It was a great day to be a member of the Stormont Yacht Club. 2023 marks our 65th year and we have much to celebrate. Marking the official start of the sailing season, our Annual Sail Past is always a big event.
Commodore Natalie Bray welcomed all new and returning members as festivities got underway. The Canadian Flag was hoisted as Kate Miller played Oh Canada on the trumpet.
Natalie gave a big thank you to all members who contribute to making SYC a better club each year. Our self-help tradition continues with many hands making lighter work for all.
For this year’s Memorial Dedication Natalie expressed: We want to share with all the legacy of this dedication, a sincere thank you to Colleen Cox for her generous spirit and gift that allows this tradition to continue. Colleen prepared and presented the first two plaques and updated them annually during her lifetime, her commitment to SYC lives on with Nick continuing to honor her and those we have lost. This year we remember: Ester Bryan, Dr Margaret McCaulay, Audrey Warwick, & Paul Brunette.
Our Commodore presented the 2023 Seagull Award to a very surprised Jason Sinkus. Jason and his family have had a long relationship with SYC and he is known as one of the most helpful members in the club. He was also very involved in getting the Youth Sail Program re-established last year and continues to be an instructor in this popular program.
A special thank you was also extended to Jody McRae who crafted the new Stormont Yacht Club sign located at the base of the flagpole. It looks great.
The possibility of rain did not deter 16 boats from sailing into the bay waiting to salute our Commodore. The sun made an appearance, the rain stayed away but the wind was shy. All boats were given permission by our Fleet Captain to do a motor sail due to the lack of wind. Regardless, it was a perfect Sail Past with smiles and excitement beaming from all sailors.
Saluting Commodore Natalie Bray on Lagan III were: Sealestial, Knot Normal, Hakuna Matatta, Whisper, Mary A., Sylphide I, Noema Fee, Way, Arbutus, Reflection, Mers Soleil, Essoin, Amorce, Mattea, Kalinka and Meissa.
A wonderful reception with lots of food and drink was awaiting all sailors in the clubhouse afterward. A festive mood made for a wonderful afternoon. Thank you, Joy, Marty and team.
The cheery atmosphere would continue the next day with the first race of the spring series. 10 boats raced with Corky (Skipper Clive Williams), Lagan III (Skipper Peter Bray) and Sealestial (Skipper Paul Rodrigue) crossing the line 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Thanking all members, without each and every one of you the essence of this self-help club would be lost. From the words of Albert Einstein “Nothing truly valuable can be achieved except by the unselfish cooperation of many individuals.”
