NYCkayaker Blessing of the fleet

[Suzanne Charle']

  Hi,
Just got this from the folks down at Manhattan Yacht Club. You might want to
pass it on.
Suzanne


All boating enthusiasts are invited and encouraged to participate in this
year's *"Blessing of the Fleet."*  It will be Friday evening, June 4, 2010
from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Participating yachts should register first at
https://www.nyharborsailing.com/blessing.htm<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103431876760&s=3153&e=001V4ReP1gWdyppOv5MRp_ffYchqubfE0IiyyfvD8nurDZwht5CkW58gv0QLmjDuMb2z-wD-DYyTz5sj2L2CmodQ1LYeIa1ViKLoFvQGPZ16o3dDHdUFZhJNoplUH-b09NqEbqcR6jgRQY=>
.  Then you motor, sail or paddle to the area off Pier A at the Battery,
head up the seawall of Battery Park City and pass the Official Reviewing
Platform on the south breakwall of North Cove.

Why participate in the Blessing of the Fleet?  Well, it is an ancient
maritime tradition.  Traditions are important and there are always reasons
for tradition.  For example, if you are fisherman, do you wish to catch lots
of fish this year?  If you are a sailor, do you wish to win all the races?  If
you are a charter boat operator, do you wish to double the size of your
business this summer?  I am not saying this will happen if you attend the
Blessing, but if you do not, why tempt fate?

Equally as important, this will be a fun and festive occasion.  The vessel
which has been invited to lead the Blessing is the *John J. Harvey*, the
historic fireboat now owned by a great group of New Yorkers.  Their plumes
of water will set the tone.  There will also be 6 vessels from the *Clipper
Round-the-World Race*.  These 68-foot sailboats are crewed by teams of 18
sailors and are stopping in NYC during their circum-navigation just in time
for the Blessing.  There will be a newly restored wooden catboat from
Barnegat Bay called *"Silent Maid"* and she will tie up at the marina
afterwards and you can inspect the varnish and meet the crew.  The America's
Cup 12 Meter *"America II"* will sail by as well.  This is just the start of
the list of vessels which will be participating.

I encourage you and all of your maritime buddies to participate in the
parade or come down and watch.  The boats will pass close to the esplanade
in Battery Park City between the hours of 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.  They will
start down at Pier A and parade up to North Cove.  Along the way, you can
expect to see the crew wave to the spectators, blow their horns and
otherwise express their happiness that the boating season has arrived.

Bring your friends (and any kids you know) down to the seawall and a horn
and some flags.  Blow your horn as each yacht passes and see if they wave
back and return the sound signal.