Blessing of the Fleet
Newport’s Blessing of the Fleet returns this Saturday, May 15, continuing the community tradition of standing firmly behind its fishing fleet.
Sponsored by Newport Fishermen's Wives, this community ceremony honors local fishermen and their families, open to any and all who wish to ask blessings on their fishing, charter, or research vessels or pleasure crafts.
The event began as an old-world Sicilian custom emphasizing faith and perseverance — qualities that have long fueled those who go to sea to earn a living. Since the 1950s, Newport’s Blessing of the Fleet has continued the custom of asking for prayers for protection at sea, bountiful catches and peace of mind for the families at home.
The day begins at 10 am with a service at the Fishermen’s Memorial Sanctuary at Yaquina Bay State Park meant to offer support and encouragement to the families and community while remembering Lincoln County fishermen lost at sea.
Boat processions and blessings will begin at 11:30 am in the Newport Harbor and can be viewed from most locations on the Bayfront. The boat parade gets underway from the area near the Port of Newport international terminal. The motor lifeboats of Station Yaquina Bay signal the start of the parade, accompanied by the USCG Search & Rescue Helicopter, if available. All vessels will follow the lead vessel from the international terminal heading west, turning just in front of the bridge before heading east to pass in front of the coast guard motor lifeboat, where local ministers will bless each vessel.
Newport Fishermen's Wives will end this special day by hosting a barbecue at the Port of Newport parking lot at 1:30 pm. In addition to serving food, they’ll be giving out 2021 Blessing of the Fleet t-shirts and cloth masks provided by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission.
The lunch, shirts and masks are free of charge and the event is open to everyone in the community while supplies last.
Vessel registration forms are available at England and Schiewe Marine Supply on the Newport Bayfront. There will also be a live broadcast of the blessings on AM 1310 KNPT.