Opening Day A Yachting Tradition Sunday, 29 April, 2018
Opening Day is the annual celebration of the arrival of spring and the boating season. It is the year’s busiest, most interesting day at the Club and all members and their families are warmly invited and encouraged to participate. Opening Day is a great opportunity to meet existing and new friends, and celebrate everything that is great about the Club. It is also a good opportunity to introduce potential members to the Club, so bring them along for the day. It is believed that the tradition of a Sailpast began at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, England nearly 200 years ago. The actual ‘review of the fleet’ is steeped in more than 600 years of Royal Navy tradition and history. It was introduced in yacht clubs as a continuation of the naval practice whereby Admirals and Royalty reviewed the fleet on special occasions. Our Club’s tradition is similar, except the salute is received by the Commodore, who will be aboard the sailing vessel Argyle anchored in Esquimalt Harbour. Club boats deliver the salute by dipping the ensign while passing the Commodore, with all crew standing facing the Commodore (headdress should be worn). The Commodore is the only one to return the salute by hand. Traditionally, all club members should participate in the Sailpast, on their own or on another member’s vessel. If you don’t have access to a boat, and would like to participate in the Sailpast, bring your family and friends to the club and we will make our best efforts to find a boat for you. Please come and participate in our club’s 70th year of existence and share in the celebration.
Opening Day Events Information
Sunday 29 April, 2018
All members are encouraged to come to the Opening Day events, whether you have a boat or not. Members with boats at other marinas will be given moorage at CFSA, to every extent possible, for Saturday and Sunday. Everyone with a boat is encouraged to take part in the afternoon Sailpast. Instructions for the parade route will be handed out on the day. It is also a wonderful spectacle to watch from the grounds near the Clubhouse, for anyone not heading out on the water. All forms of vessels are welcome to take part in the Sailpast including, sail, power and human powered crafts. Members and guests are welcome and encouraged to wear traditional yachting attire, known as ‘whites,’ or ‘club uniform’ for the formal portions of the day. If you are participating as an observer in the flag raising ceremony and joining the Sailpast, you are welcome to choose either traditional ‘whites’ or the more informal alternative (see below). Visiting officials are invited to wear their organization’s formal daytime uniform. These clothing guidelines are offered to maintain tradition and make everyone feel welcome. If you do not have one of these items or prefer not to wear the traditional formal attire, please feel comfortable wearing other attire that will complement the occasion such as khaki, blue and white coloured clothing. The club tie, ball cap and crest are available for purchase from the bar. Traditional ‘whites’ or ‘Club Uniform’: Navy blue blazer with club crest, white pants or skirt, white shoes and white socks, club tie for men, scarf for women. For headdress, a white peaked cap (or bowler) with club cap badge. Officers of the Executive Committee may wear an officer’s peaked cap and the commodore may wear a senior officer’s. Informal alternative: Khaki pants or skirt, blue or white polo shirt or dress shirt, boat shoes. CFSA branded clothing is encouraged