The Commodore invites you to the HBYC Opening Cruise of 2010!

Hout Bay,
Cape Town,
South Africa.

OPENING CRUISE Saturday 9th October!

( not the 7th as is posted on the HBYC site)

Sailpast at 2pm, Cannons to be fired

Merriment on the water!

Evening party is OKTOBERFEST with OOMPAH BAND, DRAFT BEER and GOOD FOOD!

WE WANT EVERY POSSIBLE BOAT ON THE WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND EVERY MEMBER PRESENT!!!!!!!!!!!

HBYC hasn't had an opening cruise for years so don't miss it!

HBYC Opening Cruise  9 October 2010

(thank you to Justin for supplying the following)

Traditions of the Sailpast

“The Sailpast tradition began at the First Yacht Club which was formed at Cowes in England nearly 200 years ago. The membership at Cowes was primarily aristocratic and many were familiar with naval practice and tradition. Cowes Yacht Club subsequently changed its name to Royal Yacht Squadron and certain social graces were added to the traditional naval practices.

The actual “review of the fleet” was introduced as a continuation of the naval habit of having Admirals (and/or Royalty) review the fleet on special occasions. Protocol demanded that a flagship be anchored with the Admiral and staff on the quarterdeck to receive and return the salute. Vessels sailed past, dipping their colours in salute, and with their captain, if hatted (which he should be), also saluting with the ship’s company standing at attention. The fleet passing in review would be led by the Vice-Admiral and the final vessel in the line would carry the Rear-Admiral.

The Yacht Club tradition is almost identical, except that the salute is received by the Commodore and/or President instead of the Admiral.

Tradition dictates that all club members participate in the Sailpast, on their own or on another member’s yacht. Good manners require that a member unable to participate will send his/her regrets to the Commodore. “



Sailpast at HBYC

Attendance

1. All vessels are strongly encouraged to attend. Apologies to the Commodore (not recommended)

2. All members are encouraged to attend, and to find their way onto a boat where possible. Skippers will be very obliging.

Venue

1. Sailpast will be held in Hout Bay generally between Ore Jetty and Dunes Mark.

2. The review Vessel taking the Salute will be stationed at Ore Jetty under the East Fort cannons where the Salute will be fired from.

Timing and course

1. The Sailpast is scheduled for Saturday afternoon 9 October.

2. Vessels to launch at approx 13:00 and be “on the water” at Fish on the Rocks by 13:30.

3. On exiting the harbour, vessels should congregate in the vicinity of Fish on the Rocks, ready to leave en masse at 13:45 for the Salute at 14:00 sharp.

4. Timing may be further coordinated by Radio on Channel 71

5. The “bridge boat” will be yacht QUEST on CH-71.

6. The Review Vessel should anchor approximately 500m away from Ore Jetty so that it forms a reaching angle between itself and the Ore Jetty mark, allowing sailing vessels to reach to and from the Ore Jetty mark during the time of the salute.

7. On reaching the Review vessel, yachts should sail sausages around Ore Jetty and the review vessel, leaving them each to port.

8. At the time of the Salute (14:00) East Fort cannon will sound. Yachts should respond acknowledge with as much noise as they can, using whistles, vuvuzelas, foghorns, etc. Flag waving and popping of Champagne Corks will be permitted!

9. On passing the review boat, yachts should salute the assembled flag officers (Commodore and President) in a formal and dignified manner, with more flag waving, streamers, sound signals. Etc. Please do not use solid objects or any items that may leave plastic bags in the water however! Bear in mind the Review Vessel may respond if unduly threatened!!

10. After rounding the review boat 3x boats should adopt a longer port course circling Dunes, Ore Jetty and the Review vessel, to bring the festivities to the rest of the bay.

11. The Commodore will then “Declare the Bazaar Season Open” on CH-71



Dressing

1. All crew to be dressed in Blue and White

2. Flag Officers to have naval caps and disposable blazers

3. Yachts to display as much bunting as possible!



Notes

• Engines may be used to keep pace and hold position.

• If a strong wind  is blowing, yachts should sail under jib alone.

• Prepare to have a jolly sail around the bay during the afternoon with good refreshments and company (and cameras)!!!

• Please uphold good sea-keeping and safety at all times. Look out for other vessels at close quarters, and do not collide with the review vessel!