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Click Here to see more pictures from the Blessing of the Fleet |
Annual John Ferdinand Memorial Blessing of the Fleet
May 31, 2008
On May 31, 2008 under the sponsorship of the United Boaters of Elmwood
Township (UBET), the tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet at the Elmwood Marina
continued. This year's celebration was dedicated in honor of, and in
appreciation for, former Assistant Harbormaster John Ferdinand. John was the driving force in bringing this time-honored tradition to the Elmwood Township Marina four years ago, and Saturday's community waterfront celebration would not
have occurred were it not for John's enthusiasm, love, and support of boating, and in particular for the
boaters
who use the Elmwood Township Marina. In future years, this event will be known
as the Annual John Ferdinand Memorial Blessing of the Fleet.
The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony was expanded this year to encompass a community waterfront celebration. The event began at 9:00 am with a community potluck and introductory remarks by Don Gorski UBET president. This was followed by the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Richard Skar of West Bay Covenant Church once again presiding.
Each year this event has grown, and several additions have been incorporated to make this year's "Blessing" a community celebration of the Elmwood Township Waterfront. Several local boating and community organizations participated with displays; including the Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Inland Seas Education Association, and Traverse Area Community Sailing.
The United States Sail and Power Squadron and Coat Guard Auxiliary conducted free boat inspections. Also on display was The Maritime Heritage Alliance's restored 1947 Herreshoff 28 cruising ketch. In addition, the Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay's 23-foot aluminum-hulled tug boat Bay Monitor generated a great deal of interest. Also, there was a demonstration of a remote operated underwater vehicle (ROV).
A display by the Elmwood Township Marina and the Parks and Recreation Committees who presented plans for future improvements to the Harbor-Park area generated considerable interest.
Representatives from local government and marina management also attended the event.
The celebration wrapped up at 12:00 with helicopter fly over and simulated rescue exercise by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City.
To learn more about the organizations and people that participated in this year's event, click on the highlighted link.