Sunday, 5 June 2011
Thursday, 27 May 2010
A fine day for a special Blessing
THE 21st Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday was a huge success, marking 240 years since Lieutenant James Cook sailed through the Whitsundays in 1770.
The annual Blessing of the Fleet is a traditional ceremony combining Christian traditions with the Whitsundays' boating culture.
It is timed to coincide with Whitsunday, or Pentecost Sunday, when James Cook sailed through and named the Whitsunday Passage.
The blessing is held early on Pentecost Sunday at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
A Christian blessing is given to the local yachts and power craft so they may have a safe and prosperous year.
This year, the Anglican Bishop of North Queensland Bill Ray officiated.
He was assisted by Father Chris Yule, from Whitsunday Parish.
Organiser Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom, who founded the event with Father Keith Felgate, now retired, said it had been a good day with dozens of boats turning up.
“It was nice, light weather – just a gentle sailing breeze,” he said.
The blessing also marked the start of the Whitsunday winter sailing season.
“We had spectators from Mackay and Townsville and a lot of local parents, as there was a youth training weekend at the sailing club,” Mr Van Blarcom said.
“It was good to see a lot of young people sailing and participating. The safety boats were all decked out with flags, it looked great.”
Mr Van Blarcom said while the blessing was a Christian ceremony, the event was for everyone.
(courtesy Whitsunday Times)
Monday, 10 May 2010
Bishop aboard for 21st Blessing
Bishop of North Queensland, Bill Ray will conduct the 2010 Blessing of the Fleet service on Whit Sunday May 23 at the Whitsunday Sailing Club Airlie Beach.
It will be 240 years since Whit Sunday was named in 1770 by 1st lieutenant James Cook and 21 years since the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach was started by Father Keith Felgate.
It will be 240 years since Whit Sunday was named in 1770 by 1st lieutenant James Cook and 21 years since the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach was started by Father Keith Felgate.
Blessing of the Fleet - 21 years Sunday May 23, 2010
Blessing of the Fleet - 21 years Sunday May 23, 2010
Our Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach is held each year On Whitsun Day or Pentecost Sunday as our special day.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by first lieutenant James Cook in 1770. This year 2010 marks 240 years
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
If you saw the movie "The Perfect Storm," then you know how dangerous it can be to fish for a living or work and on the sea.
Indeed, traditional services of songs, prayers and scriptures focus on the reality reflected in the ancient Breton fisherman's prayer "O Lord, the sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Protect me."
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, and the Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us" says co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
"Father Keith gave me 'the call' so we formed the Blessing committee of two," Cap'n Dan recalls. "We knew the committee was too big, but it was a nice number to get together over a couple of beers and plan the Blessing."
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show. Rev Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church, conducted the Blessing for four years.
In 2009, Bishop Bill Ray, Anglican Bishop of North Queensland conducted the service ably assisted my Fr Chris Yule of Whitsunday.
Bishop Bill will conduct the 2010 service for this our 240th or 21st anniversary depending how you look at it.
The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Community groups are invited to participate in the Blessing on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. For further information please contact the club or Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom 49464131 – 0407 676952 email: my.events@hotmail.com
Our Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach is held each year On Whitsun Day or Pentecost Sunday as our special day.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by first lieutenant James Cook in 1770. This year 2010 marks 240 years
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
If you saw the movie "The Perfect Storm," then you know how dangerous it can be to fish for a living or work and on the sea.
Indeed, traditional services of songs, prayers and scriptures focus on the reality reflected in the ancient Breton fisherman's prayer "O Lord, the sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Protect me."
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, and the Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us" says co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
"Father Keith gave me 'the call' so we formed the Blessing committee of two," Cap'n Dan recalls. "We knew the committee was too big, but it was a nice number to get together over a couple of beers and plan the Blessing."
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show. Rev Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church, conducted the Blessing for four years.
In 2009, Bishop Bill Ray, Anglican Bishop of North Queensland conducted the service ably assisted my Fr Chris Yule of Whitsunday.
Bishop Bill will conduct the 2010 service for this our 240th or 21st anniversary depending how you look at it.
The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Community groups are invited to participate in the Blessing on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. For further information please contact the club or Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom 49464131 – 0407 676952 email: my.events@hotmail.com
Friday, 7 November 2008
Blessing of the Fleet - 20 years May 31, 2009
Our Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach is held each year On Whitsun Day or Pentecost Sunday as our special day.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by James Cook in 1770.
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
If you saw the movie "The Perfect Storm," then you know how dangerous it can be to fish for a living or work and on the sea.
Indeed, traditional services of songs, prayers and scriptures focus on the reality reflected in the ancient Breton fisherman's prayer "O Lord, the sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Protect me."
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, and the Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us" says co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
"Father Keith gave me 'the call' so we formed the Blessing committee of two," Cap'n Dan recalls. "We knew the committee was too big, but it was a nice number to get together over a couple of beers and plan the Blessing."
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show.
For the last four years the Blessing has been conducted by Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church who will again rise to the occasion on Whitsun Day.
The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Community groups are invited to participate in the Blessing on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. For further information please contact the club or Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
my.events@hotmail.com
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by James Cook in 1770.
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
If you saw the movie "The Perfect Storm," then you know how dangerous it can be to fish for a living or work and on the sea.
Indeed, traditional services of songs, prayers and scriptures focus on the reality reflected in the ancient Breton fisherman's prayer "O Lord, the sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Protect me."
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, and the Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us" says co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
"Father Keith gave me 'the call' so we formed the Blessing committee of two," Cap'n Dan recalls. "We knew the committee was too big, but it was a nice number to get together over a couple of beers and plan the Blessing."
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show.
For the last four years the Blessing has been conducted by Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church who will again rise to the occasion on Whitsun Day.
The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Community groups are invited to participate in the Blessing on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. For further information please contact the club or Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
my.events@hotmail.com
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Festival of the Wind 2008
A Weekend of Activities – including the 19th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Friday May 9, Saturday May 10 and Whit-Sunday May 11
In Airlie Beach and on the Whitsunday islands Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman & Pentecost.
For nearly 20 years, the Whitsunday Sailing Club has held an annual 'Blessing of the Fleet' Event on Whitsunday - the anniversary of the day in 1770 when Captain James Cook sailed into and named the Whitsunday Passage in recognition of the Christian festival of Pentecost - Whit-Sunday
For the last five years, (Rev) Terry Ayling, the Uniting Church Whitsunday Tourism Chaplain has conducted the 'Blessing of the Fleet'. This year, in conjunction with Spirited Communities & the Whitsunday Sailing Club, we are hosting the Whitsundays second 'Festival of the Wind' celebration to be held over the weekend of Friday 09 May - Sunday 11 May 2008.
This community event, provides many opportunities for electronic and print media exposure including:
• 'Guest Catamaran Regatta' Island Resorts Saturday
• ' Sunrise Gathering', Pentecost Island 0630 Sunday
• 'Flag Parade', Airlie Beach Foreshore 1030 Sunday
• 'Blessing of the Fleet', Whitsunday SC 1100 Sunday
• Kite Flying @ Catseye, Hamilton Island 1630 Sunday
• Beach Picnic @ Catseye, Hamilton Island 1700 Sunday
• Whitsunday Beach Celebration Hamilton Is 1800 Sunday
Dignitaries will include Rev Dr David Pitman, Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod.
We encourage and welcome your participation in this second 'Festival of the Wind' celebration.
Information &/or Interviews:
(Rev) Terry Ayling,
Uniting Church in Australia ,
Whitsunday Tourism Chaplain
Email: terry.ayling@spiritedcommunities.com.au
Mobile: 0407 105 071
Friday May 9, Saturday May 10 and Whit-Sunday May 11
In Airlie Beach and on the Whitsunday islands Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman & Pentecost.
For nearly 20 years, the Whitsunday Sailing Club has held an annual 'Blessing of the Fleet' Event on Whitsunday - the anniversary of the day in 1770 when Captain James Cook sailed into and named the Whitsunday Passage in recognition of the Christian festival of Pentecost - Whit-Sunday
For the last five years, (Rev) Terry Ayling, the Uniting Church Whitsunday Tourism Chaplain has conducted the 'Blessing of the Fleet'. This year, in conjunction with Spirited Communities & the Whitsunday Sailing Club, we are hosting the Whitsundays second 'Festival of the Wind' celebration to be held over the weekend of Friday 09 May - Sunday 11 May 2008.
This community event, provides many opportunities for electronic and print media exposure including:
• 'Guest Catamaran Regatta' Island Resorts Saturday
• ' Sunrise Gathering', Pentecost Island 0630 Sunday
• 'Flag Parade', Airlie Beach Foreshore 1030 Sunday
• 'Blessing of the Fleet', Whitsunday SC 1100 Sunday
• Kite Flying @ Catseye, Hamilton Island 1630 Sunday
• Beach Picnic @ Catseye, Hamilton Island 1700 Sunday
• Whitsunday Beach Celebration Hamilton Is 1800 Sunday
Dignitaries will include Rev Dr David Pitman, Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod.
We encourage and welcome your participation in this second 'Festival of the Wind' celebration.
Information &/or Interviews:
(Rev) Terry Ayling,
Uniting Church in Australia ,
Whitsunday Tourism Chaplain
Email: terry.ayling@spiritedcommunities.com.au
Mobile: 0407 105 071
Monday, 8 October 2007
Airlie Beach Blessing of the Fleet 2007
The Moderator of the Queensland Uniting Church Synod Rev Dr David
Pitman participated in various church and community-related activities
as part of the Festival of the Wind, organised by Tourism Chaplain, the
Rev Terry Ayling, in the Whitsunday’s. These events related to both the
Christian celebration of Pentecost as well as remembering that James
Cook named the Whitsunday Passage and Pentecost Island in 1770.
He shared this statement about Pentecost on that occasion.
Read full article by clicking here
Use browser button to return to Blessing site
Pitman participated in various church and community-related activities
as part of the Festival of the Wind, organised by Tourism Chaplain, the
Rev Terry Ayling, in the Whitsunday’s. These events related to both the
Christian celebration of Pentecost as well as remembering that James
Cook named the Whitsunday Passage and Pentecost Island in 1770.
He shared this statement about Pentecost on that occasion.
Read full article by clicking here
Use browser button to return to Blessing site
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