M/V Kindred Spirits and Mt. Baker
A warm spring day greeted the many club members who gathered at the Semiahmoo Marina on the first Saturday in May to celebrate the beginning of Semiahmoo Yacht Club’s 35th season of boating in the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Commodore Lynette started off by welcoming members, friends and honored guests, including twelve Past SYC Commodores, to enjoy a day of activities including ceremony, celebration, camaraderie and a little boating!
The ceremony began with traditional raising of the US, Canadian and Washington State flags, with trombonist Ozzie providing musical accompaniment for singing of our national anthems. Reverend Peter Mans asked for a safe and memorable season on the water in his eloquent Blessing of the Fleet and also remembered those we have lost, most recently Rear Commodore Iain, with a Memorial Prayer.
Flag Raising at Semiahmoo Marina
Following some announcements and photo ops, it was off to the docks and onto the boats. Fleet Captain Paul made sure that everyone who wanted to join the ‘on the water’ portion of the day had a ride. DHM’s ferry boat Plover led a procession of boats out into Semiahmoo Bay, first placing a flowered wreath in the water in remembrance of lost friends, then leading the fleet on the ‘Commodore Sail Past’.
Thanks to 2012 Commodore Dick and mate Colleen, many guests were able to join Commodore Lynette aboard M/V Kindred Spirits to enjoy the sunshine and support of the parading fleet. Thanks as well to all of the captains who provided the opportunity for all to share a wonderful time on the water.
The festivities reconvened in the early afternoon with a luncheon at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. Over 140 members and several valued vendors were able to join us for an afternoon of food, fun, friendship and prizes. Members also able to pick up their 2016 member packets, including the 2016 Annual book and ‘SYC 35th Year’ commemorative coffee mugs.
Luncheon at Bellingham GCC
Commodore Lynette announced a season long ‘Fundraiser/Drawing’, the proceeds of which will be used to support B.C. Marine Parks. Also in keeping with our mission to support local marine related activities, a contribution was presented to Captain Richard Sturgill of Drayton Harbor Maritime to show of our continuing support of DHM’s nautical restoration work.
Thanks to all who helped create a Grand Opening Day 2016 event!
Many wonderful photos of all of the Opening Day activities are available on our Photo Album page, or via the links below: