Maritime Day & Blessing of the Fleet Program

Activities for All Ages

8 am                   Northport Farmers’ Market Season Opening

10 am                  Opening of Village Park for Activities, Booths and Exhibits until 2 pm

11 am                  Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony at Northport Village Dock

12 noon               Tours of Vessels at Northport Village Dock (including Fishing Vessels, Tug Boat, Rescue & Response Crafts) until 2 pm.

Judging of Best Maritime Day Chowder, Best Bisque and Best Brews at Gazebo in Village Park

At the Village Dock:

Blessing of the Fleet Parade of over 100 Boats anticipated from area yacht clubs as well as general recreational boaters. 

o   Area clergy,

o   Government officials and

o   Coast Guard

will officiate at the Village Dock throughout the boat parade.

Coast Guard, Training and Working Ships at the Northport Village Dock with invited vessels including

o   US Coast Guard Response Boat

o   US Merchant Marine Academy Vessel “142”

o   Northport Fire Department Fire Boat

o   Plus working fishing vessels from local baymen

In the Village Park:

Seaworthy Activities for All in Village Park with invited organizations including

o   From Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program

  • Marine Life Touch Tank

  • Marine Program Informational Table with discussion and materials on Stormwater Runoff, Shellfish Restoration and SPAT Programs, Huntington Blueway, and the Unified Water Study (water quality monitoring in the Huntington-Northport Bay Complex).

  • The Fisheries Team and their Local F.I.S.H. initiative

o   Seamanship Skills

o   Planned “Rain-Gutter Regatta” for young sailors hosted by the Sea Scouts

o   Opportunity to try your hand at Lifesaving Skills including man-over-board life ring toss

o   Radio Communications Display by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary

o   A variety of “hands-on” activities for young & old

 Maritime History with invited organizations including

o   the Northport Historical Society’s presentation on Northport’s extensive boatbuilding and oyster industries

Festive Music including

o   nautical music from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Band

 Maritime Educational Institutions with invited organizations including

o   US Coast Guard Academy

o   US Merchant Marine Academy

 Walk-up Display of Maritime Vessels in the Park with invited organizations including:

o   Long Island Antique & Classic Boat Society

o   US Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol Boat

 Seaworthy Volunteer Opportunities including from:

o   US Coast Guard Auxiliary including opportunities in Public Education, Communications, Vessel Inspection, Aids to Navigation, Boat Crew Training, On-the-Water Patrols and Search & Rescue and other direct support of our local US Coast Guard Station Eaton’s Neck

o   Cornell Shellfish Restoration and SPAT Programs (invited)

 Northport’s Working Waterfront & Recreational Boating with invited participation from

o   Seymour’s Boat Yard

o   Britannia Yachting Center

o   Northport Yacht Club

o   Centerport Yacht Club

o   Baymen’s Association

 Judged Chowder & Bisque Contest from Northport’s Restaurants judged by local notables in the Village Park.

Judged Best Maritime Brew Contest with invited breweries including

o   Sand City Brewing

o   Harbor Head Brewing

o   Blind Bat Brewing

Cow Harbor Brewing

 Northport Farmers’ Market will open its season

 

Throughout the Village (in cooperation with the Northport Chamber of Commerce)

Delicious Seafood & other Coastal Delights at Northport’s many restaurants.  Look for each restaurant’s chowder offerings especially.

Nautically Themed Treasures and Gifts at Northport’s variety of shops

Wandering Mariners of all Ages