MBYC 2014 Presentation of the Fleet
Marco Bay Yacht Club conducted its annual Presentation and Blessing of the Fleet in Smokehouse Bay on January 25, 2014. The weather was forecast for an overnight low of 40 degrees, but about 9:15 the sun peeked out and by Review time the weather could not have been better – with jackets on that is. 16 vessels signed up for Review but the low temperature forecast reduced the boat turnout to 10. The shores were lined by Marco Bay Yacht Clubs members and guests to witness the ceremony led by Commodore Charlie Skillern.
The Bridge boat, ‘TenneSea Waltz’, captained by Bob Herndon with First Mate Joanne Herndon, and the Past Commodores boat, ‘My Turn’, captained by Barry Gelfand and his first mate, Claudette – pulled away from the Esplanade dock at 10:00 and proceeded to anchor and raft together for the Review.
At 10:30, our Fleet Captain, Mike Brown led the vessels in Review past the two Review boats. Commodore Skillern, along with Vice Commodore, Jack Barter and Rear Commodore, Al Saunders saluted each vessel from the Bridge boat as they passed. The boats in review then passed the Past Commodore’s Boat, and were saluted again by the assembled Past Commodores.
There were seven Commodore’s taking part in the ceremony: P/C Joe Doggett with Sharon, P/C Brent Cook with Susan, P/C Bill Horton with Cea, P/C Bob Vroman with P/C Ginny Vroman, P/C Marcia Orsolini with P/C Alex Orsolini.
Club Chaplain Alan Sandlin led us in the invocation and the Blessing of the Fleet. P/C Bill Horton, graciously filling in for the Club Historian, P/C Larry Oswald, who could not be present, gave a short review of the Club’s history.
We then remembered with sadness and commemorated the four Club Members that passed away in the last year. D’Ann Brandt dropped a rose for P/C David Brandt and spoke a few words about how much the Club meant to them both. Leanne Thomas dropped a rose for Jim Thomas and spoke similar endearing thoughts. Commodore Skillern commented that “Dave (Besuden) had always been my hero” …. then dropped a rose in the water for P/C Dave Besuden and finally Vice Commodore Al Saunders dropped a rose in Smokehouse Bay to commemorate all the MBYC Members that had passed in prior years.
After the ceremony, all vessels returned to the dock and 81 members gathered for lunch and camaraderie at CJs On the Bay. It was a beautiful way to end our annual tradition.
