From the Helm
/Thanks to everyone that helped with the Daffodil Festival, it was a lot of fun! We plan to do it again next year.
Warm weather seems to have arrived, just in time for Flag Raising, we hope you will be joining us, just be sure to wear a pair of socks that you aren’t in love with, as there will be a Burning of the Socks, here is something that Scott put together:
“WRYC will host a not-quite-annual-yet tradition of the Burning of the Socks immediately following Flag Raising on Saturday, May 4th. Join in the festivities welcoming the sailing season and bidding farewell to winter by bringing an old pair of socks to toss in to the burn pit. We will ceremoniously welcome warmer weather with a small ceremony and then you are invited to stroll the grounds barefoot (or in flip flops/slippahs). Along with the ceremonial burning of the socks, please bring a clothing item to donate to local homeless shelters.
The following is an excerpt from the dockwa.com website (https://blog.dockwa.com/odd-sailing-events-burning-of-the-socks):
"The annual sock burning began in the Spring of 1978, when, after a snowy winter, boatbuilder Bob Turner bid his oppressive sock-wearing days farewell for the summer by throwing them into a campfire.
A Brief History of the Burning of the Socks
What was an act of defiance turned into a tradition, and soon marinas and yacht clubs around the country will celebrate the return of Spring, Sperry topsiders, flip flops, and best of all, boating season. Turner stated to Baltimore Magazine that he was amazed at the lasting impression he's made.
"It was never meant to be taken seriously. It just says, 'Enough with the socks! Time to go sailing!'"
Fast-forward to 2022, where the sock-burning represents a time to clear out the yacht club cobwebs and embrace spring. In years past, we've spotted events from coast to coast with everything from cookouts and bonfires to golf-cart parades, boatyard clean-ups, yard sales, and polar bear plunges. At the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the origin site of this tradition, they celebrate with live music, an oyster roast, and a recitation of the poem "Ode to Equinox," written by the museum's former executive director, Jeff Holland, which you'll find below.
Sock-Burning Etiquette
Feet, amirite? Whether you see them as worship-worthy or foul, these basic guidelines keep things upbeat in a public arena instead of uncouth. A few quick pro-tips to help you toe the line:
Prettying Up
Pedicures are not just for dames! The local press attends some sock-burning events, so pamper your ten minor lords or ladies before those high-res photos come back to haunt you in the daily paper.
Defining "Socks"
The term can be confusing, so under no circumstances should you attempt to burn stockings, panties, boxers, briefs, Spanx, Crocs, bras, belts, garters, suspenders, or thermal underwear. In addition, should you attempt to cross the Burning of the Socks with a Viking Funeral, leave your ex's belongings or correspondence at home so a bunch of barefoot sailors aren't left bewildered as you cry into the stinky flames. Finally, socks made of synthetic materials are frowned upon, so keep it to cotton or wool and refrain from fleece or other tech materials.
The Ceremony
As you remove your socks, you may be invited to address the crowd, which should be no problem after several ciders. This address should not include deeply personal revelations about yourself or others, your terrible poetry, or a garbage rendition of Wonderwall.
Remaining Barefoot
Once you've burned your socks, putting on new ones is frowned upon. Either head to your car, away from crowds to sneak on clean socks, or put your shoes on sockless. Do not remove additional clothing.”
With the season upon us, remember to get out there and use your club!
