On Jan. 31, “The Change of Watch” was held at Sagamore Yacht Club (SYC), one of the most important events of the year, which approximately 80 people attended. This is the occasion when the officers and trustees of 2013-’14 are recognized for their hard work on behalf of the membership and the flag officers and trustees for 2015-’16 are introduced.
Past Commodore Darren Martin was the master of ceremonies. He paid tribute to Mike Gehrling, the most recent past commodore, and introduced the other past commodores who were present—Joe Gentile, Len Hecht, Rich Benson and Dave Roach.
He talked about the many accomplishments over the past two years, most notably the reintroduction of the junior sailing program, available food services and the new awning. He then presented Gehrling with the past commodore’s flag; Gehrling again thanked all the officers, trustees and committee members and his wife, Georgia, all of whom worked together for the benefit of SYC. He compared this to a symphony orchestra in which each player and the conductor knows his/her part and work together to produce beautiful music.
Then with the ringing of eight bells, he introduced Jerry Lalonde, the new commodore and presented him with the commodore’s flag.
In Naval tradition, the ringing of eight bells signals the change of watch.
Lalonde, once again, acknowledged past accomplishments and stated his intent to serve the membership. He called up the new officers and presented them with their flags: Vice Commodore Conny Baris; Rear Commodore Deanna Flanagan; Secretary Alan Schaub and Treasurer Rich Denby.
He introduced the newly elected trustees Lester Gillen, Lindsay Thornton and Kathryn Zucconi, and the rest of the trustees: Past Commodore Mike Gehrling; Past Commodore Dave Roach; Jeanne Lafiteau, chair of private events committee; Tony Miraglia, co-chair of membership; William Mullan, chair of waterfront committee; William Peterson, chair of junior sailing program; Ray Wulff, chair of the house committee.
He then introduced SYC Fleet Captain Robert Reyes and presented him with the fleet captain’s flag.
Commodore Lalonde talked about the recent renovations in the club house, the expansion of entertainment activities, the improved food service and the junior sailing program.
He pledged for himself and the entire board, “To work to improve where we can and evolve where we should, always with respect for our club’s history and tradition.”
Lalonde then presented Past Commodore Gehrling with a plaque with a half hull of his boat Black Pearl from the yacht club in appreciation of his service and flowers to Georgia Gehrling for her dedication to the club and the commodore’s mission.
This was followed by the serious business of dinner.
