Nearly a dozen boats were gathered on the Intracoastal Waterway just south of Yacht Harbor Marina when Father Robert Goolsby arrived on the dock. Some of the boats belonged to PCYC members, some did not.
The occasion was the almost annual Blessing of the Fleet. It’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years and occurs at the start of boating season in waterways around the globe. Here in Palm Coast Father Goolsby began the ceremony by offering prayers for the fleet and all who sail with us and those who protect us on the water. Captains and their crews were able to hear the prayers on their radios.
Then, one by one, the boats slowly and carefully passed the dock as Father Goolsby gave a sprinkle of Holy Water and an individual blessing for the safe passage of each vessel. When all the boats has passed the dock, the owner of one of the large yachts in the marina asked to have his boat blessed and Father Goolsby was happy to oblige.
The planned dinner at Atlantic Grill did not materialize because as our group grew to 21 diners, the venue was no longer able to accommodate us. We did, however, get reservations at Oceanside Grill in Flagler Beach and our group, including Father Goolsby and his wife, Karla finished the day with a great meal.