So, what's this business of Opening Day? I wasn't quite sure myself, which is why I went along for the ride. The end result is that I learned a bit about the pomp and circumstance of yachting but I'm still not sure of the significance of the event.
Unlike in Hunting boaters don't have to wait for the go-ahead to use their boats. I imagine Opening Day is just a grand celebration of the summer boating season and a chance for all the huff-and-puff bigwigs to show their stuff. The kickoff to Opening Day is the famous crew races through the cut:
This is followed by a competition between the Seattle Yacht Club and a visiting yacht club. The competition features the finest yachts (usually vintage or classics) performing some sort of decorative maneuvering through the cut while crew dressed to the nines stands on deck. This year "we" bested the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Hoo-wee!
We were part of the entourage on Justin's mom & stepfather's boat. There were six of us positioned on one side of the boat and a marine in full regalia at the front.
While they piloted the ship, we stood facing the cut in uniform with one hand on the banister and the other at our sides, advised not to smile and to look straight ahead the whole time. This is actually one of the least ridiculous aspects of protocol (others included having x number of shiny buttons on visible sleeves, caps straight across the brow, no jewelry, etc), but probably the most fun. Getting dressed, we felt exceptionally dorky.
We only had to stand on point for five minutes, but in those five minutes we were goaded by hundreds of onlookers, many of who were trying to get us to crack a smile. Most people clapped appreciatively, which was nice, but some were pretty obnoxious. We did well enough, I suppose, because we won even though the Royal Vics had a giant yacht do a 360 in the middle of the cut.
Following the procession of both teams is a parade of sorts, featuring a variety of classic boats and other craft decorated in themes.
There was even a flock of rare amphicars putting around in the lake. I think at least two of them broke down and needed Coast Guard rescue, but at least none sank.
Overall, an enjoyably bizarre experience but one I'd repeat, if just for the entertainment value. Oh, and the silly hats.
Have a look at the rest of the photos from Seattle's Opening Day 2007.
Posted on May 07, 2007 @ 11:11 PM | 1 comments
Unlike in Hunting boaters don't have to wait for the go-ahead to use their boats. I imagine Opening Day is just a grand celebration of the summer boating season and a chance for all the huff-and-puff bigwigs to show their stuff. The kickoff to Opening Day is the famous crew races through the cut:
This is followed by a competition between the Seattle Yacht Club and a visiting yacht club. The competition features the finest yachts (usually vintage or classics) performing some sort of decorative maneuvering through the cut while crew dressed to the nines stands on deck. This year "we" bested the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Hoo-wee!
We were part of the entourage on Justin's mom & stepfather's boat. There were six of us positioned on one side of the boat and a marine in full regalia at the front.
While they piloted the ship, we stood facing the cut in uniform with one hand on the banister and the other at our sides, advised not to smile and to look straight ahead the whole time. This is actually one of the least ridiculous aspects of protocol (others included having x number of shiny buttons on visible sleeves, caps straight across the brow, no jewelry, etc), but probably the most fun. Getting dressed, we felt exceptionally dorky.
We only had to stand on point for five minutes, but in those five minutes we were goaded by hundreds of onlookers, many of who were trying to get us to crack a smile. Most people clapped appreciatively, which was nice, but some were pretty obnoxious. We did well enough, I suppose, because we won even though the Royal Vics had a giant yacht do a 360 in the middle of the cut.
Following the procession of both teams is a parade of sorts, featuring a variety of classic boats and other craft decorated in themes.
There was even a flock of rare amphicars putting around in the lake. I think at least two of them broke down and needed Coast Guard rescue, but at least none sank.
Overall, an enjoyably bizarre experience but one I'd repeat, if just for the entertainment value. Oh, and the silly hats.
Have a look at the rest of the photos from Seattle's Opening Day 2007.
Posted on May 07, 2007 @ 11:11 PM | 1 comments
Comments:
That is one sexy hat. I hope you got got to keep it.
By 
lazylightning, at
7:09 AM, May 08, 2007
