By: Kathy Hotz, Commodore
Photos By: Victoria “Torie” Butler
On May 4, under the tent at Marina Park, the Osprey Yacht Club officially opened the 2022 boating season with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, the club’s annual tribute to all those members who have passed during the last year. This very moving ceremony is a tradition held each year since the inception of the OYC twenty-one years ago.
Eleven members were so honored this year by our boating community and were joined by invited family members who were able to attend this ceremony. These were each given a bouquet of flowers to toss into the water as their loved one’s name was announced. Also included in the ceremony were songs, prayers, and reading of the poem Gone From My Sight.
After the ceremony, Docktails, our social time with food and drinks, took place under the tent. The weather for the ceremony was beautiful, but almost immediately after its conclusion, the wind picked up and the rain came down—not a sprinkle, but a downpour. Although it rained for quite some time, everyone got their food and libations and was able to visit with friends and family under the tent until the rain let up. Some even burned their old socks, also a tradition to bring in the new season of boating.
OYC is looking forward to a good season on the water. Our next event is the Cardboard Boat Race followed by Twilight on June 18th. If you’re not sure what the social event of Twilight involves, be sure to ask your favorite OYC member.
If you are not a member of this active boating community but would like to know more about the Osprey Yacht Club, look us up on the Nabr Group. There you will find all the information you need to learn how to register to join.