The Oyster Bay Power Squadron once again brought the time-honored tradition of the "Blessing of the Fleet" to The Waterfront Center's Bay Day on Sunday, June 1.

Watching the boats sail by the Jakobson Pier you could see that the sailing community and the clergy blessing them, all take this act very seriously. Being out on the water can be hazardous.

An old and revered tradition throughout the world, the Blessing of the Fleet has been passed down from generation to generation and dates back to biblical times.

"The Blessing of the Fleet traditionally calls on divine providence to safeguard ships and crews from the danger of the seas. The ceremony seeks to ensure the safety of boats as they travel to and from the harbor, and to ensure that fishermen return safely and have a bountiful catch," said Larry Weiss, commander of Oyster Bay Power Squadron. "Most importantly, this is the time for boaters of every kind to come together to celebrate what we all enjoy so much - safe and courteous boating on the waters of Oyster Bay and Long Island Sound."

United States Power Squadron's Oyster Bay Squadron sponsors and organizes the Marine Parade and Blessing as a communitywide event. Every boat owner in the harbor (and neighboring harbors) is invited to take part and onlookers are encouraged to come out and enjoy the parade. Any type of boat may participate - power, sail, recreational or commercial - even kayaks, canoes and shells - as long as the boat is able to safely navigate the parade route. The route is designed to accommodate the draft of most boats, but all skippers remain responsible for their own safe navigation.

This year the clergy blessing the boats and their passengers included: Father Darius Koszyk of St. Dominic R.C.C.; Rabbi Marvin Demant of Oyster Bay Jewish Center; the Rev. Jeffrey Prey of the First Presbyterian Church; and Monsignor Romualdo Sosing of St. Dominic's. Each member of the clergy took turns offering blessings and prayers for each passing boat.

The boats had assembled after noon in Oyster Bay's West Harbor (paddle boats assembled on the west side of Jakobson Pier). At 12:30 p.m. the Oyster Bay Bay Constable lead off the parade. Boats fell in line and headed south along the west shore and headed toward Beekman Beach, turning east toward Jakobson's Pier. Sailboats proceeded under power for better control. Local members of the clergy blessed each passing boat, while standing on the end of the pier. As they passed the dignitaries, they headed north back toward West Harbor.

Ann Peltier, past commander of the Oyster Bay Power Squadron said, "It is so important to let people know that the Oyster Bay Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadron, is actively teaching safe boating in our community. This year alone, we held three boating classes around Oyster Bay. We have several classes and seminars scheduled for the spring, fall and winter - we do try to save summers for boating!

"On Sept. 20, the Oyster Bay Power Squadron will be sponsoring, in conjunction with the Town of Oyster Bay, W.A.K.E. U.P. (Waterways Adoptived Keep Environment Undamaged & Protected) where we will be cleaning up debris both on the beaches and in the waters. All are welcome to join us for this special 'clean up' program," she said. The Oyster Bay Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons (USPS), has been teaching safe boating in this community for over 35 years.

The United States Power Squadrons, "America's Boating Club," the world's largest nonprofit boating organization - dedicated to community service, boater education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of fellow members, and honored by three U.S. presidents for its civic contributions. To receive more information about the Blessing of the Fleet, call Oyster Bay Power Squadron Past Commander and Boating Activities Chairman Larry Weiss at 576-3450 Ext 141.