Monday, January 29, 2018

Detroit Yacht Club Officers' Ball

Keith and I had a big weekend.  We were invited to the Detroit Yacht Club Officers' Ball by good friend and fellow boater Ray Batt.  Ray was sworn in as the new commodore of the club and we were honored to attend as his guests.
                                 
                                    View out our window at the downtown Marriott from the 34th floor.
                                                           That is ice on the Detroit River folks.


The history of the club  is very interesting.  It was founded in 1868 by Detroit sailing enthusiasts.  Over the years many very prominent citizens of the area were members, and the clubhouse had several locations.  The present day clubhouse was built in 1923 by George Mason on Belle Island for a little over 1 million dollars.  The club is 93,000 square feet and the largest facility in the world dedicated to a yacht club, an honor it still holds today.

The first DYC Officers' Ball honored the second Commodore of the Club, Samuel Cowan.  It was a black tie affair with cocktails and a formal sit-down dinner.    The dinner was followed by a Grand March led by the Officers of the Club and then a Receiving Line to greet attendees.  Dancing ensued into the wee hours of the morning.  This tradition continues today and this year is the DYC's 150th anniversary.

                                                   Program and commemorative wine glasses


                                     View of the staircase coming up to the Grand Ballroom.

                                                       
                                                      Grand Ballroom from the balcony.

                                                 Looking into the dinning room.

                                                          Seating for the Officers and spouses.
                       
                                                                     Ice sculpture

The evening was spectacular with over 400 guests in attendance.  The Detroit Yacht Club is a beautiful place steeped in rich history and the members are her spirit.  They are wonderful, welcoming, and friendly people and we cannot say enough about them.  Keith and I are also so excited for Ray to step into the role of Commodore and know he will do a phenomenal job for the club. 

                   Commodore Ray Batt and Lady Lisa third and fourth from right in the Grand March

Commodore Ray Batt

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