Annual Blessing Of Fishing Fleet

The annual Blessing of Nelson¹s Fishing Fleet in association with Sunderland Marine is coming up this weekend, starting on Friday night with a big display of fireworks and flares at 7pm

Seafarers' Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says with a new naming rights sponsor, the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet will get off to a spectacular
start with a fireworks display on Friday 20th, viewable from the port hills
or Wakefield Quay. The public is also welcome to watch the fireworks at 7pm
from The Boathouse on Wakefield Quay.

³We have traditionally detonated flares that have passed their Œuse-by¹,
³ Mr Smith said. ³This year Sunderland Marine has funded some dramatic fireworks that will be particularly visual over the water if we get a clear still winter night.²

Mr Smith said on Saturday the Blessing of the Fleet would follow its traditional format, with the vessels assembling off shore from the Sunderland Marine Pier in Wakefield Quay, after midday. The ceremony this year is at the later time of 1pm.

Archdeacon Te Hawa Whakaruru will introduce the service, there will be a reading from Canon Andy Joseph, and Father Raymond Soriano will also take
part in the blessing. Music will be provided by the Nelson Male Voice Choir, the Hira School choir, lone piper Robbie Duncan and the Nelson City Brass Band. The Blessing of the Fleet is now in its seventh year, and is well supported by the fishing industry and the public of Nelson.

³We never know how many vessels will turn out for the day ­ this depends on their fishing schedule and weather conditions at sea. We have always had more than twenty vessels, which makes a very impressive sight on the Haven,"

Mr Smith said. ³The Seafarers Memorial Trust holds this event to commemorate those who have lost their lives at sea and to bless the fishing fleet for future journeys. It is also an opportunity for Nelsonians to recognise the
contribution of the fishing and seafood industry to this community.²

With the help of the Rotary Club of Nelson, the trust will be offering scallop and fish picnic lunches for a $2 donation per serving and barbecued mussels for $1 a serving. There will be an auction of the Catch of the Day - fresh fish and mussels unloaded at the Sunderland Marine Pier will go under the hammer shortly after the blessing ceremony, with proceeds going to the Seafarers¹ Trust.

Other highlights include a tug boat display from Port Nelson, a man overboard helicopter rescue demonstration, the release of pigeons and the loud and colourful day-time mescalita fireworks display.

Although the Blessing of the Fleet is a free community event, the public will be asked to make a small donation to the Seafarers¹ Memorial Trust to be used in community projects.

A free service from Newman¹s Milestone Association clipper buses will run from Wakatu Square from 12.15pm. If Saturday is wet the Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday 22nd. Postponement will be broadcast on More FM.

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