Opening of the 70th sailing season at Southport Yacht Club
by Bronwen Hemmings 2 Sep 2016 22:20 BST
3 September 2016
Southport Yacht Club Past Commodore's saluting during the 2015 Sail Past and Blessing of the Fleet parade © Southport YC
On Saturday, September 3, Southport Yacht Club will celebrate the opening of its 70th Boating and Sailing Season with the Club's 70th Anniversary Sail Past and Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony.
Club and visiting vessels will assemble in the vicinity of the Deep Hole and will arrive at Southport Yacht Club for the official Blessing of the Fleet from 2.45pm.
Approximately 70 vessels are expected to take part in the spectacular and colourful parade of sailing and powerboats, with many local dignitaries watching from the water's edge.
The best vantage point for spectators to view the parade of vessels as they make their way to the Clubhouse is Broadwater Parklands, Southport, alternatively, visitors are welcome to view the vessels from the Southport Yacht Club's Clubhouse at 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach.
Father Don Parker will bless the waters with Southport Yacht Club Commodore Kerry Noyes, Vice Commodore Sail Ray McMahon, Vice Commodore Power Graham Webb and Commander Matthew Doornbos RAN taking the salute from the Club's Waterscape pontoon.
On completion of the Sail Past, the Salvation Army Band, together with The TS Tyalgum Cadets will perform the traditional Sunset Ceremony.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day with the Salvation Army Band and vocalist Jocelyn Armstrong. Entertainment will continue in the Clubhouse after the Sunset Ceremony has concluded.
Southport Yacht Club's Main Beach Clubhouse restaurant and facilities are open to Members and bona fide visitors throughout the day.