At Manhattan Yacht Club, we are a young club so we are always on the look out for new traditions.
Well…. actually we were founded in 1987, so that makes us 37 years old! While we are no longer the youngest kids on the block, we are still young-at-heart and trying new things. So here is one of our new traditions:
The first ever “Full Moon Flotilla” was held on Monday, Sept 16, 2024. It was a great success. Now this will become a monthly tradition.
Next event: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Boats will all be reserved by skippers who can either bring their own crew or have crew assigned to them like the Fleet Captain sails.
We will meet at the docks at a specified time (it will vary based on the month and the time the moon rises) and rig the boats. All the boats will sail out to the cove behind the Honorable William Wall. When the sun sets, we will begin our flotilla.
The flotilla will sail down the harbor, past the Statue of Liberty, and then return to the Willy Wall cove. From there, all boats will parade back into Morris Canal where the water is calm and sails can be lowered and stowed safely. After the flotilla, there will be a Social Hour and BBQ back at dock, and the clubhouse hours extended for this night only.
If you wish to skipper a boat in the next event, please email the club office. If you wish to crew, also send an email and we will begin keeping a list.
Skipper and crew will be matched up at a random draw.
Skippers and crew will be responsible for working together to light up their boat. In addition to the navigation lights, you will be required to bring at least 2 strong flashlights to illuminate your sails. We encourage you to bring more. Each crew will also be required to bring a person light for the lifejacket.
Then you can let your creativity run wild. How about a “floating moon orb” hanging from the spinnaker halyard (with a retrieval line to bring down later)? We encourage creativity!
Will any team come in illuminated jump suits? What else can you do.? Have fun! Work as a team!
At the end of the sail, trophies will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place displays of lights and creativity.
Thanks for being a member of the best little sailing community in New York Harbor. Sail more!