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« Back Post Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Parade Instructions issued for 166th Opening Day
Whether joining the parade or just spectating, all SYC members are invited to take to the water for the Boat Parade on Sunday, April 12, following the Opening Day Flag Ceremony.

Click here for Parade Instructions

Southern Yacht Club’s annual Opening Day celebration will be spread across the entire weekend of April 11 & 12 to offer more sailing on Saturday and more fun on Sunday, announced Commodore Merlin Wilson, Jr.

“Squeezing so many activities into one day on Sunday made for a very long day and forced racing into a very narrow window.” said Commo. Wilson. "By moving the racing to Saturday, we can host a proper regatta and have more time to enjoy the fellowship and traditions of Opening Ceremonies on Sunday.” he added.

Racing on Saturday will start at 1000 on four separate courses for Performance Handicap, One-Designs, Dinghies and Optimists.  Opening Regatta will also serve as the first event of the PHRF & Classic Spring Series. The SYC General Sailing Instructions will apply.

Saturday April 11
0830—Optional Skippers Meeting at Tiki Bar (PH,OD,DY)
0955—Earliest Warning Signal, all courses
Multiple races may be scheduled.
Post-Race—Boat decorating

Sunday will feature the full schedule of traditional ceremonies associated with SYC’s Opening Day. The events will not be as rushed and allow members to enjoy the day at a less frenetic pace.

Sunday April 12
1000—Commodore’s Brunch
1130—Flag Ceremony on the Lawn
1300—Boat Parade - Click here for Instructions
1400—Trophy presentation for Boat Parade and Opening Regatta
1430—Party

Doug Weber’s Marlow 65 Saltwind will host the club officers and dignitaries as the official review boat.  Commo. Wilson encourages all members to dress their boats for the parade, which will offer trophies in various categories, such as Most Nautical, Best Costumes, etc.  Spectators at the club, on the water and on Lakeshore Drive are also encouraged.

“We expect these changes will encourage more racing and more participation in the boat parade than ever, because owners and crew will not have to dash back to their slips, undress their boats and go right back out to sail what had become a perfunctory shadow of a true regatta.” said Commo. Wilson.

A la Carte dining will be available throughout the weekend.