BQYC Commodore Sail Past – 150 Jubilee

Jubilee Commodore Sail Past on June 20th

Commodore Offering Salute to Passing Sailboat

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)

Green Circle Area of Sail Past
Boats Lining up for Sail Past for Commodore Salute

Sail Past Protocols – Bay of Quinte Yacht Club
SAIL PAST – June 20, 2026 150 Jubilee Year Sail Past

Commodore and the Flag Officers of the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club cordially invite you to Sail Past 2026 an afternoon Garden Party and Evening Music.

Following the Opening Ceremonies at 13:00 hours and the on water Review of the Fleet at 14:00 hours, please join us at 16:00 hours back at the club for The Garden Party with cocktails

We encourage you to invite your friends or especially a club member who does not have a boat to partake in this special event.

SAIL PAST Schedule

13:00

  • Opening Ceremonies, Members and Guests to meet near the flagpole
  • Commodore’s Address
  • Introduction of Flag Officers and Board Members
  • Introduction of Past Commodore’s
  • Skipper’s Meeting
  • Raising of the flags and the official opening of the season.
  • Matching of visitors to members for orderly flow of boats and handing out the Jubilee Burgees

13:30

  • All boats depart
  • Commodore to be anchored South of Meyers Pier near Q54 depending on wind direction
  • Sailboats Marshal on the South Shore East of Cow Island 
  • Power Boats Marshal on the North Shore East of Cow Island
  • All Vessels to Monitor Channel VHF 71

14:30

  • Review of the Fleet starts
  • Fleet Captain of Sail to lead the sailing fleet
  • Sailboats shall pass on the Leeward side of the Commodore’s Yacht on Starboard Tack and in single file
  • If no wind, sailboats are to motor

To be followed by:

  • Fleet Captain of Cruising to lead the power fleet (once the final sailboat clears)
  • All vessels pass on the Leeward side of the Commodore’s Yacht

16:00

  • Garden Party at the club, the Long Reach Lounge will be open
  • Special Sail Past cocktail will be available

17:00

  • Group photo on the lawn

17:30

  • Dinner in the Hall or on picnic tables

18:30

  • Music by “Cruise Control” on the Porch