Ladies an
d Gentlemen of Colorado Sail and Yacht Club,
Since the age of sail, time has been marked by the ring of a ship’s bell every half hour. Eight bells were sounded to signify the end of a four hour ‘watch’. Eight bells were also customary at the death and burial of a crew member at sea.
On May 24, before racing, CSYC will hold an Eight Bells tribute for Larry Durham.
All the boats participating in the racing and any who may just want to pay their respects are encouraged to participate.
The ceremony will proceed as follows:
The race committee will depart their slip at 5:00pm, earlier than usual, to set up a start/finish line.
Night Hawk will motor away from their slip as soon as possible after 5:30pm.
Before departing they will raise an American flag aboard.
Night Hawk will take up a position midway between the R/C boat and the Pin
At 5:50pm they will lower the American flag to half hoist.
At that signal, Grenadine will begin a starboard pass, sailing slowly from the R/C boat, across the stern of Night Hawk, placing flowers in the water as they pass, and then jibing around the pin. Then they will sail well outside the start box to luff up well below the R/C, allowing ample room for the fleet to do the same.
The remainder of the fleet will follow Grenadine sailing single file, clear astern of the boat in front of them, on starboard tack, crossing astern of Night Hawk, placing flowers in the water, and jibing around the pin. Then luffing up next to the boat they followed in the procession. If the wind strength does not accommodate luffing up and holding position, we will do circles from R/C to pin and back until the end of the Eight Bells ceremony.
So, similar to how we check in for the racing except without any communication. We will be maintaining a period of silence in respect for Larry.
After all of the fleet have paid their respects, Night Hawk will conduct the Eight Bells ceremony by two tweets on the boatswains pipes, slowly tolling four double taps on the ship’s bell, and then a final tweet of the pipes. They will then top the colors and leave their station.
The race committee will raise the come within hail flag and accept check ins for the race once Night Hawk has sailed.
You’ll have time to dry your eyes and regain your composure before the first start.
Please make every effort to arrive at the marina early enough to rig your boat, and sail or motor out to the R/C boat in order to be on station at 5:50pm.
On behalf of Night Hawk and crew,
Thank You all.
Mark Lindeman
Commodore