he day dawned gray and overcast as members of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club gathered at the quay to honor the retiring Commodore, Bobby Rawls, and welcome the incoming Commodore, Sam Yohanan. 

Twenty three members' yachts, smartly dressed with colorful flags, paraded slowly south as Officer of the Day, Ed O'Donnell, announced their names and the identity of honored guests aboard.  Each yacht was met by a loud salute from the shore-mounted brass cannon, and returned the salute.  On shore, the flag officers and governors snapped to attention and held a salute until the order "ready two" was strongly enunciated by Gov. Charlie Wilson.

Fleet Captain Ray Ramey had the fleet under close control, with the yachts passing close ashore at a stately pace.  Rumor has it that he "arranged" for the Sunrise Bridge to stay open a bit to allow the larger yachts to pass through.

A short break allowed the boats to dock and the passengers to disembark to participate in the balance of the outdoor ceremony.

Following introductions, the flag officers and governors lined up with military precision as colors were presented and the retiring Commodore's flag was slowly hauled down slowly  to be replaced by the incoming Commodore's pennant briskly raised to the yard.  The cannon sounded a 7-gun salute, Kate Smith sang her famous rendition of God Bless America and the ceremony was over.

Retiring to the second floor of the clubhouse, the Immediate Past Commodore's portrait was presented to him as officers, governors and members looked on.   Commodore Sam Yohanan's remarks ended with the traditional "The bar is open!"

After cocktails, an elaborate buffet dinner awaited everyone in the main dining room.

Photos by Earl and Evelyn Goldberg.