telltales - The Whitby Yacht Club

TELLTALES
Whitby Yacht Club Monthly Newsletter
June 2014
Commodore’s Corner
Ahoy all!
This is your special invitation to attend one of
Whitby Yacht Clubs most special events.
It is my hope that everyone will be able to
participate in some way on this great day.
On June 7th, please plan to attend the
Blessing of the Fleet and its’ reception at 11:00am,
on the front lawn. Plan to participate in the Sailpast,
where we are always amazed at the sight of so many
boats (power and sail) in line on the water. (This
year, our plan is to Go-Pro the Sailpast!). Enjoy the
afternoon of sailing and then join us for the
Commodores Dinner and Dance, with Cocktails
starting at 6:00pm.
This is a full day, with something for
everyone.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Commodore’s Corner …...…...………….……..….…...…….....….… page 1
2014 Blessing of the Fleet and Sailpast ……………………………... page 3
Everyone Loves a Contest …………………………………………. page 6
2014 Commodore’s Ball ……………………………………………. page 7
Upcoming Club Events …………..………….……….…….…......… page 8
2014 Cruising / 2014 Regatta Schedule ……………….………....….. page 9
I hope you will plan to participate in the
days’ events. (Remember to RSVP to Danae
for Dinner reservations at 905-668-1391).
This year, our Sailpast and
Commodores Dinner will be held with a nod to
all 'Past Commodores'. One of the most
interesting 'things' we have on our much
decorated main floor walls, are the pictures of
Past Club Commodores.
While I have had great fortune in
meeting many Past Commodores, I enjoy just
looking at the faces in the pictures and
wondering what hopes and dreams they had for
our Club, especially in the early years. What
were their ambitions, what were their goals.
What were their obstacles and what did they
see in the future of WYC. With the Club
approaching 50 years in 2016, there are a lot of
faces to look back on. What a great legacy!
During this years’ Blessing of the Fleet,
Sailpast and Commodores Dinner, I want to be
sure that we recognise past WYC Commodores
and the contributions of our members in
providing this outstanding facility.
There is some great information in this
special edition of Telltales. So read on, make
your reservation for dinner, (now) and I hope to
see everyone at the Blessing of the Fleet on
Saturday, at 11:00am.
See you on the water!
Commodore, John Berry
WYC Nautical News pg 1
CONTIN UED
ON
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2
WYC Nautical News pg 2
What is the Blessing of the Fleet?
The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago. While it is impossible to pin down
the first 'blessing', it seems to have started in European, specifically Mediterranean, fishing communities.
The practice involves a blessing from the local priest, and was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
The event was spread by Migrants fishermen who held strongly to their beliefs.
That being said, it is easy to believe that other cultures around the globe also blessed their fleets by
making offerings and supplicants to their gods.
Today, the events that are part of the Blessing of the Fleet vary
by Yacht Club and community and range from a simple ceremony to
multi-day festivals including parades, pageantry, dancing, feasting and
contests.
At Whitby Yacht Club, The Blessing of the Fleet involves a
Service of Blessing, (Officiated by WYC friend Reverand Deacon
Derek Skelton) followed by a light reception, a fabulous Sailpast and
then Dinner and Dance into the evening.
WYC Nautical News pg 3
What is the Sailpast ??
Based on 600 years of British Naval traditions,
it is common practice for yacht clubs to hold an annual
Sailpast shortly after launch, as an official start to the
boating season. This is a ceremonial event that among
other things, encourages skippers to return their vessels
to “Bristol condition” for the season ahead, and
provides an opportunity for members to come together
as a club with all vessels, both power and sail,
participating in a parade of activity on the water. It is
typically followed by a social event attended by
Sailpast participants and invited guests.
This Year’s Event:
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Sailpast will be on Sat. June 7th, and will be officiated by
Commodore John Berry.
Times to note are:
11:00am - Blessing of the Fleet,
12:00pm - Reception with munchies
1:00pm - Skippers Meeting with Fleet Director Bart
2:00pm - Start of the Sailpast. Specifics will be determined by the day's wind, and announced at the Skippers
Meeting. After receiving the Commodores salute, enjoy the day sailing!
6:00pm - Cocktails in the Compass Rose Lounge.
7:00pm - Dinner and Dance featuring the Band “The Usual Suspects”.
Dress Your Boat:
Before heading out, it's time to dress ship. Fly your flags burgees, streamers, signal flags etc…
whatever you have…Dress it up!
There is an award for the days 'Best Dressed Ship!' See page 6.
Skippers Meeting:
Please join us at approx. 1:00pm for a quick skippers meeting. We will discuss route, and protocol,
and order of boats. Weather conditions may dictate small changes in the plan. Thus, it is important that at
least one crew member attend the Skipper's meeting at 1:00pm. We will have a mix of power and sail craft.
WYC Nautical News pg 4
Please note: All participating vessels must have an operating radio on board. Channel for monitoring will be
determined at the skipper’s meeting.
In the event of inclement Weather:
In the event of foul weather, and upon instructions from the Commodore, the fleet shall remain at
their moorings and the Commodore's yacht will pass through the harbour.
Assembly in the marshalling area:
The fleet will assemble in a marshalling area (normally) upwind of the Commodores Yacht (Mad
Hatter). The location and route will be determined at the 1:00pm skipper's meeting.
The Past Commodore's vessel, will signal the start of the Sailpast at 1:45pm with one long signal.
This signal will be preceded by a warning signal and radio call at about 1:45pm, 1:50pm, 1:55pm and
2:00pm.
When you have sighted the vessel you are to follow, fall in behind and attempt to maintain a three (3)
boat length interval. Radio communication will be through VHF radio. Channel “to be determined” at the
skipper’s meeting. The Review Ship is the Commodore's yacht (Mad Hatter) which will be anchored.
The Sailpast order of Yachts:
At 1:45pm, the Past Commodore will lead
the fleet past the Commodore's yacht and will be
followed by the Whitby Yacht Club fleet in
assigned order - with the Rear Commodores
Vessels bringing up the rear. The actual order of
yachts will be reviewed at the Skippers‟ Meeting.
The Salute:
Sail past the Commodore's yacht maintaining an interval of approximately
three boat lengths and salute in the following manner.
 Yachts with an ensign will dip the ensign. (Lower to half staff and then
raise again).
 Alternatively, it is permissible to hold the ensign bundled against the
flag staff by hand, then release. Yachts without an ensign will luff their
foresail (Release the jib sheet and allow to luff).
The salute should commence one boat length before reaching the
Commodores vessel and continue for one boat length beyond. Wherever possible
the skipper and crew should stand and face the Commodore. Only the
Commodore salutes by hand.
After passing the Commodores Vessel and depending on the sea state, it is preferred that vessels round
up and break off toward open water at least until all vessels in the fleet have passed through the review.
After the Salute and with fair winds…enjoy the day!
WYC Nautical News pg 5
The Best
Dressed Ship
Award
The Best Dressed Ship Award will be determined during
and after the Sailpast.
We will judge the 'Best Dressed Ship' and the winner
will be announced at our Commodores Dinner. The award will
be presented at Awards Night.
So hang out your burgees, your signal flags, your
pennants, even your laundry. The best one, wins!
Skipper Draw
Every Skipper that skippers his/her own
boat in the Sailpast, will have a chance to win a
$100. Gift Certificate from Whitby Marine
Supplies, courtesy of Martin.
This award will be drawn for at the
Commodores Dinner.
Good Luck to all!
WYC Nautical News pg 6
6:00pm - Cocktails
Please join us upstairs at the Compass Rose
Lounge for Cocktails and pre-dinner munchies.
7:00pm - Dinner:
Compass Rose Lounge. Our evening together
starts at 7:00 pm.
Attire:
This is one of the Club's few 'formal' events.
As such, traditional blue and white attire is preferred.
But, please be comfortable.
Something a bit different...
Past Commodores:
Please, I would be so proud, if all of our Past
Commodores would fly their Officers Flags during
the Sailpast. Either the Past Commodores Flag, or
the Commodores Flag would be welcomed at the
Sailpast.
AND, if there are past Commodores out
there that need to be contacted, let's all make it a
mission to connect, and invite. (Blessings are free,
Dinner is $45.).
Questions?
Members of the Board will be on hand to
answer any questions re this event.
If you are interested is assisting with this
great event, please speak to one of the Board
members listed on our web site. We are looking
forward to a great day!
_______
Tickets on sale now: $45
If you have not already RSVP'd to the Danae, you
may want to do this quickly. 905 668 1391.
Dinner Menu
To Begin:
Spring mix, strawberry, asparagus Salad
Variety of dinner rolls with butter,
Main Course:
Dijon-roasted beef wrapped in prosciutto
Poached salmon with dill& avocado mayo
Roasted Parisienne potatoes
Seasoned corn cobettes
Summer inspired vegetable medley
And for Dessert:
Chocolate swirl cheesecake
with berry compote.
Coffee and tea
WYC Nautical News pg 7
June Club Events
Wed. June 4th
 Race: Wed. Night Racing - Series 1, Race 4
Thurs. June 5th
 Race: Spring single – Race 3
Fri. June 6th
 Social: TGIF dinner
th
Sat. June 7
 Club: 2014 WYC Blessing of the fleet,
Sailpast and Commodore’s Ball.
Wed. June 11th
 Race: Wed. Night Racing – Series 1, Race 5
Thurs. June 12th
 Race: Spring single – Race 4
Fri. June 20th
 Social: TGIF dinner
 Race: Whitby 50 (June 20th – 21st)
Sat. June 21st
 Cruising: Commodore’s Cruise (Cathedral
Bluffs YC)
Wed. June 25th
 Race: Wed. Night Racing – Series 2, Race 4
Fri. June 27th
 Social: TGIF dinner
Sat. June 28th – July 1st
 Cruising: Cobourg YC (Waterfront
Festival)
Fri. June 13th
 Social: TGIF dinner
 Cruising: Midnight Madness Full Moon
Cruise
Sat. June 14th
 Race: WYC Open Regatta – Series 2 – Race
1 and Race 2
Sun. June 15th
 Race: Centennial Bowl
th
WYC
Summer Bar Hours
Wednesday: 4 - close
Wed. June 18
 Race: Wed. Night Racing – Series 2, Race 3
Friday: 4 - close
Thurs. June 19th
 Race: Spring single – Race 5
Sunday: 12 - 6pm
Saturday: 12 - 9pm
Holidays: 2 - 8pm
Monitor the weekly e-blasts and WYC website for changes and new additions.
WYC Nautical News pg 8
Upcoming 2014
WYC & Lake Ontario
Regatta’s
June 14th
 WYC Open Regatta
June 15th
 WYC Centennial Bowl
June 20th – June 21st
 Whitby 50
Starts July 12th
 Lake Ontario 300
July 19th
 FBYC Single-hand
July 27th
 Mayor’s Cup
July 29th – August 3rd
 LYRA
Upcoming 2014
WYC Cruising
June 13th
 Midnight Madness Full Moon Cruise
June 21st -22nd
 Commodore’s Cruise - Cathedral Bluffs YC
June 28th -July 1st
 Cobourg YC (Waterfront Festival)
July 5th – 6th
 Olcott YC - Olcott NY (Independence Day)
July 26th – 27th
 Whitby Harbour Days
August 2nd – 4th
 Cobourg (Civic Weekend)
August 5th – 9th
 East End Convoy – Murray Canal,
Belleville/Sandy Point, Hay Bay, Pinyers Cove,
Wapoos Kingston
August 9th and 10th
 FBYC Open Regatta
August 11th or 12th
 Gananoque Rendezvous – Navy Islands
August 23rd
 WYC Jack and Jill
August 23rd – 24th
 Royal Hamilton YC
August 24th
 FBYC Pursuit
August 25th – 29th
 Optional West End Convoy – 50 Point, Port
Dalhousie, Niagara–n-the-Lake
September 6th and 7th
 WYC Fall Regatta/Stonehaven Cup
October 4th
 FBYC Frostbite
August 30th – September 2nd
 Youngstown YC (Labour Day)
September 20th – 21st
 Ashbridges Bay YC (Die Hard Cruise)
WYC Nautical News pg 9