Jubilee Commodore Sail Past

History of Commodore Sail Past

Commodore “Sail Past” is an annual traditional maritime ceremony where a fleet of boats from a yacht club parades in front of the Commodore. It’s a way to inspect the fleet’s readiness, demonstrate respect for the Commodore and mark the start of a new boating season. The ceremony includes a salute and sometimes a blessing of the fleet to invoke safe passage.

The “Jubilee Commodore Sail Past”, held on June 20, 2026 will involve sailors and their boats from around Lake Ontario coming to Belleville. There will be a spectacular parade of sailboats flying their colorful spinnaker sails south along Meyers Pier. Boats will circle and pass by the Commodores Boat for the ceremonial salute.

We are hoping to involve the Air Force as well to do a fly past as part of the Celebration.

The Sail Past will also include BQYC hosting “The Viking’s Revenge”, a long standing tradition where a group of approximately 50 American sailors make a tour of Canadian Yacht Clubs annually, including BQYC.

Invitations have been sent out to over 70 yacht clubs on Lake Ontario seeking their participation in Jubilee Commodore Sail Past to make this a memorable event as part of our 150 Jubilee Celebration.

The public is invited to Belleville’s Meyers Pier, East Zwick’s Park, and East Jane Forrester Park by the breakwater to witness the “Jubilee Commodore Sail Past” when it takes place south of the Pier.

Public Viewing areas for Jubillee Commodore Sail Past on Belleville waterfront shown in Red Circles
(We understand that there may be limited access to the end of Meyers Pier due to City of Belleville construction)