REGISTRATION
Advance registration is required so vessels can be assigned to a group of 10 – 12 other boats of similar size and speed capability (Flotilla). Different Flotillas will assemble in different areas and pass by a Parade Staging Point (PSP) and then the reviewing stand aboard HMCS Sackville in sequence.

VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS
• Minimum vessel length 16 feet.
• Minimum vessel speed 5 knots.
• Sailing vessels must operate under power only.

FORMATION
• Each vessel will be assigned to a Flotilla and receive a number to be displayed on the stern that will indicate the vessel’s placement in a Flotilla, e.g. No’s 1 – 12 in A Flotilla, 13 – 24 in B Flotilla, etc.
• Flotillas will assemble in separate areas in the harbour or Basin as assigned at the Captains’ meeting.
• Flotilla Leaders will be responsible for leading their Flotillas to the Parade Staging Point (PSP) off the CABLE WHARF and arriving at the specified time (+ or – 30 sec) to follow the preceding Flotilla past HMCS Sackville.
• Flotilla Leaders may use any speed that all vessels in their Flotilla can maintain comfortably to transit to the PSP, but must pass the PSP at 4Kts.
• The speed for the actual sailpast from the PSP to Bishop’s Ldg is FOUR (4) Knots SOG.
• Vessels will travel at a distance of 30 meters (100 feet) from the stern of the boat they are following.
• All vessels should be approximately 30 meters (100 feet) off the stern of HMCS Sackville as they pass.
• Vessel Captains should have a member of the crew monitor the vessel behind and adjust speed downward slightly if the following boat is not keeping up.
• Vessels should maintain their relative positions and speed until south of Bishop’s Landing, then disperse South of George’s Island to maintain the integrity of the formation.

COMMUNICATIONS
• VHF radio communications should be kept to a minimum.
• Each Flotilla will be assigned a different channel to monitor when assembling.
• Flotilla Leaders should also monitor CH66 if possible for Convoy progress updates.
• All participating vessels are to switch from their assigned Flotilla Freq to CH 66 as they approach the Parade Staging Point, monitor CH68 until south of Bishop’s Ldg., then switch to and monitor CH12.
• The Convoy Commodore will also monitor CH 12 & 16 and pass on any pertinent information or instructions to affected Flotillas on their assigned Flotilla Freq or CH 66 as they approach the PSP.

ROUTE
• Vessels will assemble at the designated Flotilla assembly points in the Harbour or Basin by 1.30 PM.
• Each Flotilla will depart from its assembly point in time to be at the PSP at the time designated by the Convoy Cmdre at the Captains’ Meeting or as amended by the Cmdre during the sailpast.
• Observe Controlled Access Zones around the Naval Dockyards and avoid the Dartmouth Ferry route except to cross it when necessary.
• All vessels should remain on the east side of the harbour when returning to the Basin and stay clear of Flotillas still in formation.

PROTOCOL
• When your vessel is directly astern of HMCS Sackville, the country flag should be dipped or gathered and the boat’s horn sounded.
• Civilians should salute military vets by standing to attention and removing their caps/hats.
• The salute will be taken by VAdm D. Millar, Ret’d, Chairman of the Cdn Naval Memorial Trust on behalf of the Naval and Merchant Naval veterans onboard HMCS Sackville. Our liaison officer, Jim Reddy, will be the narrator on board Sackville announcing the names of the participating boats and the convoy ships they represent as they pass.

BANNERS & FLAGS
• Your banner should be attached to your rail or superstructure on the starboard side and the country flag should be flown at midships or on the stern. The convoy cup flag may be flown at any location.

PROBLEMS
• If your vessel has trouble keeping up with the rest of the Flotilla, tell the Flotilla Leader on the assigned Flotilla Frequency.
• If you have mechanical problems that affect your speed or ability to participate, you may be asked to drop out of the formation and signal the vessels behind to pass. Be sure to let the Flotilla Leader know so he can pass the info along through the Convoy Cmdre to the narrator on HMCS Sackville so the list of boats can be amended accordingly.



Bob Stewart                                     Jim Thomas
Convoy Cmdre                                Cmdre, DYC
456-4281                                         456-1848