this weekend, this month, or even for the year?
Gulfstream Boat Club encourages you to become a part of the organization Catch a Florida Memory.
Ready for a fishing challenge? Check out Catch a Florida Memory’s many programs!
Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this organization encourages anglers to take part in Saltwater Angler Recognition programs such as its Grand Slams, Life List, and Saltwater Reel Big Fish. Their mission is to recognize fishing skills and encourage both young and old to target multiple species of fish, not just the most common ones. Learn more below.
Have fun while doing right by Florida’s fish and natural environment: that is the message of Catch a Florida Memory’s four goals:
Encourage anglers to target a diversity of species
Expand fishing experience for seasoned anglers
Cultivate an interest in saltwater fishing
Strengthen marine fisheries conservation ethics
Whatever your interests, Catch a Florida Memory has a program for you. Submit a photo of you with your catch, and you’ll gain well-won recognition, even prizes, for doing so! You’re encouraged to release catches alive. These programs include:
CFM member Lewis Horn working his way through the Saltwater Fish Life List 10-Fish Club.
The Saltwater Fish Life List
Enter this challenge to catch at least 10 of Florida’s 71 different species of saltwater fish. Catch 10, 30, 50, or the whole list, and you’ll win recognition and a prize!
Each time an angler submits a valid application for a Saltwater Life List Fish Club, they will receive a certificate of accomplishment, various prizes, FWC saltwater publications, and will become a member of the corresponding Life List Fish Club. Print your own Life List, and start keeping track of your progress today!
A Family Grand Slam recognizes catches in one fish family; this angler got both Snapper and Grunt Grand Slams on a trip to Key Largo. Courtesy Catch a Florida Memory.
Saltwater Grand Slams
Up for a time-sensitive challenge? Try one of the organization’s Saltwater Grand Slams. Grand Slams challenge anglers to catch three specified fish species in a 24-hour period. The nine Grand Slams include: “Inshore Grand Slam” (red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder) and “Family Grand Slam” (any three fish in the same scientific family, e.g., black grouper, red grouper, gag). See the full list of Grand Slams here. The program includes a “Small Fry Slam” for children age 15 and under.
Catch a Florida Memory awards a prize for a “Reel Big Catch.”
Saltwater Reel Big Fish
The Saltwater Reel Big Fish program recognizes anglers for extra-large catches of the 30 different saltwater species listed here. Fish must reach or exceed the qualifying length listed for adults (age 16 and older) and youth (under age 16). The catch must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device, as well as in a photo with the angler who is applying for recognition.
FWC encourages responsible angling. Remember proper catch-and-release techniques when fishing. You do not have to be a Florida resident to participate, as long as you are legally fishing in Florida (fishing with a licensed GBC captain qualifies!).
All of Gulfstream Boat Club’s captains are licensed fishermen, and would love to help you started with Catch a Florida Memory from any of our locations in Palm Beach County. Call us at 561.865.7797 to get started!
GBC member Sergio and son with their catch of the day: a sweet kingfish!
The best gifts are always experiences, not things.
So, good news! Gulfstream Boat Club has a variety of Father’s Day gift ideas for you. Father’s Day 2017 is fast approaching on Sunday, June 18. Gulfstream Boat Club allows you all the fun of boating and fishing, with none of the hassle—perfect for the busy dad who needs a relaxing nice day off.
GBC has the fastest-growing fleet of cruising and fishing boats in South Florida. Our reputation for excellent service and safety is second to none. Whether you are planning a sunset cruise, ocean fishing, or a family water skiing trip on the Intracoastal, GBC makes it incredibly simple and easy.
Here are four great Father’s Day gift ideas from GBC for the most important boat lover in your life:
• GBC Membership: Father’s Day brings new members to GBC every year. We have a variety of memberships to suit every need and budget. Why own a boat when GBC gives you access to an entire fleet?
• GBC Gift Certificate: A gift certificate in any denomination will put a smile on Dad’s face: Cover a captain, fuel, a half-day rental, or more.
• GBC Fishing Charter: Catch your own Father’s Day dinner! One of our licensed captains can plan a memorable day for you, Dad, and family and friends. Book early, as this weekend fills up quickly. Seriously!
• GBC Merchandise: GBC hats and long-sleeved Ts in two colors are available, and they sell out fast! Call 561.865.7797 to reserve yours now.
Any questions about Father’s Day gift or Gulfstream Boat Club membership? We’re open seven days a week; call us at 561.865.7797 anytime. And Happy Father’s Day from GBC!
Your desire to win a fishing tournament and a Gulfstream Boat Club boat and captain can be a powerful combination.
There are several upcoming tournaments in West Palm Beach and Jupiter in June and July, most focusing on kingfish, dolphin, and wahoo (that’s a KDW tournament to you experienced anglers).
