Commodore's Column

Boating season was kicked off in a big way. We had a great turnout for Opening Day, with several hundred people participating!

At the normal opening ceremonies, Father Patrick Freitag (Assumption Church) gave us a meaningful blessing, and then the weather improved and the parade went well, with 44 boats.

With plenty of room aboard the Island Caper, all who wanted a ride, got one! Then County Exec Pete Kremen and Al Sande of "Music To Go" provided 50's music, playing all of our favorites at the docks until 6:00 PM; my thanks to Pete for volunteering his time.

There was also live music sponsored by the Breakwater and Port of Bellingham, with Andy 0 and his group performing around the marina aboard the Y-Ark until around 2:30 PM, and later inside the Breakwater from 9:00 PM till closing.

The general revelry was proof fun was had by all!

Later in the evening at the Breakwater we raffled nine deluxe donated baskets (one had a $100 bill hidden inside) and gave out prizes to the boaters.

A BIG THANK YOU to all opening day contributors!

Then, on May 14 - 16 we enjoyed our first BYC cruise to Montague Harbor on beautiful Galiano Island. Nine boats and 20 members came; some had spent Friday evening rafted, then arrived at Montague Harbor Saturday for a great sunny day, island strolls, a dock party, and more.

In the evening we hiked to a quaint farmhouse-style French restaurant called La Berengerie. The atmosphere was unique, and the 20 of us filled two long tables. The service and food was great. The owner is from Southern France so it was in that style, and we chose from a stuffed fillet of sole or a venison steak with sauce (Roberta and I had the venison, it was delicious!) We walked back down to the harbor at 9:20 PM and surprisingly it was still daylight. Roberta and I had a great weekend. Thanks to all who came and made it a memorable event.