The American Yacht Club, on Rye’s Milton Point, by its own description is “one of the most prestigious and historical private sailing clubs in America”. With that comes tradition that rarely, if ever, changes.
But this year, in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the club had to hold its 137th Commissioning for members virtually. The ceremony, conducted by distanced club officers on picnic point, at the end of Milton Point overlooking the Scotch Caps and the Long Island Sound, was broadcast to members via video.
Attired in yachting jackets, AYC officers including 63rd Commodore Scott T. Florio and Fleet Captain Matthew B. Fahey oversaw a ceremony that included remembering members who passed in the last year, an invocation, the sounding of the cannon, the raising of the flags, the introduction of officers and the acknowledgement of service by past commodores.
In closing, 63rd Commodore Scott T. Florio said “the bar is open”. Virtually, of course.
See the photos and video of the ceremony:
