BLUE skies and sunshine arrived in Beachport on Sunday to welcome the large crowd congregated at the picturesque foreshore rotunda in celebration of the historical blessing of the fleet.
Uniting Church lay preacher Ern Bentley conducted the afternoon service, recognising the history behind the significant day.
“We are here today to reenact tradition, which began on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, largely brought on by Catholic priests to grant a safe season,” Mr Bentley said.
Following the ceremony, crowds gathered on the town’s jetty while skippers, deckhands and their families ventured out to their lobster boats and passed by to mark the beginning of a safe season.
Three children braved the cold breeze and sea by jumping into the water and swimming for a cross thrown in as part of the ceremony to pray for a safe year ahead for fishermen.
Beachport Fishing Association president Jason Walters said the day was an excellent community event which was shown by the turnout of the crowd.
“I had my kids out on the boat and they really enjoy going for a ride,” Mr Walters said.
“The event is more for the kids as they have a fun day and go for a swim to retrieve the cross.”
The president said the event was again successful this year, with an increase of onlookers due to the long weekend.
“It has worked really well this year, I think the turnout has a lot to do with the long weekend as there seems to be a lot more people,” Mr Walters said.
“The blessing is normally held the last weekend of September, however due to some boats not being present at the time it was changed to this weekend for more involvement.”
