First Time? - Blessing of the Fleet, Bayview Boat Club

Blessing of the Fleet
and
Decorated Boat Parade

First-timer's Information

Is this your first Blessing of the Fleet and Boat Parade? Not sure what it’s all about, or how to participate?

Blessing of the Fleet:
The ‘blessing of the fleet’ is an old nautical tradition, originally practiced at the beginning of a new fishing or whaling season. The ships and fishing boats would pass by in the harbor, as a priest or clergyman would ask for Divine protection for each vessel and her crew. Today, the blessing ceremony has become an occasion for spectacular celebrations, with some harbors throwing a three-day festival around the event.

The Bayview Boat Club continues the tradition as we begin our new recreational boating season. And as we ask for protection from above, we should remember our responsibility to take proper care of those details that are within our control. Everyone, from any marina or trailer, is invited to register and join our ‘Blessing’ procession, decorated or not, and have the Chaplain ask the blessing on their boat and crew. If you can’t join in, but wish to have your boat blessed in the slip, fill out the appropriate information on the Registration Form. The Chaplain will make the rounds on the docks.

Decorated Boat Parade:
Many boaters choose to decorate their boats for the ceremony and the parade. The decorated boats will parade past several locations, before returning to their home marinas. There will be an after-parade 'Beer and Brisket' Party at Bayview Marina, on 'K' Dock, at 2:00 PM. Awards will be presented at the party, for ‘Best Decorated’ and 'Best Costumes', in the small power, large power, and sail boat categories.

So, what kind of decorations? You may take your inspiration from a movie or TV series, a character or animal, a song or book, a favorite city or travel destination, a hobby, a game or sport. Think of all the zany ideas that you’ve seen on parade floats, then think “floating parade”.

There really are no rules or limits, other than common decency (please, the kids are watching!). Let your imagination, creativity, sense of humor and resourcefulness run wild. Some focus only on decorating the boat itself. Others may add costumed crew and theme music. Whatever… “floats your boat”. As you design your decorating scheme, remember that it may be windy out there. Be careful about setting up anything easily knocked down or shredded by the wind.

Smaller Boats:
Think your boat is too small to bother decorating? Think again. We have a separate judging category for small boats. Although you may not have much room to erect or tie on lots of “stuff”, consider that you and your crew can be part of the decorations, too. Do what you can with the boat, then add costumes, props, music, maybe even a bit of “acting it out” or pantomime, as you go by. You’re not judged only on one particular thing, but on how it all comes together - the overall impact you make. Make it entertaining for spectators, have fun with it yourself, and you can’t go wrong.

Spectators:
If you aren't joining the procession, be sure and watch! This year, the actual 'Blessing Ceremony' will take place as the boats pass the dock behind Bass Pro Shop, beginning at 12:00 noon. The parade will go on to pass Chandlers Landing, the Hilton Belle Harbor and The Harbor at Rockwall, and finally, through Bayview Marina, north to south, inside the breakwater. Any of these locations should provide good viewing. Invite friends or family to join you - children especially enjoy the parade.
Naturally, parade plans are subject to last-minute change, due to wind and weather conditions.

Registration:
Registration will be between 9:00 - 11:00 AM, Saturday morning (May 17), at your marina (see below). You may save time by downloading and filling out the Registration Form, ahead of time. You will check in, receive your printed instructions and your number (to identify you to the chaplain and judges).

Bayview Marina: come to Commodore John Miller's slip on 'M' Dock, M1330.
Captain's Cove: come to John Lambert's slip on 'J' Dock, J4.
Chandler's Landing: come to the marina office.

Membership in the Bayview Boat Club is NOT required to participate and compete for awards in the Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony and Decorated Boat Parade.

Awards: Awards will be presented for Best Decorated Boat and for Best Costumes, in each of the following categories:

Sail Boats
Small Power Boats
Large Power Boats

Blessing of the Fleet and Decorated Boat Parade

First-timer's Information

Blessing of the Fleet
and
Decorated Boat Parade