The Commodore’s Ball

By Nancy Giachino

As a relatively new member of the CYC, I am fascinated with our club’s long and colorful history. Certainly one of the most interesting aspects of club history are the events that have occurred over the years to honor our past commodores’ service. The Commodores’ Ball, which this year will be held on Saturday, October 27, represents an important part of our CYC traditions.

This tradition extends almost to the beginning of our club in 1886. Over the years the name and nature of this event has evolved. In the 1960s, the affair was transformed into the Commodore’s Luau. The Commodore and his wife dined alone in a grass hut like a tribal chieftain. No one was allowed to take to the dance floor until the Commodore and his wife chose to dance! A July 1977, article in the Telltale described one such event:

“The Commodore’s Luau on Saturday, June 18, was highly successful with an outstanding feast, delightful music and a first class floor show highlighted by a gentleman from Samoa who entertained us by repeatedly setting fire to his backside in a ritual fertility fire dance. This even resulted in an unscheduled appearance of the fire department, but fearless Jack Cooper sat throughout this unusual event clutching a large fire extinguisher.”

Sometime in the late 70’s the luau theme again evolved, this time into the Commodore’s Roast. Apparently this was a short-lived tradition, and soon thereafter it became a formal ball in honor of the commodore. With the passage of time the event was transformed once again, expanding recognition to include staff commodores as well as the current club commodore.

This year’s event continues to honor all commodores who have served the Corinthian Yacht Club throughout its history. While we will not be featuring a Samoan Fertility Dance, we have added to the excitement of the evening by including Monte Carlo casino gaming as well as music and dancing. Proceeds from the gaming activities will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Commodore John Bogue invites all staff commodores and all Corinthians to attend the 2001 Commodores’ Ball for an evening of games, fine dining, dancing and most of all, an opportunity to share in an evening of good will.

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