PRESENTATION OF THE FLEET
The Presentation of the Fleet symbolizes the transfer of responsibility for the Marco Bay Yacht Club Squadron from the outgoing Bridge to the incoming Bridge. The ceremony shall take place as soon after the Change of Watch & Commodore’s Ball as possible.
1. A site will be chosen that, weather permitting, will allow the Club’s Squadron to assemble off shore and pass in review in a safe and orderly manner. An alternate land location may be used in the event of bad weather and appropriate revisions made to the ceremony.
2. The Review Party shall consist of the Bridge, Past Commodores, Fleet Captain, Club Historian and their spouses along with the Clergyman selected to give the blessing.
3. Club uniforms shall be the dress of the day.
4. The Review Party’s boats and the Squadron boats, or the alternate land location in case of inclement weather, shall be decorated for the occasion with the American Flag, Club Burgees, bunting, etc. to create an air of festivity.
5. Every effort shall be made to assure the participation of a maximum number of Club vessels in the presentation.
6. The Commodore shall open the ceremony and lead those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. He shall then introduce the Past Commodores and the Clergyman. A brief recitation of the Marco Bay Yacht Club’s history by the Club’s Historian will follow.
7. The Clergyman shall then bless the fleet, after which the Commodore will call for a moment of silence in memory of members who have passed away.
8. The Fleet Captain shall advise the Commodore that the Squadron is ready to pass in review. The vessels will then arrange themselves in an orderly line and pass in review. As they do so, each captain will announce his vessel’s name, his first mate’s name, and the names of guests on board.
9. Following the ceremony, Club members shall participate in a planned social affair.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION/SOCIAL
In order to acquaint new members with the traditions and procedures of the Marco Bay Yacht Club and to let them know they are “welcomed aboard”, a new members’ orientation/social shall be held as soon after their admittance into the Club as possible.
1. The new members’ sponsors, the Bridge, Board of Directors, Past Commodores and as many other members as possible shall be assembled to welcome the new members.
2. Club uniforms shall be the dress of the day.
3. The Commodore will introduce each new member, announce his vessel’s name and welcome him aboard.
4. The Administration Officer will give a new member packet to the Rear Commodore to distribute to new members as soon as possible after the board has approved them. He shall also give them a copy of the latest Club newsletter.
5. In his presentation, the Commodore shall emphasize the goals of the Club and its sponsorship of safe boating. He shall describe the Club’s organization and its uniforms and present the Bridge, Past Commodores and Club Officers, briefly describing their responsibilities. He will then ask the Fleet Captain, Social Chairman and First Mates Chairman to review their committees’ schedules of events.
6. Time shall be allotted after the formalities for socializing among the members.