Blessing of the Fleet 2010 - Registeration Information - Bayview Boat Club

Blessing of the Fleet and Decorated Boat Parade

Detailed Information

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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 a centuries-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 is invited to register and join our ‘Blessing’ procession, decorated or not, and have our chaplain, Pat Lee, ask the blessing on their boat and crew.

Laying of the Wreath Memorial:
For the first time in several years, we will follow the Blessing ceremony with a memorial Laying of the Wreath ceremony, in remembrance of those who have passed on, before us. The procession of boats will exit the marina breakwater and form a circle on the lake, with the chaplain on a boat in the middle. The ceremony will include prayer by Chaplain Pat Lee, and the laying of wreaths into the lake. To the wreaths will be tied "memory cards", with the names of our lost friends and loved ones. If you wish, you may fill out a memory card at the Registration table, before the event, and tie it to one of the wreaths.

Decorated Boat Parade:
Many boaters choose to decorate their boats for the ceremony and the parade. After the blessing, the boats parade past other locations, before returning to Bayview for a party. Boats will be judged and awards presented at the party, for ‘Best Decorated’ boats.

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”. This year's event organizers, Pat and Lori Lee, are encouraging a Disney theme, for anyone who is having trouble coming up with ideas - "the kids'll love it!"

There really are no rules or limits, other than common decency (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.

Small Boats:
Think your boat is too small to bother decorating? Think again. Although you may not have 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 the viewers, have fun with it yourself, and you can’t go wrong.

Party and Awards:
After the parade, the Bayview Boat Club will have a Pool-side BBQ Party at Bayview Marina, beginning at 7:00 PM. Awards will be presented for decorated boats, in four categories. Partiers will feast on a barbecue dinner, generously provided for us, courtesy of Inland Dive Service, along with Ship Shape and Becky's Custom Canvas. Members, please bring a dessert to share.

"I Want My Boat Blessed, But I Can't Join the Ceremonial Parade"
If your boat is unable to join the 'Blessing' procession this year, you may still have it blessed. Fill out the appropriate information on the Registration Form, and turn it in at Bayview Marina, 'J' Dock pavilion, 1:00 - 2:00PM, June 5. After the ceremony, the chaplain will contact you, and visit your boat in the slip, to ask a blessing on it.

Spectators:
If you aren't joining the procession, be sure and watch! The 'Blessing' begins at 2:30PM, at Bayview Marina. The best viewing of the ceremony is from the ends of J, K and M docks. Weather permitting, the decorated boats will also parade past Chandler's Landing and The Harbor, in Rockwall. Invite friends or family to join you - children especially enjoy the parade. Catch a late lunch at The Harbor, before the parade, then head down to the wall, in time for the arrival of the parade!

Non-member Participants:
Anyone may join our 'Blessing' ceremony at Bayview Marina - no membership or fee is required to have your boat blessed. We only ask that you register, so that we can issue you numbers (so the chaplain can identify your boat), give you instructions, etc.
If you are not a BBC member, and additionally wish to attend the evening pool-side party, at 7PM, you may join as a one-day member, for $10 per person dues (children free with parent).
Register for the event (see below). Then, optionally, fill out and turn in the Membership Form, with $10, at the Registration table, or at the party. If, during the party, you decide to join for the year, the $10 can be applied to the annual dues.

Registration:

Participants must come and register at the Bayview Marina 'J' Dock pavilion, between 1:00 and 2:00PM, on the day of the event. Participants will pick up their numbers (to identify their boat to the chaplain and judges) and written instructions, fill out 'memory cards' for the Wreath Memorial, and find out any late changes. Weather or other circumstances sometimes require event-day changes in how we proceed.

Download:
Blessing of the Fleet and Boat Parade Registration Form (MS Word)

Skipper's Instructions (MS Word)

Schedule:
June 5 (Saturday):
1:00PM - 2:00PM Registration/check-in at 'J' Dock pavilion. Pick up numbers, receive instructions, fill out 'memory card' for Wreath Ceremony.
2:00PM - Boats head out and form up on lake.
2:30PM - Boats begin to proceed slowly through Bayview Marina, north to south, inside the breakwater, past docks H thru M. Chaplain performs Blessing ceremony.
Boats exit marina, and form circle for the Laying of the Wreath ceremony.
The circle then unwinds, and the parade continues on to other points. Non-parading boats may re-enter and dock.
7:00PM - BBC Party by the pool begins.