Marco Island Yacht Club Holds Commodore’s Ball

The Marco Island Yacht Club recently held its annual gala event, the Change of Watch and Commodore’s Ball. New officers of the Bridge, a nautical term for center of operations, were installed at the formal Change of Watch Ceremony, which was held outdoors in the courtyard and included a Colors Ceremony, transfer of command ceremony and concluded with the singing of “God Bless America.”

The time honored Commodore installation ceremony, Change of Watch, is based on military tradition in which responsibility, authority and accountability are transferred from the current leader to the new commander.

During the event, outgoing Commodore Lois Dixon handed over command to the new Commodore Bob Winterhalter. This transfer was signified by a ceremony that lowered the Past Commodore’s burgee (triangular flag) and replaced it with the new Commodore’s burgee. The Marco Island Yacht Club Commodore has overall responsibility for the cruising fleets, sailing regattas, boating programs, matters relating to the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs and social activities. In accepting his command, Commodore Winterhalter agreed to uphold the MIYC mission to “Provide an extraordinary Member experience of boating, social events and dining in a warm and beautiful Club setting where friendships flourish.” Following the installation of the new officers, the festivities then moved inside for dinner and dancing at the Commodore’s Ball, held in the beautiful Harbour Dining Room, overlooking the yacht basin, Marco River, and the Jolley Bridge. Past Commodore Lois Dixon greeted the guests, thanked everyone for their support over the past year of her command and wished the new Commodore good luck in the year ahead. Incoming Commodore Winterhalter presented Dixon with a thank you gift for her service. As part of the ceremony, the Marco Island Patriots presented a large framed photo of the Jolley Bridge to the Yacht Club to thank members for the funds they raised last year to support the Patriots’ post-Irma recovery efforts.

After enjoying dinner prepared by Executive Chef Bob Aylwin, the club members and their guests danced to the music of The Wendy Renee Quartet.