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

around the world. Members are asked to wear club uniforms and boat slip holders are asked to “dress ship” with signal flags. The event begins with a bagpipe solo and an invocation by the club’s fleet chaplain. Next, a color guard performs a drill and presents the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance. These landside ceremonies are followed by a parade of boats. As each boat passes the reviewing stand, the commodore is acknowledged by firing the ship’s cannon (if available) or by a salute. The commodore salutes in return as the fleet chaplain blesses the passing vessel. At the end of the review, the boats form a circle and the names of all members who have “crossed the bar” during the year are read by the fleet chaplain accompanied by the tolling of a bell. Guests aboard the boats offer tribute by throwing flowers into the circle, and a memorial wreath is lowered into the harbor from the lead boat. All boats then return to the club, exchange their formal club uniforms for more casual attire, and enjoy a barbeque and afternoon at the pool and Tiki Bar. During the afternoon, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary are on hand to conduct voluntary safety inspections—just to reinforce the benefits of the blessing. Commodores’ Ball Also in the spring of each year, the club holds a formal ball in honor of its current and past commodores and their spouses. This is the most formal event held at the club and involves a multi-course gourmet dinner, introduction of past commodores and spouses, and, of course, dancing.

Past commodores at the 1978 Commodores’ Ball. Taver Bayly is center front. Courtesy of the Jamieson/Cornett/Bayly family.

Chapter 11: Formal Club Traditions 109