Sailpast

Sailpast is the official beginning of the boating season at a yacht club, and all PIYC Members, their families and friends are encouraged to participate this year.

I thought an explanation of the history might be interesting.

“Sailpast” is based on a British naval tradition which dates back some 600 years. Typically, when you meet your superior at sea, you are required to render the normal “naval salute” by dipping the Ensign and waiting for the response from the other vessel. The correct response is to lower the ensign and raise it simultaneously with the first vessel. In and around yacht clubs, this can become a nuisance with so many boats around. Therefore, it was decided years ago it would be better to condense this tradition into one ceremonial salute at the beginning of the boating season instead of saluting at every meeting. The annual Sailpast was thus created. A final part of the tradition is that if you miss Sailpast you must buy the Commodore a bottle of their favourite “tipple”!!

This year our vessel “Imogen” will be off the entrance to Otter Bay Marina. She is a 48’ 1955 Custom Monk Snr. We will have two passes of all the attending boats. The first should be the power boats followed by the sailboats. If the order is not correct it doesn’t really matter. I will use channel 66 for communication. We will Dip the ensign and salute the passing boats. We will also sound the horn in recognition.

Imogen will then retire, and I will see you all at the evening event.

My best

Allan

Commodore

Pender Islands Yacht Club