Sail Past

Sail Past marks the “official” start of the boating season in a tip of the hat to the beginnings of nautical tradition.

The ceremony consists of inspecting a fleet of ships, a salute to the Commodore. and the blessing of the fleet, calling upon divine providence to safeguard the boats and crews from the dangers of the seas and to ensure safe return to home port.

One of the earliest references to Sailpast is in Homer’s, The Iliad: “After two years of preparation, the Greek fleet, of more than 1,000 ships and 100,000 men, assembled at the port of Aulis, in north eastern Greece, for a Sail Past of Troy.” Hence the saying that “Helen of Troy had the face that launched 1,000 ships.”

Throughout history, Sailpast has included Royalty, Heads of State, and Admirals all inspecting fleets or entire Navies. Every year thousands of yacht clubs around the world maintain this nautical tradition by .conducting their own version of the time honoured ceremony.

About Smugglers Cove Boat Club

Nestled along the western bank of the Niagara River is a unique boat club, just 2 NM upriver of beautiful and historic Niagara on the Lake.

The Smuggler’s Cove Boat Club (SCBC) is a unique floating club tucked in amongst the picturesque natural beauty of the Niagara Parkway, where it intersects with East-West Line, coming from Highway #55. The private gatehouse lies between the main clubhouse and the dock to shore where wildlife abounds. Once through the gatehouse, which houses men’s and women’s heads and private shower, bulletin board of upcoming activities and items of interest, as well as a workshop and commercial ice machine, the dock leads to a communal clubhouse that is the mainstay hub of many of the social events that our members enjoy. The clubhouse and accompanying deck has full kitchen facilities and multiple propane BBQ’s and a ton of both indoor and outdoor seating where many friendships have been made. We are excited that we will be building a brand new new clubhouse in the fall of 2021! The rest of the complex is made up of walkways and 56 finger docks as well as 18 mooring balls.

We are a welcoming, family oriented club that caters to both sail and power boats. We feel strongly that boating is a wonderful lifestyle that includes water, air and friendships. Because SCBC is a working club we are able to enjoy boating for a fraction of the cost of other clubs, and we get to know and interact with fellow members in a way that deepens our relationships while working toward the common goal of having a well run club. Members are required to put in work hours, working together for the launch of the club in the spring and it’s removal in the fall, as well as other work parties and social events during the year.

For Media Inquiries

Contact SCBC at:

Niagara On The Lake
16001 Niagara River Pkwy,
Niagara On The Lake, ON, L0S 1J0

T: 905-468-3331

info@smugglerscoveboatclub.com