Thank you to all the members who attended and helped make this one of the best Blessing's ever. We have lots of excellent photo's from Ray Biscoglia, Amanda Fleming and Barrie Gustard.
For 2004 another CYC "tradition" was born from a great idea by Bob Francis. On Friday evening we celebrated the beginning of the spring boating weather with a Sock Burning Ceremony.
The 2003 Blessing of The Fleet is archived here.
The Clearwater Yacht Club enjoys a number of traditional events. The Annual
Blessing of the fleet is one of these special occassions. What yachtsman does
not enjoy the opportunity to “Dress Ship” and crew, gather family
and friends together and celebrate another year of good times and the memories
of some fine members and friends who departed this world during the past year.
The ceremonies will begin at 1100 with the traditional Flag Ceremony and then our Fleet Chaplain; Monsignor Mulligan will bless our boats, applying a liberal application of holy water together with the necessary prayers to help keep our vessels safe for another year. The boats will leave the dock at 1130 and form into a parade in front of the Club. After completing a couple of circumnavigation’s of the area in front of the Club and being reviewed by Commodore Powell, the firing of the cannon and the piping of a lament will signal the beginning of the Memorial Service. This will be dedicated to the memory of our members and friends who passed away during the year.
If you have a power or sailboat, you are encouraged to “Dress Ship” and crew and take part in the celebrations. If not, please feel welcome to join a crew on the water. No one who wanted to go out on a boat has ever been left ashore in the past.
This year we will again present an award to the best dressed sail and power boat in the parade. This is your chance to show off your knowledge of the correct flag etiquette for your vessel. If you need some advice about this check “Piloting” by Chapman. This book will tell you all you need to know, plus a lot you don’t.
After the serious stuff is complete, the Tiki Bar will be open with a Caribbean cookout and live entertainment. Please attend the Blessing of the Fleet and then stay and party for the weekend, you will be glad you did!