About Us

IOBG

Evening Colors Ceremony

This ceremony will be conducted at the Ceremonial Mast, located between the pool and spa. Evening Colors is based on naval tradition of lowering the colors (ensign and jack) at the end of the day. The British Navy conducted this ceremony as early as 1797, and the practice was adopted by the U.S. Navy in 1870. A similar ceremony, called Retreat, dates to the Crusades and the American Army began using it after the Revolutionary War. An early version has been traced to a New York yacht club in the early 1900’s.

The purpose of an evening colors ceremony is to both signal the end of the day and to pay respect to and honor to the flag of the United States of America and the brave men and women that protect our freedom. The "Evening Colors Ceremony" reminds the participants and members of the sacrifices that have been, and continue to be, made for our country and the values it represents. It is a simple yet effective ceremony that is designed to inspire.

International Order of the Blue Gavel (IOBG)

The International Order of the Blue Gavel (IOBG) is an organization made up of Yacht Club Past Commodores. Our own P/C Bill Pittman is serving as PIYC's IOBG President. Here at PIYC, the IOBG Chapter conducts a number of special events including the Fleet Review, Evening Colors Ceremonies and Christenings for Members' new vessels.

The mission of the International of the Blue Gavel is to recognize Past Commodores of the international yachting community and unite them in order to promote the highest ideals of yachting and preserve its customs and traditions through social, educational and humanitarian programs.

The Pelican Isle Yacht Club Chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel was formed on November 7, 2012. The PIYC Chapter of IOBG's objectives and purposes shall be as provided in the International Order of the Blue Gavel bylaws and summarized as follows:

To subscribe and stimulate interest in abiding by recognized yachting traditions, ceremonies, customs, ethics and etiquette.
To aid and promote, by precept and example, the development of more able and knowledgeable yachting persons, that they may participate in yachting activities, marine events and ceremonies of every kind, as a results of high standards of honor, tradition, good sportsmanship, and the fraternal and social relationships experienced by and between Past Commodores.
To encourage and promote the continuing interest and service of qualified and proven Past Commodores to their own yacht clubs and its activities, without any way usurping the authorities and responsibilities of the incumbent Officers and Board or Directors for the best interest of the Club.

Specific objectives and purposes of the Chapter as related to the Pelican Isle Yacht Club shall include but not be limited to:

Support and augment those policies, programs and endeavors of the Officers and the Board of Directors in so far as this is in the best interest of the Club.
Provide advice, counsel or opinions to the Officers and Board of Directors upon request with the understanding that this Chapter is not a committee of the Board and has no governance authority of PIYC.
Although it is the policy of the Chapter to maintain a low profile in regard to the management and operation of the Club, it may, on occasion, be desirable and appropriate to make recommendation to the Board of Directors.