Commodore Hatcher welcomed all present and saluted the past commodores as is our tradition.

The Blessing of the Fleet

We started with the hoisting of the colors by Rob Wyatt and Bill Miller.

Hoisting the colors

Rob Wyatt gave a nice explanation of the history behind the flag etiquette we use at the yardarm. Next was the Pledge of Allegiance led by Gary Reimer.

We then moved on to a recitation and performance of a sea chantey by Lee Huddleston

and an excellent homily on sailing by Deborah Champion.

Deborah Champion’s Homily on Sailing and Life

Reverend Judith Foster Reese then blessed all the boats in the yard and all present.

We concluded with the ringing of 8 bells at our Plank park for our fallen members by Commodore Rob Hatcher.

Carol and Frank Kersting provided an excellent repast of heavy hors d’oeuvres and copious amounts of beer and wine.

Grubbin’

As has been related elsewhere we then proceeded to a renaming ceremony for Gary Reimer’s boat which was well and truly renamed Firefly.

A good time was had by all and onward to a great 2016 season.