Opening Day 2003 -- The American Spirit

by Doug Owen

The more I think about it, the more I realize that Corinthian….our Yacht Club….is intended to be a place of happiness, a place of freedom from the concerns of each of our lives. It is a place where we can meet with our friends, to talk about our common interests, share our joys, laugh a little, and relax in a beautiful setting with people we care about, and whose company we enjoy.

Our boats are intended to provide us with enjoyment, excitement, challenges, and a place to be….ourselves. If you don’t like the view out the porthole, get underway and go where your thoughts and dreams take you. One of the many privileges that is provided by the Spirit that is America; freedom to travel, to assemble, to express and exchange views.

As this is the 40th Anniversary of that tradition known as the Blessing of the Pleasure Craft on Opening Day on the Bay, in which Corinthian has played such a leading role, it is a special occasion in a difficult time. Our traditions are important to observe, and to participate in, to take pride in and to receive joy from. They must be kept alive; they are us.

With these thoughts in mind, the Opening Day Committee has been fishing for a boat, not from one, to use for the Blessing of the Fleet in Raccoon Strait. The cooperation of the Coast Guard throughout all of this cannot be emphasized enough; at this time, they have a lot more to be concerned with, but they have continued to put forth maximum effort to make this happen once again….it’s a tradition! When all is said and done, we will have a vessel from which to conduct the Blessing of the Fleet. After all, 40 years ago it was from a 40’ power boat!

If you do not berth your boat in the Harbor, and intend to have it there for the weekend, now is the time to phone Herb Rodricks to get on the list for the Cruise-in. Chances are you will have to raft with friends, but that’s part of the fun!

Are you inviting guests to share in our wonderful traditions? Do you have friends that might want to become part of CYC?  Have you made your reservations already? One or the other or both, it is important to get your guest lists for Sunday to Frances in the CYC Office ASAP!! Opening Day is a Members and Guests only event and no one will be admitted to the gate if they are not on the list!

On Saturday, there will be a special Pelican Grill luncheon, with Crab Cake sandwiches and Spinach Salad in addition to the regular fare (but still no grilled Pelican….). Judging for the Decorated Boat Contest will commence a little earlier this year, from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, and members and guests are once again invited to follow the judges as they inspect the vessels. There will be many wonderful prizes for those innovative members that decorate their boats! >From 1:00PM to 3:00PM, the band Caribbean Spice will be playing on the main deck to add to the mood. Of course the Dining Room will be open as usual on Saturday evening, and considering the popularity of the occasion, reservations are a must!

The timing for Sunday has changed a little also. Religious services and the blessing of our vessels in the Harbor will take place on the main deck from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM. This will be followed by Breakfast in the Ballroom (reservations once again!!) from approximately 9:10 AM to 10:10 AM. Breakfast will be accompanied by pomp, circumstance and Richard Solomon, Master of Ceremonies, as he introduces dignitaries and presents awards.

All of this is intended to lead up to having your picture taken! Since it is the 40th Anniversary of this fine tradition, arrangements have been made for a Club photo with a 360 –degree camera, taken by fine artist George Berticevich, to take its place on the walls of the Clubhouse.  This is not a photo of who came to Breakfast! This is a photo of the Membership of Corinthian Yacht Club!!!!! The timing (because of lighting) will be from 11-11:30 AM, there is no dress code (but you may want to look kinda nice, ‘cause you’re gonna be looking at it for a loooong time) and the important thing is to be there!

The Pelican Grill will be open from noon to 3:00 PM, and the band Creation will be playing for your dancing and listening enjoyment (as well as the cooking staff!) those same hours. At 3:00 PM, prizes will be awarded for the Decorated Boat Contest, and we’re looking forward to a return engagement of the Corinthian Men’s Chorus.

From 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM the traditional Corinthian Barbeque will be served (dare I mention reservations once again?), and coincidentally, those are the same hours that the band Pure Pleasure will be playing for your dining and dancing enjoyment. Rumor has it that the Chefs like music while they work……

We are fortunate to be a part of CYC, to have the interests and traditions that sustain and support us; we are privileged to have so many wonderful friends to share time with. Be there for Opening Day 2003: It’s A Tradition!