The sailing club with the very unusual name started over 32 years ago in Cape Coral, Florida, with sailors from all over Southwest Florida as charter members. The unique name came from an effort to make it forever obvious that this was not a "Knife and Fork yacht club," but a group of offshore sailors who wanted to race, cruise and explore the coasts of Florida, the Keys, the Tortugas, and the Bahamas. The name also describes the offbeat informal humor of the offshore sailor. It consists of folks from all walks of life who unite in their love of the sea.

The fleet of CMCS grew until now it numbers close to one hundred vessels and several hundred sailors and their family members. It consists of folks from all walks of life who unite in their love of the sea. For many years, CMCS did not even have a clubhouse, but finally obtained one in the late 1970's at Rankin's Anchorage. In 1996, the growth in membership prompted our move to a larger facility in Salty Sam's Marina. By 2005, our membership had doubled to over 250 members. The clubhouse, now bursting at the seams required us to seek a ?new home? with adequate facilities for our crew. We are now located at the Cape Coral Power Squadron, 917 SE 47^th Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida.

CMCS sponsors racing events each year, from short round-the-buoys races to long offshore coastal races.

The largest race of the year, the Summerset Regatta, has been run for 40 years, 34 by CMCS, attracting hundreds of sailors from Marco Island to Tampa Bay. All classes of offshore vessels sail in these races in an effort to provide competition to all who want to try their skill and luck.

Cruising and exploration are also a large part of CMCS activities during the year, with over a dozen cruises of varying lengths. From exploring the jungle islands and rivers of the 10,000 Island Coast, to cruising the Caloosahatchee River and Pine Island Sound, to voyaging to the Tortugas, the Keys, and the Bahamas, CMCS supports sailors with a sense of adventure.

The Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society is one of the largest and oldest sailing clubs in Southwest Florida. It is unique, with its fame spread across the nation and across the ocean. But its most endearing quality is the informal friendliness of the sailors of its fleet, who welcome everyone, everywhere, to join their love of the sea.