August 2025 Newsletter
Dear Valued Customer,
Somehow, it’s August already! The heat is up but the water is warm. To me this is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the boating lifestyle wherever you may be. For us here in Vero Beach it’s pretty tough to beat the salt air and a warm Southeast breeze! So far the tropical forecast is looking favorable for a quiet season and our friends the Sea Turtles are saying good things as well. If you haven’t been to the beach recently now is a great time to see a hatch. They are everywhere right now. Although the tropical forecast is good at the moment, we’re not quite to the peak of the season yet so keeping an eye on the weather should be a part of every boater’s agenda. An ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure!
Sadly, we’ve reached the end of this year’s Grady Bunch itinerary, and I only use the word sadly because it was one of the best ever. From raft-ups to luncheons to our annual Bahamas trip, this year was a blast. We had fun every time that we were together and that speaks highly of the people involved. Of course our “signature” Bahamas trip was as much fun as you could have on the water! The destinations were great, Mother Nature once again smiled on us, but it was the fellowship and the adventure that really made it something special. I would be remiss not to shout out extra thanks to those that went over and above to really make this year’s voyage extra special. Ladies first, Laura Sitko did a fantastic job as usual assisting in the planning and communicating with the ports of call and Grady Bunchers.…first class on all fronts. I also want to thank my wife Karen for being the inspiration for our adventures along the way and being a great “den mother” and organizer for get togethers at each location. Also, very special thanks to Arlene and Scott Ginn for all that they did to make this trip the success that it was! I couldn’t have done it without any of you. Each year it’s my goal to not repeat what we’ve done in the past and this year was proof of that. Our itinerary was Vero Beach to Old Bahama Bay on Grand Bahama to Hopetown. From there the group split and some of the boats were then led by Scott and Arlene back up to Green Turtle Cay with a stop at Old Bahama Bay before returning home. The other half of the group continued on from Hopetown to Highbourne Cay and Staniel Cay in the Exumas before running back to Spanish Wells/North Eleuthera. From there it was back to Little Harbor for lunch and a swim at Pete’s Pub and a run up to the Green Turtle Club. After a couple of days on Green Turtle Cay we crossed the Gulfstream home. For me the numbers added up like this… 43 awesome people, 14 beautiful days of great Bahama’s weather, and 1,046 miles. Life is good in the Grady Bunch and I thank all of you who join in on the fun on the water with us! The friendships, shared experiences and memories made are the icing on the cake of our boating lifestyle!
Although Vero Beach has quieted down a bit, we are still maintaining a solid pace here at “The Busy Marina”. Artie and Bobby continue to work extra hard to make good things happen. Whether it’s a new Grady White, Robalo, or one of our “pre-loved” boats, we’re here to help! Lead times of ordered boats are back to “normal” so if we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for on the lot we can get it for you in a most reasonable time frame. Also, our selection of reliable Yamaha Outboards is good and offers you the option of repowering the boat you know and love. From 2.5 HP to 450 HP we can keep you running right on the water. Later in August, Artie and I will be attending the Annual Robalo Dealer Conference and we’re looking forward to learning what they have planned for the next model year. More info on that in the future. As always, we would like to welcome aboard the newest members to the Vero Marine Center Crew. This month we welcome Mr. & Mrs. Richard Borgotti, Mr. Michael Eison, Mr. Mike Hammond, Mr. Carlos Lopez, Mr. John King, Beck Brothers, and Mr. & Mrs. Alan Grote. All of us here at Vero Marine Center thank you for your business and look forward to helping you and your families enjoy your time on the water.
Just when I felt like things might be slowing down a bit in the service department I was proven wrong! By comparison our schedule for August is sane but steady. Between repowers, sold boats and routine maintenance, the “can do” crew out back continues to shine! In the heat of the summer, shade, fans and hydration are more important than ever. Gladwin, Pete, Brian Olson, James, Steve, and J.T. deserve big kudos for their energy and effort! Thanks guys!
Not to hurry things along but before you know it the Labor Day Holiday weekend will be upon us. I know that in many parts of the country it signals the unofficial end of summer but certainly not around here. September can be one of the prettiest months of the year along the waterfront. Calm seas, warm water, and if you’re a cruiser there are many marinas that have available transient slips for a weekend getaway by boat. Of course next month is the peak of tropical season, so once again make sure you’re prepared and have a plan.
As we move through the rest of summer our plan is to spend as much time on the water as possible. After another great run to the Bahamas with the Grady Bunch I have to admit that I’m ready to go back! Whatever your boating plans may bring, enjoy the slice of paradise that we call home. As always, we thank you for your business, your loyalty and your kind referrals. I hope this finds you all well and enjoying summer wherever you may be!
See you on the water,
Brian Cunningham
“Nothing's better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you.” ~ Aaron Trimble
The Grady Bunch burgee proudly on display at The Green Turtle Club!
A snapshot of this year’s Bahamas trip.
