Sailpast Instructions

For over 100 years, Sailpast has marked the official start of the nautical season at the RStLYC. On Saturday, June 13, we invite all powerboats, keelboats, dinghies, and passengers without boats to take this opportunity to pay their respects to Commodore Kim Fata, as she conducts the official “review of the fleet”. During the Sailpast ceremony, the Commodore will be standing at anchor approximately 200 meters west of buoy AS12 (aka Marler). She will be accompanied by a committee boat flying warning flags. All participating ships will “sail past” and salute the Commodore. An appropriate salute consists of “dipping” the Canadian flag, which the skipper should be holding to avoid a flutter. Sailing vessels may salute by luffing the jib.

Schedule and Sequencing Instructions

Before leaving the harbour:

• Dress in all whites with a navy-blue blazer as a layering option.
• Fly the Canadian flag from the stern staff and the Club’s burgee from the bow or masthead.
• Remove all other flags before leaving the harbour. The only ship dressed during Sailpast should be the Commodore’s boat.

While on the water (monitor Channel 69):

• All participants are invited to meet in the Valois Bay area (west of channel marker AD18, aka “The Gut”) at 2:00 p.m.
• Sailpast will be led by Fleet Captain Peter Hall, on Krista Too, with groups of similar ships following.
• The Commodore will be standing at anchor aboard the flagship (her yacht, Compromise) to receive your salute.
• After passing the committee boat, line up your crew on the foredeck, if possible. The best appearance is in order of increasing height, starting from the bow.
• Your ship’s company should come to attention two boat lengths from the Flagship. Dinghy skippers should stand, weather permitting.
• As your bow comes in line with the Flagship’s Canadian flag:

1. Skipper salutes only if wearing a Flag officer’s cap.
2. Lower Canadian flag, or furl it, flown from the stern.
3. If you do not have a Canadian flag, please luff your jib.

• The Commodore will return your salute.
• Once you are two boat lengths past the Flagship, end salute, raise or unfurl the Canadian flag, and invite your ship’s company to stand at ease.

After your salute:

• Return to the harbour or sail around and enjoy the event while keeping well clear of the saluting area.
• To add to the festivities & colour for the day, you are encouraged to dress your ship upon your return to harbour and to greet the Commodore with a roaring welcome using all manner of legal sound-emitting devices when she returns.

2026 Sail Past Schedule