BYC Begins 89th Year
Though a bit chilly and slightly overcast at times, it was a beautiful day for the 89th Annual Opening Day festivities at the Balboa Yacht Club, aptly themed “The Tradition Continues.”
Commodore Peter Bretschger officiated, with the Opening Day Ceremony held on the Flag Deck promptly at noon, complete with music by LA Scots and Southern California Children’s Chorus, and all the pomp and circumstance that make all yacht club opening days such a festive occasion.
Each year, BYC vessel owners take great pride in displaying their boats and welcoming visitors aboard to share tours, clever cocktail concoctions and scrumptious seafaring appetizers. With a maximum capacity crowd celebrating, it took some maneuvering to make it around the docks to visit all of the boats, some Med-tied on temporary docks.
I finally found my favorite sailboat, a Jeanneau 49, Lagniappe (pronounced “Lanyap”), owned by Karen Rhyne and Michael Michel, where they were serving the best Bellinis ever. Across the way was the showstopper of the day, aboard Bev and Michael Brooks’ beautiful Ocean 48 Super Sport, Beach House, where a sushi chef was working feverishly on behalf of the guests. Their very creative mango-jalapeno blended cocktail took first place in the contest – my mouth is still on fire.
Commodore Bretschger told me that during opening day the club also raised funds for the Maritime Sciences and Seamanship Foundation, whose purpose is to support junior sailors from throughout Orange County. The group helps young people pursue excellence through sailing and seamanship. For more information, visit bycmssf.org.
Bahia Corinthian Celebrates Renewal
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club carried on its tradition of renewal during its 2011 Opening Day last Saturday, officially ‘kicking off’ the Club’s activities, recognizing guests and officers, as well as highlights from throughout 2010 during a ceremony officiated by Commodore Ted O’Connor.
BCYC opening day festivities got under way with the presentation of Colors by Troop 90 from the Newport Beach Sea Base Boy Scouts, along with a rousing rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” flag salute and single cannon shot (no matter how many times I prepare myself, that cannon always startles me when it goes off!).
A touching part of the ceremony came when the club honored members who departed this past year, as Rear Commodore Karen Winnett tolled eight bells for each. Vice Commodore Tom Rasulo introduced honored guests with a special introduction of the Las Commodoras President Louise Sasine and Las Commodoras Board. Each year, Las Commodoras, BCYC’s women’s group, plans and hosts opening day.
With final formalities the red, white and blue Club Burgee was raised, three cannon shots were fired, and party-goers took to the boats on BCYC docks whose owners all hosted festive music, refreshments, and a lively celebration that carried into the evening.
