Royal Palm Yacht Club

61st Inaugural Fleet Review

September 30th 2007

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Mother Nature has her way, but the RPYC Fleet adapts! ( cointinued )

Traditions Ashore & Afloat

By Ellen Schneider

Sunday dawned brightly, with just a mere indication of clouds and the possibility for a beautiful day. However, as members quickly noted, the wind was just short of gale force, and the Caloosahatchee conditions were more than a “heavy chop.” A strategy session was convened with all the officers and committee involved, and an alternative plan was quickly developed: the boats would remain safely in the harbor with captains and crew aboard, and the new officers and board would parade from boat to boat, dockside. The formal ceremony would proceed from the upper deck of the clubhouse.

What a sight to see over a hundred members and guests gathered on the bows of the boats, participating in the Pledge of Allegiance, National. As a wreath floated across the harbor in memory of departed members, “Taps,” played by two trumpeters, echoed across the water. The singing of “Amazing Grace” was also very moving. The final part of the program was a Blessing of the Fleet, with Fleet Chaplain, the Reverend Ted Gault officiating.

At the end of the program, the new commodore, flag officers and directors began their review of the fleet – marching along the docks. At each boat, they saluted members and guests on that boat, and received a salute in return. After each exchange, the traditional cannon blast (shotgun) reverberated in the air.

At the end of the ceremony, everyone responded that they enjoyed the revised program, and were especially glad that the boats and participants had been kept safe. Some have even suggested that perhaps a new tradition has been born this year.