3 minute read
TIDE LINE
A Bigger and Better Sailpast for May
BY MARINA SACHT
The Ladysmith Sailpast is the traditional start to the boating season, giving boaters as chance to be blessed for fair seas and favourable winds and reconnect with fellow boaters.
But you don’t have to be a boater to enjoy Sailpast. The past few years, Ladysmith Yacht Club has been turning this time-steeped tradition into a community affair. And this year promises to be bigger than ever before.
The Sailpast including the traditional blessing of the boats will be held at Transfer Beach Park on May 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year is extra special, as the LYC celebrates its 40th anniversary, said David Franz, vice commodore.
“The big change is that the blessings of the boats will be happening out in the front of the public. It’s an expanded event. There are more activities this year down at the park than there was in the past years.”
Starting at 10:30 a.m., the Copper Canyon Band will kick off the festivities, with the official opening ceremony at 11 a.m.
There will be food and entertainment for the whole family, with food trucks, an artisan fair, community booths, live music, and a chance to win five $100 gift certificates from Country Grocer.
A piper will start the celebrations attended by Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson and Ladysmith Mayor Deena Beeston, along with other local dignitaries.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, Ladysmith Maritime Society, the Dragon Boaters, and all of the local marinas will be present, including Oak Bay Marine Group’s Ladysmith Marina, a sponsor of the event.
The Sailpast is rooted in deep tradition, going back thousands of years, with one of the earliest references in Homer’s Iliad, said Franz. Fleets, especially navies, would often display their boats, proving their readiness and capability for battle.
“So, we show our boats in front of Commodore Paul Tellier.” Tellier will be positioned near the shore, allowing spectators a close look at the boat parade, and former commodore Diane Charles will be introducing the boats as they go by. Following the Sailpast, the yacht club members and guests will meet up at the marina for a BBQ.
This area has long been prized as a gateway to some of the best boating in the world.
“If you go to the marinas, you’ll see license plates from many provinces. Many people from the interior of BC come out here to boat.” That translates to an economic benefit for the business community.
“We have probably 800 to 900 boats parked here, year-round, plus many boats that are in driveways.” Additionally, many people that come here to boat, end up moving here when they retire. “And so, it really is an important part of community.”
And despite currently being without a clubhouse, the LYC is a vibrant, active voice of the maritime community. The club holds regular rendezvous and offers members opportunities for boating education and networking, along with reciprocating moorage at other clubs.
Sailpast is a way to celebrate our boating community, and that boating is a integral part of our Ladysmith experience, says Franz. For information, contact info@ladysmithyc.bc.ca.
