2026 Sock Burning

A FINE KINGSMILL 

YACHT CLUB TRADITION

Douglas Boller     

March 18th, 2026

Kingsmill Yacht Club sets the tone

with fine tradition cast in stone.

Club’s been around for 50 years.

its members have sunk many beers.

When Sun swings to the Equinox,

that’s when our members burn their socks.

Then Winter’s chills are swept away.

We build a fire on Kingsmill Bay,

and socks unwashed since last November

strip with joy from every member.

Bravely all just hold their noses.

Sunlight falls on naked toeses.

Beloved socks fly to the blaze,

(though most have seen much better days.)

And if you’re really in the mood

throw in your clothes, go in the nude!

Flames respond in celebration,

consuming socks in conflagration.

Club folk cheer with great delight

as stinking hosiery lights the night.

And as your dainty toes are bared,

just wave them bravely. Don’t be scared.

Step carefully from seagull poo

just like your mummy told you to.

From this time on, and into summer

Yacht Club folks think socks a bummer.

Deck shoes welcome sweaty feet;

bare ankles make the look complete.

If you aspire to Yacht Club cool

then don’t delay. Obey the rule.

Get down among the Kingsmill rocks.

Just toe the line, and BURN YOUR SOCKS.!