After a year out at sea, it is time to come back together and test our Viking blood and courage! The weather forecast predicts heavy squalls, so for that reason, we must prepare ourselves accordingly! The 2015 Viking Sailpast is approaching!
2015 Viking Sailing Club SAILPAST
Saturday June 20, 2015
10:30/11:00am – 5:00pm
What is the Sailpast?
Based on 600 years of British Naval traditions, it is common practice for yacht clubs to hold an annual Sailpast. The Sailpast is a ceremonial event that encourages skippers and crew to return their vessels to “Bristol condition” for the season ahead, and provides an opportunity for members to come together as a club to participate in a joint activity on the water. Traditionally, the Commodore inspects the fleet and the fleet in return, salutes the Commodore.
Alas, a Viking Sailpast is not just any Sailpast. Our pride and joy, Freya, will be anchored just off the shore of English Bay and will have onboard our trustworthy Commo
dore. Together with brave crew members, the Commodore awaits the Viking fleet. Lasers, tasers, kayaks, paddle boards and anything else that floats (except Cats) are launched and make their way out to Freya.
Once at Freya, the fleet in turn sails past Freya to salute the Commodore. The first pass is one of respectful decorum and sharp snappy salutes to our illustrious Commodore.
After that first pass by Freya all hell will break loose! Out come the supersoakers, buckets, and other water-deployment devices as every craft battles to establish itself as supreme rulers of the bay. As the battle draws to a close, the Viking faithful pass the Commodore and Freya on STARBOARD TACK ONLY and receive a celebratory beverage as their reward.
The weary fleet then returns to shore to put the boats to bed. But this isn’t the end of the festivities! Friends and family can join the Vikings for cocktail hour, followed by a meal and much revelry. If you can’t take part in the on-the-water antics, have no fear, join us for cocktails, dinner and the revelry anyway.
Sailpast Itinerary
The Sailpast itinerary for June 20th, 2015 is as follows:
- 10:30am: Arrive at the beach and find your crew.
- 11:00am: Commodore safety message.
- 11:30am: Set sail, water cannons at the beach ready.
- 12:00pm: Sailpast Freya, STARBOARD TACK ONLY, salute the Commodore, and collect a shot of champagne from the tray of drinks that the Commodore will be holding out for you.
- 12:10pm: Sailpast Freya, STARBOARD TACK ONLY, and fire your water pistols, buckets, water pumps, and anything that fires water at the Vikings on the boat (and at any other Vikings in the Sailpast fleet)! Also try to collect more shots of champagne from Freya at the same time…!
- 1:00pm: Back on shore to put boats away.
- 2:00pm: Retire back to the hanger for cocktail hour (CASH BAR – please bring cash, coins preferable).
- 2:30pm: Lunch
- 5:00pm: Party on at The Gallery
How can I participate in the 2015 Viking Sailpast?
Sign up sheets will be up in the Viking Clubroom from Friday 12th June, 2015.
You don’t need to agree on who your crew is before signing up for the boat, just choose a boat and fellow Vikings will join you thereafter.
Friends and family are all welcome!! The more, the merrier.
Safety
Although Sailpast is a highlight of the year as far as colorful adventures go, PLEASE remember safety is a priority of the club. Please try to refrain from vessel damage and ensure the safety of crew at all times.
The Commodore will be leading a safety message prior to Sailpast and it is important all participants are involved in this safety briefing.
Seniors in training and above only allowed to take the helm.
Tasers and Lasers ONLY for Sailpast:
- Maximum people TASER: 3 people onboard
- Maximum people LASER: 2 people onboard
- NO CATS ARE ALLOWED DURING SAILPAST
Vikings Sailing Club doesn’t endorse drink driving. If you choose to exceed recommended standard drink quantities, please support taxi and car shares to return safely home.
Lunch Menu
Lunch is the only part of Sailpast that requires sign up to. Spaces are limited! Please ensure prompt registration to ensure you get a seat. Similarly, please notify of any dietary requests.
- $15 p/p – excluding drinks
- RSVP – Wednesday 17th June, 2015
Appetizers
BBQ Salmon with zingy pesto sauce with:
- Assortment of crisp, warm, green vegetables with flaked almonds
- Crunchy, baked potatoes
Vegetarian* with:
- Homemade Quiche
- Assortment of crisp, warm, green vegetables with flaked almonds
- Crunchy, baked potatoes
Celebratory Cake
*GF/vegan available upon request.
Silent Hero – We need VOLUNTEERS!
Sailpast can only be a success if volunteers step up to make it happen. We need volunteers to help with set up, music, registration, manning the bar, BBQ and clean up – please give back to the club and indicate what volunteering you can help with when you send in the sign-up form.
Car share, designated drivers are strongly recommended. Please advise if you can drive our fellow Vikings to major transit lines and quantity of seats available.
Contact
If you are available to assist in anyway, or have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Louise:
Louise Fell
Quartermaster
Email: Quartermaster@vikingsailingclub.bc.ca
Sent on behalf of the Quartermaster – please send all replies back to her.