Bellingham Yacht Club Opening Day

Like Spring? Like Boats? Then Come to Opening Day May 7th

The Bellingham Yacht Club is launching the 2022 boating season with a mix of the serious and the celebratory and the public is invited. Come tour the 45’ Coast Guard boat and view the Looney Tunes-themed boat parade accompanied by the Bellingham Fire Boat. The traditional flag raising and Blessing of the Fleet and information about joining the Bellingham Yacht Club are open to all. Participation in the boat parade does not require BYC membership and all who register will be eligible for prizes.

Bellingham Yacht Club members and their guests, including members who join during the Spring Membership Special, will also celebrate the 2022 season at the morning Members Reception and party following the parade with food, music and fun.

“We are so excited to welcome the Coast Guard to Opening Day and to see the inside of their rescue boats without having to be rescued first,” exclaimed BYC Trustee Jane Bright. The Bellingham Coast Guard Station is such an asset to our community, and this is our chance to meet and thank them,” she added. Tours of the 45′ Coast Guard boat will take place from 11 am to 12:30 pm at Gate 3 Squalicum Harbor.

Curious about joining the Bellingham Yacht Club? BYC members will answer questions about the Membership Special, why you should join with or without owning a boat, and how to join by May 19^th when the special ends. If you join on Opening Day, you will be invited to the Members Only afternoon party. Sponsorship is not needed.

“The BYC is such a special place and group of people,” said Rich Sandeen, Fleet Captain. “Members like to sail, race and cruise, musical members jam weekly and we all enjoy socializing. The Club is active year-round and for many, our BYC friendships are what got us through Covid.” Information about joining and the Membership Special is at https://byc.org/membership.

Additional safety resources and material will be provided by the Bellingham Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Bellingham Power Squadron including information about safety courses. Vessel examiners will be available to conduct boat safety checks.

The Bellingham Yacht Club is an all-volunteer club as well as the oldest yacht club on Bellingham Bay and the only yacht club offering a full-service bar and clubhouse with a deck on Squalicum Harbor. Our motto is: Friendships, boats and fun-filled experiences

For more information about Opening Day and how to register your boat for the parade: https://byc.org/opening-day.

*Note: The Coast Guard Boat may be unavailable in the event of an emergency at any time on May 7^th.

Bellingham Yacht Club Opening Day Schedule

9:30 AM-10:30
Members Reception
Invited Guests, Members & Families
Refreshments & Appetizers
Traditional boating attire preferred

10:45-11:45 AM

Public Ceremonies
Welcome by Commodore and Anthems
Introduction of visiting clubs and dignitaries
Blessing of the Fleet
Raising of the flags, main flagpole

11:00-12:30 AM
Public invited to tour the 45’ Coast Guard boat at Gate 3, Squalicum Harbor

12:00 noon
Flag ceremony

1:00 PM
Boats Away for Opening Day Parade-Boats Rendezvous – Bellingham Ferry Terminal and Parade Begins

3:00 PM Members and Invited Guests Party
Food, Music, and Fun

BYC is having a membership drive waiving the initiation fee through May 20, 2021 as well as prorating annual dues for the remainder of 2021. From races to cruising to youth programs and socializing informally and at events at our waterfront facilities, members enjoy boating and the company of fellow members to the fullest. Sponsorship is not required, nor is boat ownership.

For information about membership, visit http://byc.org/joining-the-byc/
For information about Opening Day, email FleetCaptain@BYC.org