Vessel Instructions for the Blessing of the Fleet
These instructions may be updated at the beginning of June each year.
The Blessing of the Fleet takes place at Prince Arthur’s Landing Marina Park at the Lookout on the east end of Pier 3 – the Royal Canadian Navy Pier, approximately 48° 26.0’ N 89° 12.7′ W.
Service Pamphlet
The pamphlet with the service and information about Thunder Bay’s marine community will be available the Friday prior to the Blessing. Vessel operators are encouraged to pick up a copy of it from the Marina Boater Services Building.
Service of Blessing and Parade of Sail
At 1030 the Macgillivary Pipe Band will play a tattoo at the Lookout on Pier 3.
By 1100, vessels should assemble in the bay north of Pier 3.
At approximately 1100, the service at the Lookout will start. Once it starts, vessels in the Parade of Sail should precede south at a suggested vessel speed of 5 knots, coming close aboard the vessel anchored at the Lookout at Pier 3 at approximately 1115.
The order for the Parade of Sail is:
Harbormaster’s vessel
Commercial vessels
Commercial fishing vessels
Government vessels: Coast Guard
Recreational vessels under power
Recreational vessels under sail
Canoes and kayaks
NWO Lake Superior Sail Centre vessels
Vessels are blessed as they pass the anchored vessel off Pier 3 by being sprinkled with water.
Once a vessel has been blessed, it should proceed south and disperse with regard for other vessels. Vessels participating in the parade of sail are reminded to exercise proper seamanship to avoid collisions.
Cancellation due to Weather
If a decision to cancel the Blessing of the Fleet is made the day before the event, a notice will be posted on www.missiontoseafarersthunderbay.ca and on our Facebook page
On the day of the Blessing of the Fleet, in the event of winds being in excess of 20 knots (37 km/hr), heavy rain or lightning, it will be cancelled at 1015 and a notice will be broadcast on VHF channel 16.
You may send Canon Ed Swayze your cell phone number so that you can be called in event that the Blessing of the Fleet is cancelled due to weather.
Communications
A Blessing of the Fleet volunteer will monitor VHF channel 16 and the call sign is “Marina Lookout”.
Between 1100 and 1115, the service of blessing will be broadcasted on Channel 71.
During the Blessing of the Fleet, the Mission can be contacted at 807-344-8241.
