YACHT CLUBS OF MARYLAND

PROTOCOL MATTERS

by Joe Hellner, "Captain Protocol"

Openings and Flag Raisings

At yacht clubs, a ceremony is traditionally held in the Spring or early Summer to mark the official opening of the summer boating season.  The day this occurs is called Opening Day.  A common traditional part of the ceremony is to host the club burgee to the top of the mast.  This is called Flag Raising.  Often members of the yachting community will refer to the Opening Ceremony as the Flag Raising, which is perfectly acceptable.

Quick Opening Ceremony/Flag Raising Pointers:

Flower Color for the Queen of the Chesapeake is yellow.  Flower colors for your Princess are your club colors, when possible.  Immediate Past Commodores are introduced last.  Always check with the host club first if you intend to make a presentation or special gesture.  Be quiet and respectful when the M/C or other speaker is talking.  OK to cheer, clap, and show enthusiasm but do it at the right times.  Face the wreath when Taps or Amazing Grace is played during the memorial for the departed.  Only the senior officer of a group salutes the honor guard.  Always line up facing the podium with the higher ranking officers to the right (right rank).  Correct call for the Group Salute is:  “XYZ Yacht Club, Hand Salute!” (hands go up at the word “salute”) and Ready, TWO! (Salutes are dropped at the word “two”)

Guests should arrive and check in on time so as not to delay the host club ceremony.  Host clubs should move through the ceremony promptly when other club ceremonies follow in the same day.  Delays should be accommodated gracefully by all yacht clubs with ceremonies on the same day.  The most important thing is for guests to arrive safely, whether by land or sea.

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