Blessing of the Fleet 2016

With a club history going back to 1895, having a special ceremonial flag program and the blessing of the fleet to officially start our boating season is important to the members of Newburgh Yacht Club.  It’s a tradition they enjoy continuing.

They turned out in large numbers with many family members and guests in tow for the Blessing of the Fleet Ceremonies on June 12, 2016.

The yacht club grounds looked perfect for the event.  A day earlier was the club’s annual Clean Up Day with All Hands On Deck getting the clubhouse and grounds in Ship Shape Condition for this event and the boating season ahead.

The weather was good.   A breeze was coming in from the north east.  It gave the members participating in the boat parade a chance to demonstrate their piloting skills.    They all did fine.

Commodore Greg Dombroski opened the ceremony by welcoming the members and guests and asking Member William Laddick to start the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Greg introduced the leadership team, the officers and and board of directors of the Newburgh Yacht Club.  Many of whom were out on their boats ready for the boat parade.

Despite the breeze the boat parade had a great showing of members boats from small to large.   If fact we had one of the largest boats ever.   Club Member, Captain Bob Frederick brought the Pride of the Hudson to join in.   Just a few weeks earlier the club enjoyed a Commodore’s Cruise onboard the tour boat.   As Captain Bob took the boat by our Memorial Point where the crowd was lining the rails to see the parade he gave a big toot on the boat’s air horn.     As master of ceremonies  I got to announce all the boats as they came by.   The club members and guests were enthusiastic in their applause for all the boating participants.

Deacon Peter Haight of St. Andrews Church in Newburgh then began the blessing and memorial service.   The Deacon has been performing the service for many years at the club.  He reminds us of how lucky we are to enjoy such a wonderful spot, not to take the special things we have for granted, enjoy these good times with our friends and family and to be safe, being mindful of the forces of the winds and the seas.

The memorial service is often the most memorable portion of our ceremony.

Members who have had a family member die in the past year place a flower into the river in remembrance of that person.    They do this when the deceased’s name is read and a bell is tolled in their honor.

Chilled juices and mimosas were  served on the patio following the ceremony.

 

A delicious brunch was then served in our our clubhouse catered by Mama Theresa’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to thank Ken Mennerich for taking the pictures you see in this post and in the gallery of photos below.   In the gallery you can download all the pictures or just right click and save any you wish.

[cincopa AMPAfkNF_RQH]