Opening day ceremonies held on May 20 as season opens
Sagamore Yacht Club officially opened the 2012 boating season with its traditional opening day ceremonies held on May 20. The weather was spectacular.
The day started with the blessing from gold star member the Reverend Jean Butler.
Past Commodore Rob Casale conducted the ceremony by introducing the past commodores, the officers, and the trustees.
This was followed by the traditional flag raising which includes:
The Union Jack was raised by members Charlie Secker and Connie Baris.
The past commodore’s flag was raised by past commodores Len Hecht and Maureen Austin.
The rear commodore’s flag was raised by the rear commodore’s wife, Kris Lalonde, and family.
The vice commodore’s flag was raised by the vice commodore’s wife, Georgia Gehrling, and family.
The commodore’s flag was raised by the commodore’s father, Don Martin, and member Jim Buzzetta.
The club burgee was raised by member Bob Austin and Dock Master Billy Friedman.
The first cannon shot of the season was sounded.
Kristina Casale, daughter of Past Commodore Rob Casale, sang the national anthem beautifully.
Commodore Darren Martin then spoke, pointing out the many accomplishments of the past commodores.
He thanked the board and the trustees for their hard work and dedication and concluded by presenting flowers to the officers’ wives.
The commodore’s vessel, Comanche, was parked at the club dock in full dress during the ceremonies.
The opening ceremony was followed by a delicious buffet luncheon catered by Jack Halyards of Oyster Bay.
