The First Hundred Years: Clearwater Yacht Club, 1911-2011

varied CYC activities.” The Commodore Chuck and Em Harris Perpetual Trophy for Race Committee Excellence was established in 2001 and is “awarded to a CYC member for excellence in race management.” The yachting committee members select the recipient of this trophy. The Mermaid Trophy for Hours Underway (donated by Gene Fleming in 2004) is “awarded to the yacht of any size, shape or type, owned by an adult member of Clearwater Yacht Club, that logs the greatest number of hours underway with the owner aboard” in the year preceding the Change of Watch. The Contributing Yachtsman of the Year Award was established in 1981 and is the club’s most prestigious award. The outgoing commodore selects the recipient with input from the Yachting Committee. The award is given to the CYC member(s) who has (have) done the most to promote the club’s outstanding record of achievement in yachting, competitive sailing, and race management. Collectively, these awards represent the historic and current value the club places on service to the organization and the community, excellence in race management, competitive sailing, cruising and boating of all kinds, and fellowship (recipients of these awards are listed in Appendix C).

Blessing of the Fleet. Top row (left to right): 1. Monsignor Mulligan gives the invocation; 2. color guard presents the flags; 3. Dr. Pat Snair on bagpipes. Center row: 1. Vic and Mary Lou Spoto prepare to ring the bell in memory of members who have “crossed the bar;” 2. Commodore Barrie Gustard salutes the fleet; 3. the Boblenz’ Flying Cloud is dressed for the occasion. Bottom row: 1. Bow Chasers in prams; 2. participants aboard David Billing’s Running Bare place the memorial wreath in the water. CYC Archives.

After the presentation of awards, the ceremony moves outside to the flagpole where each outgoing officer lowers the flag symbolic of her/his office, hands the halyard to the incoming occupant of the office who then raises the flag. At the conclusion of this ritual, everyone moves up to the main dining room where the incoming commodore is introduced, makes welcoming remarks, and introduces the officers, directors, trustees, and appointees for the upcoming year. Then, as always, the fun begins with the evening’s dinner, dancing, and entertainment. Blessing of the Fleet The second traditional event (held each spring at CYC) is the Blessing of the Fleet. While rooted in ancient rituals, this event was held at the club for the first time in 1996. The event is now sponsored by the club’s chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel , which is composed of past commodores of yacht clubs

108 The First Hundred Years: Clearwater Yacht Club, 1911-2011