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39th Annual St. Lucie River Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade
WELCOMEAll boaters and Boating organizations in the Martin/St. Lucie area are invited to participate in the 39th annual Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade on April 10, 2010 in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This tradition harks back to the days when fishing fleets would receive blessings for safety and bounty in the coming season. Rain date April 11, 2010.
PARTICIPATIONThe Blessing of the Fleet Committee welcomes all boaters, marine businesses, and their guests to participate in this event. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and organizations to take part. Although all area yacht clubs are invited to participate as groups, you do NOT have to belong to a club to join the parade or take part in the Blessing. You are welcome to “dress” your boat with pennants or flowers or other suitable adornment. For more information, please contact Blessing Secretary Lincoln McGurk 772-463-1386 lmcgurk@dcwis.com, or any of the officers.
CONTACTS
STAGINGParticipating vessels will assemble in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River near Harbour ridge, North of marker #7 (approximately 27 degrees 14.3 N x 80.18.4 W). Club members should stage as instructed by their Fleet Captain or the officer assigned. Independent boats should gather near the vessel flying the Flag “S” at the North end of the staging area.All boats should be in the assembly area no later than noon. All vessels in the assembly area will not exceed idle speed, and be alert for anchor lines and traffic. Scheduled ready time is 12:30pm. At that time every vessel should monitor VHF 78 for instructions from the Start/Command Boat. Please make certain to wait courteously for your turn and follow the line. The parade will start before 1:00 so as to reach the review boat by 1:00.
MANATEESDuring staging and while in the parade all boats should be on the lookout for manatees. If a manatee is present, you must not disturb it and boat traffic must be directed away from that location.COMMUNICATIONInstructions will be issued on VHF Channel 78. Please listen only to 78, so that all boaters will be able to get parade instructions. Use channel 16 for emergencies. You may select a channel for conversation within your club, but be sure to monitor channel 78. Someone in your club should have a cell phone. WSTU 1450 AM will broadcast the Blessing at approximately 1:00pm.THE ORDER OF FLEETS IN THE PARADEGroups will stage in this order, South to North. Groups will Join the parade, also in this order, when instructed by the command boat. In each group the lead boat will show the group’s identifying letter on the bow of the boat. The last boat in the group will display two of the group’s letters on the stern.
PARADE LINEAll vessels, including sailboats, must be under power while in the parade. If you do not have power you may arrange to be towed. The lead boat will maintain five knots. All other boats should maintain a 75-100 foot spacing between them throughout the parade.REVIEW BOATThere will be clerics of several faiths aboard the review boat who will bless each vessel as it passes. You are welcome to salute by dipping your ensign. The parade does not end until after you have passed the review boat by 100 yards. Remain in line at five knots until you are well clear, and then be careful of traffic and your wake. If you wish to head North after the parade, please go at no wake speed and do not cross the parade line.
BREAKDOWNShould a vessel suffer a problem, you should try to drift or maneuver out of the Parade line and drop anchor. Patrol Boats will be on the lookout and may be able to assist you.MEDICAL EMERGENCIESCall 911 on your cell phone and radio for help on VHF 16 and 78. It is recommended that you tell 911 that you are going directly to the City Dock and the emergency vehicle should meet your boat there. There is also a licensed Physician’s Assistant in the fleet. |