NEWPORT – Boats of all sizes and shapes will line in a procession to receive prayers of protection and prosperity in Newport’s annual Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday, May 4.
The ceremony, sponsored by Newport Fishermen’s Wives, dates back to a centuries-old Mediterranean tradition based in faith and perseverance. Since the 1950’s, Newport’s Blessing of the Fleet has honored local fishermen and their families by asking for prayers of protection at sea, bountiful catches and peace of mind for families.
The Blessing is open to any and all who wish to ask blessings on their fishing vessel, charter vessel, pleasure craft, or research vessel.
The celebration will include several events throughout the day that take place on the Newport harbor and can be seen from most locations along the Bayfront. The day starts off with a 9 a.m. survival suit race in which teams compete in survival suits worn by fishermen to combat the cold waters of the Oregon coast. The race will take place between Port dock 1 and Port dock 5.
The Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade will take place at 11 a.m. from the area near the Port of Newport’s international terminal. A search and rescue helicopter and motor lifeboats will mark the start of the procession. All vessels will follow the lead vessel from the international terminal heading west, turning just in front of the Yaquina Bay bridge before heading east to pass in front of the Coast Guard motor lifeboat, where local ministers will bless each vessel. Vessel registration forms are also located at England and Schiewe Marine Supply on the Bayfront.
A highliner competition, which centers around the skills needed to be a fisherman, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Port of Newport terminal. The event takes place at the same time as a free community barbeque where T-shirts and food will be served first-come first-served.
At 4 p.m. there will be a memorial at Fisherman’s Sanctuary in Yaquina Bay State Park. The service is meant to support families and the community while remembering lives lost at sea.
Donations to support the event can be sent to Newport Fishermen’s Wives at, P.O. Box 971, Newport, OR 97365 or through the organization’s website.
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