Anchors away! The Midget Squadron Yacht Club kicked off the 2022 boating season with its annual First Colors Ceremony on Saturday, May 21st.
On a balmy, sunny 90-degree day, officers of the club lined up outside the 122-year-old club for its traditional flag-raising ceremony. The event always occurs the week before Memorial Day weekend, in time for the unofficial start of summer.
Club Chaplain Bernie Jacobs welcomed members and guests and said a prayer for safety and “the best boating season ever” followed by the National Anthem.
Commodore Howie Rubenfeld has done a fantastic job leading the club since 2017, keeping the club afloat through the Coronavirus pandemic and making improvements to the beautifully-manicured grounds. During the flag-raising ceremony, club officers saluted their commodore individually. They were each presented with a flag which was raised on the club’s flagpole. Those flags will proudly fly high throughout the boating season.
A memorial wreath was placed in Paerdegat Basin by Fleet Captain Ray Rodriquez, accompanied by Kirk Clark, Paulette Simone and Melissa Rubenfeld. The wreath serves as a memorial and a tribute to club members who have passed away and honors our brave military and all first responders, including New York’s Bravest and New York’s Finest.
The festivities continued with a scrumptious dinner and dessert, as well as entertainment and dancing.
The beautiful Midget Squadron Yacht Club is one of Canarsie’s best-kept secrets and a visit to this lovely oasis feels like an escape from the city. The club is located at the foot of Seaview Avenue and Paerdegat Avenue North.
Photos by Linda Steinmuller and Alessandro Marra Jr.
