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Opening Day Committee

The Committee

    Chairs:
  • Kathleen Barr & Richard Solomon
    Members:
  • Diana Fischer
  • Eileen Kallaway
  • Debby Klein
  • Doug Owen
  • Chris Koehler Reite
  • Dianna Stone
  • Shelly Willard

Opening Day at CYC (Click to go to Opening Day Page or Gallery)

Traditionally hailed as the beginning of the summer boating season, Opening Day takes its tradition from the 19th century.  During the months of winter storms, the yachts and arcs, floating summer homes on barges, would take refuge in the lagoon.  In spring, the bridge spanning the lagoon would be opened (located at Main & Beach Roads), allowing the yachts and arcs to once again seek anchorage in the areas of Belvedere Cove and Richardson Bay for the summer months.

In 1963, Captain Elmer Towle and Charles White, members of CYC, at Gini White’s request, took the position that, if the fishing fleet received a blessing at the outset of their season in the spring, why not the pleasure craft?  It was decided that a yacht would be anchored in Racoon Strait with, among others, members of the clergy aboard, allowing pleasure craft to pass in review on Sunday Morning to receive a blessing for their summer season on the water.

From that humble beginning, the tradition has grown, and has received continuous leadership and support from notable members of CYC.  From 1964 to the mid 1990s, the United States Navy was a participant, lending a ship and even a destroyer one year, as the platform for the festivities.  The US Coast Guard has continued the tradition of participation for the last 17 years.   In recent years, the Coast Guard has worked with the local law enforcement agencies to maintain the safety zone in the area.  For the last two years, the Blessing platform has a private yacht, the Anakalia owned by CYC members, Doug & Andrea Owen.  The Blessing is administered by the “God Squad”  (a Protestant Minister, a Catholic Deacon, and a Jewish Cantor). 

CommodoreCYC starts celebrating Opening Day on Saturday with an intra-club boat decorating contest.   Boats dress to theme or with flags.  A great deal of bribing takes place!  It’s a fun filled, all day event with good food & music.   Bright and early Sunday morning, a service presided by The God Squad is held on the deck followed by a Breakfast in the Ballroom attended by many dignitaries and then by the Blessing right off the Club in Racoon Strait.  Club members spend the afternoon socializing on the deck where dancing music is accompanied by good food.

Mark your calendar for April 28 & 29th!  The PICYA theme this year is “American Spirit”.



Theme by Dr. Radut.