Yacht Club marks start of boating season

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club hosted the much-anticipated Opening Day of Boating Season and Blessing of the Boats on Saturday ushering in the boating season with over 120 community members in attendance.

The event, celebrated under clear skies, encapsulated the spirit of Canyon Lake’s vibrant boating community.

Commodore Rob Mora initiated the ceremony with a warm welcome, followed by the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 2011 and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon.

Mayor Dale Welty, representing the City of Canyon Lake, emphasized the importance of safety and camaraderie among boaters in his remarks. Canyon Lake Property Owners Association Secretary Joe Karnashian highlighted the Yacht Club’s contributions to the community, including environmental efforts and the organization of the beloved annual holiday Parade of Lights.

Boats line up to take turns as Pastor Thor Ramsey gives a blessing over each boat as part of the Canyon Lake Yacht Club’s Opening Day of Boat Season in Canyon Lake Saturday. Photo by Aprile Deanne McKinnon

Pastor Thor Ramsey then delivered a heartfelt message and bestowed individual blessings upon each boat that passed by the dock.

In a gesture of camaraderie between yacht clubs, guests from the Shoreline Yacht Club of Long Beach, including Staff Commodore Bruce Davis and Rick Tobin, were welcomed.

The highlight of the ceremony was the firing of the signal cannon by the Shoreline Yacht Club guests, a tradition hailing from the days of ice-breaking to signal the opening of harbors in spring.

The booming cannon blasts, courtesy of the visiting dignitaries, officially declared Canyon Lake’s waters open for the season.

Despite recent rainfall limiting some boats’ ability to navigate the causeway tunnel, nearly 20 vessels participated in a parade past the viewing stand, receiving blessings from Pastor Ramsey and a salute from Commodore Mora, symbolizing their readiness for the season.

As boats took a celebratory lap around the lake, community members gathered at the Canyon Lake Lodge and along the causeway to enjoy the spectacular weather and the festive atmosphere, marking another successful Opening Day in Canyon Lake’s storied boating history.