Commissioning Ceremony –
Fr
iday, May 3, 2024 – Gathering starts at 6 pm. Flag ceremony at 7 pm
The Commissioning Ceremony is a time honored tradition which celebrates the opening of the new sailing season. This event is held after our big black tie celebration known as the Sailors Ball.
All members, families and their guests are invited to gather at the club docks for the Commissioning Ceremony. Blazers, club ties and other nautical attire is encouraged.
The first element of the Ceremony is the first Manhattan Yacht Club burgee ever made. This burgee from 1987 has sailed around Cape Horn twice on Open 60 sailboats skippered by Guy Bernardin. After these historic roundings, the first club burgee was retired from service and is now brought out once per year for the Commissioning Ceremony.
The second element of the Ceremony is the club’s cannon. The Burgee is slowly raised to the top of one of our club J/24 masts in recognition of the founding roots of our club. Then the cannon is fired and the Commodore declares “The Sailing Season is Open!”
Bring your BBQ and beverages! Make this your first great evening at the Club.
Come say hello to your fellow Club Members. Make new connections and restore your friendships from last year. Start the season off with this festive and very happy traditional yachting ceremony.
Dress to impress!
