Southern Bay Cru'z Club members kicking off the season with good eats.
Southern Bay Cru’z Club (SBCC) Kicks Off the 2014 Boating Season in Style, 16-18 May. Festivities began with a "Meet and Greet" cocktails and dinner at The Lagoon Restaurant at Bay Pointe marina on Friday evening and ended with a breakfast brunch at the Captains Galley at Vinings Landing Marina Center (VLMC) on Sunday morning.
Saturday festivities were the highlight of the weekend. Held at VLMC, members took advantage of reduced rates for boat bottom cleaning by Divers Unlimited, free Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) performed by the USCG Auxiliary and the Virginia Beach Sail and Power Squadron, and a Life Jacket Training seminar conducted by Edgar Mange, LCDR, USN with live in-water demonstrations by the Sea Scouts from Ship 747/The Resolute. Grilled burgers and hot dogs were provided free by Ryan and Shana White, owners of Marine Concepts Yacht Sales (MCYS).
Saturday evening was filled with ceremonies, great food, camaraderie and entertainment. More than 200 people enjoyed the culinary skills of Brian Baker, Regional Manager, Vinings Marine Group (VMG), who provided a scrumptious BBQ, complimented by the many covered dishes provided by the attendees. The Reverend Doug Gray, Westminster Canterbury, gave the Blessings and later delivered the Blessing of the Fleet prayer.
Cub scouts from Pack 376 ably assisted with the Flag honors as Debbi Stamey sang an awe-inspiring rendition of the National Anthem. Later, a second flag raising ceremony was observed when Commodore Rod Rodriguez and Brian Baker raised the Club’s burgee following comments by Capt. Scott Sinclair proclaiming the Little Creek harbor a protected SBCC territory and committing SBCC members to abide by King Neptune’s Laws of the Sea.
A special tribute to the military, veterans and their families was delivered by Rick Vroman, CAPT, USN, (SC) Ret. The Club was extremely fortunate to have in attendance Virginia State Senator Lynwood W. Lewis Jr, and his son Mike. The Senator addressed several issues affecting the recreational boating community and assured everyone that he remains focused on enhancing recreational boating opportunities throughout Commonwealth. Also in attendance were Thomas "Tommy" Smigiel, Norfolk Councilman, Ward 5 and the Norfolk Police Chief Michael "Mike" Goldsmith and their families. Bill Culbertson concluded the opening events with a traditional Sock Burning Ceremony. Following his remarks many “grungy and smelly” socks were put to rest in a fire pit.
With the ceremonial portion of the evening over, music by Ms. Elle Browning kicked in as Master Magician, John Kingry, entertained young and old with his "walk around" magic.
No kick-off event is complete without a raffle! Due to the extremely generous contributions from the sponsors noted below many attendees left with great prizes. About a dozen diehards gathered for Brunch at the Captains Galley on Sunday morning bringing the conclusion to an extremely successful SBCC Boating Season Kickoff event. It’s safe to say that the 2014 SBCC season kick-off festivities was a tremendous success.
Raffle contributors were: Action Masters Marine Service, Bay Fiberglass, Captain's Galley, Cobb’s Marina, Divers Unlimited, Dolphin Marine Services, Dynamic Marine Surveys, MCYS, Signature CanvasMakers, The Lagoon Restaurant, S & S Marine, Sandy Bass Boat Detailing, Surf Rider Restaurants, VMG, and West Marine.
