Yacht Club's Expanded Blessings of the Area Fleet

The Vero Beach Yacht Club in partnership with the City of Vero Beach and the City Marina is inviting boaters from Vero Beach and surrounding communities to participate in an expanded Blessing of the Fleet October 11 and 12, 2019, as part of the city’s Centennial closing events.

The annual Blessing is a long-held tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing villages to help ensure a safe and bountiful boating season.

Clergy from various denominations will gather at 3 p.m. October 12 on the City Marina gas dock and bless participating boats as they pass.

A mandatory Captain’s meeting will be held at the Yacht Club from 5-7 p.m. Friday Oct. 11 with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Participating captains will receive the Blessing itinerary and their order of procession, along with commemorative gifts of the City’s Centennial Celebration.

On the day of the Blessing, power boat participants will meet at 2:30 p.m. between ICW markers 137 and 139. Non-powered vessels will stage outside MacWilliams Park and Boat Launch Basin at 2:45. A Yacht Club member on site will coordinate the order of procession on Channel 72. The procession begins at 3 p.m. These times are subject to change as plans develop.