Over 120 vessels took part in the Manhasset Sportsmens Club’s 71st annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday at the Town Dock in Port Washington, marking the unofficial opening of boating season.
The event salutes all those who have died on the waters, including civilians and those who have served the United States on the water, and the club, which was established in 1945 to serve locals with shared interests in hunting, boating, fishing and the outdoors, has sponsored and organized the event since its inaugural ceremony in 1949.
This year’s honor guard consisted of American Legion members Larry Tuck and Leon Jankowski as well as Glen Cove volunteer firefighter and club Director Pete Prudente.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and playing of the National Anthem, club President Joe McVeigh threw the traditional wreath into the bay to remember the souls lost on the water. The invocation and blessing were performed by the Rev. Charley Vogeley, pastor of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Port and chaplain of the Port Washington Fire Department.
The dock’s flag was raised before the gunboat summoned all to pass by the Town Dock and receive the blessing. Most boaters saluted, and others waved in the 86-degree weather.
Member Vinny Della-Iacono counted 122 boats blessed, ranging from small to large and including motorboats, kayaks and sailboats. The last to be blessed was Marine 1, the official boat of the Fire Department, which closed out the event with a water display at the dock.
