Sailpast 2026
Saturday, May 2
Sailpast is one of EHYC’s most important traditions — marking the official start of the boating season and bringing members together on the water as a fleet.
Rooted in naval tradition, Sailpast is the ceremonial moment when members pass by the Commodore’s vessel in salute. It’s a long-standing practice observed by yacht clubs around the world and remains a defining part of the club experience.
At EHYC, Sailpast has evolved into both a meaningful on-water ceremony and a memorable day at the Club, beginning with a morning gathering, followed by the procession on the water, and concluding with a clubhouse reception.
All members are invited to take part in this long-standing tradition and to bring guests. As a club, we are more than moorage. We are a community built around participation, shared experience, and time on the water together. With a waitlist of those hoping to join EHYC, Sailpast is an opportunity to honour that privilege and be part of something larger than ourselves.
Members with boats moored at the Club are expected to participate in the on-water Sailpast procession. While not mandatory, a strong showing on the water is an important part of this tradition.
Registration
Registration is now open.
Upon registering, members are asked to indicate whether they will be:
Participating in the Sailpast on the water
Attending the clubhouse reception
Joining for both
Space for the clubhouse reception is limited to 100 attendees.
Guest registration will open on Friday, April 24 (space permitting), with a limit of two guests per member couple for the clubhouse reception. There is no limit to the number of guests you may have on your boat.
If your plans change, please email Nancy so your spot can be offered to another member.
Register HERE
Sailpast Schedule
10:30 AM – Coffee & informal gathering outside the office
Visit the office to be stamped if attending the clubhouse reception and to purchase EHYC merchandise
11:45 AM – Members make their way to vessels / final preparations
11:55 AM – All participants aboard and ready
12:00 PM – Cannon signals to clear the harbour
12:00–1:30 PM (approx.) – Sailpast on-the-water procession
Fleet (sail, power, and juniors) proceeds past the Commodore’s vessel in review
~1:30 PM – Commodore leads the fleet back into the harbour
Following the Commodore’s return – Clubhouse reception begins when the Commodore enters the clubhouse.
Viewing from Shore
Members are welcome to watch Sailpast from the back patio (access via the path around the back through the “cave”)
On-the-Water Notes
Order of vessels is from largest to smallest
Sail fleet first, followed by power, then the Junior Club
Vessels remain outside the harbour until Sailpast is complete
Commodore leads the fleet back into the harbour
Commodore James Burdett
Fleet Captain Peter MacLellan, Caliente (head of the Sail Fleet)
Staff Captain Sean Whittall, Tribune (head of the Power Fleet)
Pre-Sailpast Pub Night
Thursday, April 30 | 6:00–8:30pm
Join us for a relaxed evening to review timing, key details, and what to expect for Sailpast, with a focus on the on-water procession.
Enjoy a complimentary dinner — choose between slow-cooked pulled pork or a pulled mushroom & tofu vegetarian option, both served on buns with mac and cheese, coleslaw, followed by carrot cake for dessert. The bar will be open throughout the evening.
A (free) ticket is required to reserve your dinner plate. If you’re just coming for a drink, feel free to drop in — no registration needed.
Register for dinner HERE
A Note on Tradition
Sailpast is a meaningful part of yacht club tradition and a shared experience that brings the fleet together at the start of each season.
Did you know? If you are unable to attend Sailpast, tradition holds that regrets are sent to the Commodore — a small but appreciated gesture that helps uphold the spirit of the event.
Dress Code
Traditional attire is a blazer or blue jacket with white trousers. Above all, we encourage everyone to attend and enjoy the day.
Sailpast Formation & Protocol
Sail Boats
Assemble upwind of the Commodore’s vessel and form a line astern of the Fleet Captain, Peter MacLellan (Caliente). The remainder of the fleet falls in behind in descending order of size.
Power Boats
Meet off Eagle Island and form up astern of the Staff Captain, Sean Whittall (Tribune), in descending order of size.
Order of Operations
Fleet Captain Peter MacLellan (Caliente) leads the salute, followed by the sailing vessels, then power boats, and finally the junior boats.
Sailpast Routine
Lower ensign and hold
Skipper salutes
Commodore returns salute
Raise ensign and stand easy
Smaller boats may luff their jibs. After saluting, vessels are to keep clear of the procession.
All vessels remain out of the harbour until Sailpast is complete. The Commodore then leads the fleet back into harbour.
VHF Channel
Please monitor VHF Channel 68 during Sailpast.
Everything you need to know
Order of Vessels (from largest to smallest vessel). SAIL fleet first, then POWER.
Vessels remain out of harbour until Sailpast has completed.
Commodore is the first to return followed by EHYC fleet.
Commodore James Burdett
Fleet Captain Peter MacLellan, Caliente (head of the SAIL fleet)
Staff Captain Sean Whittall, Tribune (head of the POWER fleet)
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Traditional theme is blazer or blue jacket, white pants or skirt. However it is more important to attend than be deterred by formal dress.
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Gather upwind of Commodore Nick Miller’s position (Valinor) and form up line astern of the Social Director, Tim Lepard (Pegasus) and then the rest of the fleet in descending order of size.
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Meet off Eagle Island and form up astern of the Staff Captain (Tribune) in descending order of size.
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Social Director, Tim Lepard (Pegasus) is the first vessel to salute the Commodore, followed by the other sailing vessels, then power boats and finally the Junior Club.
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Lower ensign and hold. Skipper salutes. Commodore returns salute, vessel raises ensign and the vessel’s company stand easy. Smaller boats may luff their jibs. After saluting, boats are to keep clear of the rest of the procession.
All vessels remain out of harbour until Sailpast is complete.
Commodore first to return to the habour followed by EHYC fleet.
Vessels return to the docks and follow the Commodore into the clubhouse for the reception.
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Please monitor during Sailpast. West Vancouver Yacht Club hold their Sailpast on the same day - there may be some confusion as to which boat to follow…
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Please join us in the clubhouse after the on-water Sailpast ceremony. Registration is required, numbers are limited. Member registration is open now, guest registration opens later.