On Sunday 20th October our 2024 Sail Past was held before a very big crowd and included a large fleet of boats and crews. The day was a huge success with members and guests enjoying a beautiful morning and the festivities of the Sail Past.
Over 20 boats assembled on the water near the BMYS Jetty enjoying a light south westerly breeze and some sunshine. The theme for the day was "The Letter B" and this really got the creative juices flowing. It was amazing to see the boats decorated in variations on this theme and the great costumes worn by the crews.
The boating fleet led by Wayne Paravicini the current JR Kerr Club Champion did a parade lap of Beaumaris Bay being cheered on by the assembled crowd. Lots of fun was had as the boats paraded past the end of the BMYS jetty with rousing cheers and some water pistols in action.
The Local Weekenders band performed the Australian National Anthem to the assembled Members & Guests on the BMYS Jetty and to the boats on the water. Also present were many BMYS Members, Past Commodores & Life Members. BMYS Chaplain Cameron Butler formally blessed the assembled fleet before our Commodore Michael Busuttil announced the season open, accompanied by the firing of the cannon!!
After the festivities a large crowd of members and guests assembled upstairs for lunch at 12.30pm. Commodore Michael Busuttil introduced our guests and gave a short address.
We then all enjoyed some great music by The Lonely Weekenders, brilliantly set against the backdrop of Beaumaris Bay. A delicious buffet meal was provided by the BMYS committees.
First prize for best dressed boat was generously donated by ENGEL. The BMYS Club provided the remainder of the prizes. Prizes awarded as follows:
Thanks to the Club for all of these great prizes.
A number of lucky number door prizes were also awarded to an enthusiastic crowd.
Thanks to the Board, Site Committee, Social Committee, Fishing Committee, Alex Henderson, Anita Giuliano and the Boating Committee.
Cameron Butler BMYS Club Secretary Sail Past Homily & Prayer
Dear Family & Friends, and our many members of the BMYS, it's a great honour to serve you today together with Grant Dawson our BMYS Club Chaplain.
MY LETTER B is a great BIBLE verse I recently read at my daughter's wedding.
Found in the book of Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord "B" BLESS you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
It's God's heart to always "B" BLESS you & protect you. As boaties we understand this need for protection. When trouble comes our way he provides us grace for the moment & fills our heart with his peace as we turn our face towards him.
So friends, we gather here today to "B" BLESS our fishing fleet & to pray for a safe & "B" Bountiful season.
As we set out to sea, we ask for the protection of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ. In that, let us pray.
Lord Jesus, we are grateful to you for the abundance of the sea & the life it contains. We ask that our fishermen be blessed with good health, strength, & courage as they embark on their journey.
May they be guided by the Holy Spirit & return home safely with many a B BOUNTIFUL catch.
We also pray for the safety of all those who work at, & around the sea. May they be protected from harm & danger, & may their families be comforted in their absence.
We especially think of our fishing & boating committees & staff who guide & bless us in serving & caring for us faithfully.
As we bless our fleet today, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Let us honour their legacy by continuing to work hard & by being good stewards of the sea that God himself has given us.
May God bless our fleet & all those who sail upon her. Amen.
The Lord bless you & keep you.
