On Sunday, May 4 the Orcas Island Yacht Club held its annual Opening Day Yacht Parade honoring Commodore Katie Thomas to the theme of “Pirates of Orcas Island.”

Gaily-decorated power boats and sail boats of all shapes and sizes lead by Rear Commodore Douglas, Catherine and Challen Ellis in “Finnessa,” passed in review before Commodore Katie Thomas and her boat “Perigee” which was moored at the OIYC dock in West Sound.

In keeping with the theme, prizes were awarded for the best decorated and costumed boat and crew. First Prize in the over-40 ft. power boat category went to “Tenacious,” owned by Len and Midge Rickey, and second Prize went to “Mei Wente” owned by Ron and Vicky Montgomery. In the 26- to 39- ft. powerboat category, First Prize went to “Sea Raven,” owned by Clay and Karen Parsons. In the sailboat 26- to 29-ft. category, First Prize went to “Whiffler,” owned by Peggy Wareham; in the under-26 ft. sailboat category, First Prize went to “Paradigm Shift” owned by Vaughn Ploeger and Rebecca Earnest. Len and Midge Rickey were awarded a prize for best costumes.

After the Yacht Parade a picnic dinner was held at the OIYC shelter overlooking Westsound. The Hosts of the event were Eska and Chuck Wilson. Karen Parsons, Special Events Captain, was the manager.

Those interested in joining the OIYC are asked to contact Joan Crosby, Membership Secretary, at 376-2992. The next big Orcas Island Yacht Club event will be in Victoria, B.C. at “Victoria Days.”