Blessing of the Nelson Fishing Fleet - Sat July 27 1pm

The 13th Blessing of Nelson’s Fishing Fleet is scheduled for Saturday July 27, paying an annual tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea, along with the blessing of boats prior to the hoki season.

There will be the usual fireworks on Friday night (July 26), with viewing from the waterfront and the port hills. Flares and fireworks will be set off from 6.30pm.

On Saturday at 1pm Reverend Jeff Cotton, Father David Gruschaw and Archdeacon Andy Joseph will take the blessing service at the Seafarers’ Memorial, with fishing boats lined up along Wakefield Quay.

Music will be provided by the Nelson Male Voice Choir, TS Talisman Cadets, the Nelson Christian Academy, lone piper Jeremy Katterns and the Nelson Youth Brass Band. Pigeons will be released at the end of the service.

Seafarers Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says the Blessing of the Fleet has stood the test of time and is a very special commemoration by the Seafarers Memorial Trust.

“Nelson is still Australasia’s biggest fishing port and the industry and its support services are hugely important to our town – over a quarter of the workforce is engaged in this sector in one way or another,” he said. “We’ve developed this ceremony here in Nelson and it is unique in New Zealand. It is hugely valued by the families that have lost members at sea and it’s an opportunity for the public to come together, show their respect and perhaps find out a little more about the industry.”

With the help of the Rotary Club of Nelson, the trust will be offering scallop and fish picnic lunches and there will be an auction of the Catch of the Day.

The Blessing of the Fleet is a free community event, however the public will be asked to make a donation to the Seafarers’ Memorial Trust to be used in community projects.

If Saturday is wet the Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday 28 July.

Postponement will be broadcast on More FM and The Breeze.

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