Community Corner

Northport Blessing of the Fleet Canceled

Tropical Storm Andrea washes out annual tradition.

The Northport Blessing of the Fleet, scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m., has been canceled due to the forecasted remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea, organizers announced Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory for Northport with winds gusts of up to 30 knots effective until 11 a.m. Saturday. 

Gene Kinney, event organizer and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Past Commander, said the Blessing of the Fleet will not be rescheduled. 

"We can't reschedule because of sailing season and the tides," he said. "This is the only weekend we could do it."

Kinney added that a 25-foot Coast Guard boat will be in the parking lot on a trailer and the USCG Auxiliary will have a manned booth near the Farmers Market for anyone wishing to join or learn about safe boating.

The annual Blessing of the Fleet marks the official opening of the boating season. It's a tradition that some believe "originated in the seafaring countries of southern Europe."  

As boats pass by the Village Dock, they are blessed by clergy to insure safe passage on the waters for themselves, their passengers and their worthy vessels.   

"A lot of planning went into it," said Kinney, "but time and tide wait for no man."



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