The Commodore’s Sail Past at Cobourg Yacht Club
Sail Past marks the beginning of the CYC boating season and 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 Commodore's Sail Past begins with members and guests gathering around the flagpole (donated by the Agar family) in front of the club, for the skippers’ meeting. The boats are blessed, dignitaries introduced, and the course explained. We follow by boarding the vessels, centreboard, keel, and power, assembling on the water, and sailing or powering past the commodore who is standing on his/her boat which is anchored just outside the harbour within sight of shore so people may watch.
With the coming of the Advent, a Coast Guard vessel has led the parade and often the mayor is aboard that vessel, representing the Town of Cobourg. Members appreciate the involvement of the Town and the Coast Guard.
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 hos the 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. Do not 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 $35.00 each.
Program:
Skippers’ Meeting 1 PM, by the flagpole, includes blessing of the fleet.
Reception: 3 PM in the clubhouse.
