The Annual Blessing of the Fleet is set to take place Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10am until 3pm at the Port of Palm Beach. The event invites all boat owners, mariners and maritime lovers to join in the festivities by sailing through the port to have their vessel blessed or by joining the dockside spectators by the port cruise terminal.
This year's Blessing of the Fleet is aimed at raising awareness and support for the port's onsite mariners' center. The center, operated by the nonprofit organization called the Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center, serves as a place of respite for the port's maritime workers.
Many of the crewmembers who work aboard cargo ships face extended periods of time away from their home countries, families and friends. Often, seafarers work long hours and are away from home for up to a year at a time. Many miss special holidays and watch their families grow through Skype calls. Upon arriving at a port, many are disconnected from the world, unable to hail a cab to a local coffee shop or reach a quiet place to make a phone call and have a conversation with a loved one. And so many just want a break from the ship they call home when they finally reach land.
The Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center aims to assist its visiting mariners by providing a place to relax, be comfortable and communicate. With sofas, a Foosball table, computer stations and snacks, visitors can have a taste of home away from home.
The center opened March 3, 2016, and is still being fitted with furniture and equipment. Those interested in donating time, resources or funding to the cause may call 561.644.6290, or come to the Blessing of the Fleet on April 9 to learn more and meet the team behind the mission.
What:
Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center Blessing of the Fleet
When:
Saturday, April 9 2016
10am - 3pm
Where:
Port of Palm Beach cruise terminal
One East 11th Street
Riviera Beach FL 33404
- or -
northernmost slip of Port of Palm Beach, where the Grand Celebration cruise ship is docked every other day.
Why:
Have your boat blessed
Have fun watching
Learn more about and support the Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center
See the port from an insider's view
For more information, please call 561.644.6290