Sail Past Commences : 13:00
Sail Past marks the beginning of the CYC boating season. The sail past is an important boating event that involves inspecting the fleet, determining their readiness, their capability to put to sea and showing respect to the Commodore. This tradition is rooted in naval preparedness, safety and in good seamanship.
At CYC, the Sail Past began in the Centreboard Club. (We had no keel boats) Commodore Tom Wilson recognized the care with which the members prepared their boats for racing and pleasure sailing and wanted to give credit to the skippers and their crews. At that time the Commodore took the salute from the centre pier. Once the club grew to include larger vessels, the Sail Past became a tour past the Commodore’s anchored boat.
The Sail Past begins around the flag pole in front of the club, with a skippers’ meeting. Then we follow by boarding the vessels, assembling on the water and sailing or powering past the commodore who is standing on his boat which is anchored just outside the harbour.
When you are “sailing past”, the skipper salutes the commodore (the crew are welcome too!) and in the case of sail boats, the jib is luffed.
You are encouraged to fly the Canadian flag and your nautical signal flags. Many also fly their racing flags. This is called “showing your colours” and is part of demonstrating that you are prepared for the water.
In the early days of CYC, it was the Commodore’s responsibility to hostthe post sail past gathering at their home and to provide the refreshments, at their expense. A lot has changed and today CYC has a club budget and holds the reception in the clubhouse.
Following the Sail Past: 15:00
All CYC members are invited to share in a spread of delicious appetizers and refreshing cocktails to celebrate their hard work and the beginning of the season!
The dress code for the sail past is white and navy, casual chic. This is an important event for the club and an opportunity to get a little dressed up!
Sail Past is the first demonstration of seamanship for the season. Don’t forget that we award a seamanship award at the end of the season.
Prepare your vessel and join in the fun!
Register ASAP. Members free, Guests $25.00 each.
