CIHS kicks off season with sold-out cruise
The Captiva Island Historical Society recently launched its first event of the season with a sold-out sunset cruise onboard the Lady Chadwick, which is operated by Captiva Cruises out of Captiva.
The CIHS reported that the evening signaled a return to post-Hurricane Ian normalcy after the storm had devastated its 2022-23 programs and the vessel herself. Eight events are scheduled this season.
“The joy and laughter of the passengers onboard and a beautiful sunset made for a perfect trip,” CIHS Board Member Mary Jane Vinson said.
During “On the Water with Captain Brian” on Nov. 8, CIHS Director and Capt. Brian Holaway regaled attendees with stories about the history, people and culture of the Roosevelt Channel and Gulf islands.
Before the sun set, CIHS Board Vice President Mike Boris presented Captiva Cruises co-owner Bob Rando with a Paul Arsenalt painting of the 118-year-old building that houses the offices of the marina.
The CIHS reported that “Pops” Randall had built the structure as a house for himself and his wife in 1905. The next owners were Andy and Tessa Rosse, who lived there and ran a store and bar at the end of the dock. Bob and Jenny Rando and Leslie and Brad Junghans have owned the marina since Paul McCarthy’s passing, In 2018, the CIHS had donated a plaque for the building to honor its history.
The ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa provided platters of appetizers for the cruise.
The CIHS also thanked The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company for its support as a seasonal sponsor.