[Paddlewise] Blessing of Boats, June 20th, 3 pm

BLESSING OF THE BOATS, SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH, 3 PM
HUDSON RIVER, BETWEEN PIERS 32 AND 40

As mentioned earlier, there will be a blessing of boats on Saturday,
June 20th at 3 pm on the Hudson off of lower Manhattan.  The time has
been changed to that hour in order to accomodate canoes, kayaks and row
boats.  It will be basically slack water time.

The event involves a paddle or row by a Coast Guard cutter stationed
between Piers 32 and 40.  The blessing will be given by clergy of
various denominations on board the cutter.  The event is part of New
York City's Centennial Celebration.

It would be nice to have as many of our type of boats on the water as we
can.  The event is likely to draw media attention and it would be good
if human-powered boats made an impressive showing.  The more we show
that we can use the waters safely, the more access we will be assured.

The way the currents are going at that time it will be easy to put in at
the Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 or the Chelsea Piers if one likes.  It
can also be done from the 79th St. Boat Basin on the ebb current and
ride back with the flood current.

(As Richard Clifford mentioned regarding the kayakers assisting on the
Little Red Lighthouse to Chelsea Piers swim, it would be easy to
dovetail the two.)

The event organizer is still looking for more clergy to render the
blessing. If you have any suggestions, email him (Rafael Saenz) at
rafaelsa_at_aol.com or telephone 212-962-1648.  I understand that some
religions are not into such rituals as blessings.  But I would think
some prayers over the passing boats would be just fine too.

If you have any questions regarding the event call me or Rafael.  

ralph diaz

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************