Commanders Sailpast 2009

As the day began on Saturday June 13th several members of Port Moody Squadron were preparing for the annual Commander's Sailpast. By 10:30 a group had assembled outside Casa Fabesso to collect any passengers wishing to join in the celebration and festivities, and by 11:00 out in Burrard Inlet there was a wonderful sight of a flotilla of some 27 boats preparing to sail past Boy N Sea and salute the incoming Commanders of both Port Moody Squadron, Chris Gordon, and Coquitlam Squadron Ron Minshall. I would imagine that the two Commanders must have felt a sense of pride seeing so many people show up to 'honour' them. As the boats passed and saluted the Commanders they then headed round into Bedwell Bay were they were greeted by Jim Church from Boatini in his dinghy preparing to tie stern lines to ensure a safe and secure raft. We outdid ourselves this year with 22, yes 22 boats in the raft along with 5 other boats in the middle of the bay. What a sight we made - this is the sort of event that makes us proud to be a member of Port Moody Squadron! The Commander from Alouette Doug Roberts also joined in the raft and the subsequent festivities - now that has to be a first - 3 Commanders in one raft up in Bedwell Bay! And a mention should also be made to include 5 Past Commanders in attendance!! A lunch of pannini sandwiches from Casa Fabesso and veggie platters with beer, wine and soft drinks was served to enhance the opportunity to pass among the boats and visit with new and old boaters alike. Once all the boats were safely rafted, anchored and stern tied there was to be one formality. Silence was requested and everyone gathered to see Tomie Curties receive her pin, plaque and award for completing 20 years of service for Power Squadron - congratulations Tomie! The day continued to be a beautiful and hot June day, so hot that some, including dogs, actually swam in the Bay - by mid afternoon we were all treated to a show of synchronized swimming courtesy of Jim Church and past, past Commander Doug Cousins. The forecast was for good weather throughout the weekend and so 7 boats decided to stay overnight and were joined by a few more on Sunday morning. All in all another successful event which requires thanks to Cruisemaster Fantastico, Tony Gojevic for organizing the sailpast, Denis Heinrichs for the food, Jim Church for risking life and limb with stern lines, and Dave Burrell and Robin Sheldon for organizing the raft, not forgetting everyone who attended to support our new Commander Chris Gordon. - Chris Sheldon

More photos.

Photos Courtesy of: Tony Gojevic, Chris Sheldon, Melody Hewson, Barry Wilson