BYC Traditions

Burrard Yacht Club has several events throughout the year. Three events in particular are truly time honored traditions and an important part of our culture. These events are where members don their uniforms, signifying respect for tradition and showing we are all equal as members. It is always an impressive sight

SAILPAST

The “review of the fleet” is steeped in more than 600 years of Royal Navy tradition and history and the actual tradition of Sailpast began at the Royal Yacht Squadron in England over 200 years ago and is now performed annually by thousands of yacht clubs around the world.

“A Yacht club is more than a social club and it is more than a boating club or a place to moor your boat. As members of a yacht club, we are part of the global yachting community around the world, complete with reciprocals and yachting history, traditions, customs and courtesies. As active members of this community we should practice those customs and courtesies in how we behave, dress, conduct our ceremonies, fly our flags and honour that tradition.” BYC honours that tradition.

Preparations start weeks in advance with people saying goodbye to winter and getting ready for the boating season ahead. The activity on the docks is energizing. Boats being washed and waxed, burgees and flags in place, gear brought back on-board, lots of chatter about upcoming boating plans.

INSTALLATION DINNER

Burrard Yacht Club’s Installation Dinner in November is a gala member celebration. This is where the new Board of Directors is installed and those members who have served on the Board the previous year are recognized. Flags are presented and some humorous awards are presented. A highlight of the year.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

A ceremony held on the waters off Cates Park, with community participation onshore, Burrard Yacht Club’s Maritime Remembrance Day Service has been a time honored tradition for many decades and an important part of the community of the District of North Vancouver. The centuries old prayers and hymns have been used in naval ceremonies for over 200 years.

Canada is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country being home to people of all races and beliefs, this service is for people of all faiths as a tribute to those who served and died in war, and as a prayer that wars may cease, and people of all races and faiths can live on this earth in harmony and peace.