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Opening Day 2025

Robert B Simpson | Published on 5/3/2025



OPENING DAY
May 3, 2025
(Recap)
The 2025 SYCboating season isofficially underway!

Flag Raising & Blessing of the Fleet:
At the Blaine Harbor Marina (Gate 2), Commodore Mel Kolstad welcomed everyone, acknowledging the presence of several SYC Past Commodores. He and Judge Advocate Dick Hardman led the group in a prayer focused on peace, patience, and safe boating in the coming year. The USA and Canadian flags and the Semiahmoo Yacht Club burgee were raised to the accompaniment of their respective national anthems and music. The honor of raising the flags went to Vice Commodore Susan Barlock (USA), Past Commodore Paul Dumbleton (Canada), and Fleet Captain Jason Sloan (SYC burgee). All three flags flew proudly in the morning breeze!

Commodore's Sail Past:
Following the Flag Raising Ceremony, members' vessels formed-up near the Dreyton Harbor entry buoys before re-entering and parading past the anchored MV Dreams (Jeff and Lisa Lee) to honor Commodore Mel Kolstad and wife,Louise.They stood proudly on Dreams' bow as the vessel parade passed by in salute, led by MV The Grace (Jason and Kirsten Sloan), and followed by MV Tugnacious (Dave and Jennifer Branch) and MV Au Pif (Michel Labarre). Many more SYC members were "on the rails" aboard the four boats to honor the Commodore and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with participating in a traditional Sail Past.
Opening Day Luncheon:
After the Sail Past, 56 members gathered at the Silver Reef Casino/Hotel in Ferndale for the Club-sponsored Opening Day Luncheon. As always, the Silver Reef staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and special. The energy in the room was vibrant with conversation and brotherhood. Although the focus was clearly on having a great meal and a fun time together, a little Club business was accomplished: Club Officers, key volunteers, and new members were acknowledged and introduced; new Club hats were available for sale; and, most important, SYC 2025 Membership Annuals and Member Cards were distributed to those present. (Annuals and cards are either being delivered in person or mailed to members who were not at the luncheon. If you do not receive yours in a reasonable timeframe, please follow-up with Vice Commodore Susan Barlock to determine the status of your Annual and membership cards.)
Please join us on Opening Day next year, but for now...
Opening Day of the SYC 2025 Boating Season is history!

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