MIYC Blessing of the Fleet

Twenty-three boats and captains and more than 100 crew members participated in the 2018 Marco Island Blessing of the Fleet.

Sponsored by the Marco Island Yacht Club (MIYC), the Blessing of the Fleet is a traditional invocation of good fortune for boaters. The fleet of sailing and power vessels assembled in the Marco River between Factory Bay and the Jolley Bridge and received a special maritime blessing from MIYC Chaplin Alan Sandlin. Then, led by the Marco Island Fire Department vessel J.W. Adams, the boats paraded past the Yacht Club and each boat’s captain and crew exchanged ceremonial salutes with Commodore Bob Winterhalter, MIYC Bridge officers and past commodores.

In addition to MIYC members, participants included members of the Sailing Association of Marco Island, Marco Island Marina Association and the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron.

Following the ceremony, boaters and spectators enjoyed a buffet lunch and music by DJ Steve Reynolds.