Up to 30 yachts and motorboats joined the annual Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club parade of sailing down the River Liffey and out into Dublin Bay on Sunday afternoon, a tribute to deceased members of the Dublin City club.
The strong turnout preceded the annual blessing of the boats at the club's marina, which was officiated by Fr Ivan Tonge, who also recently blessed a new coastal rowing skiff for the neighbouring Stella Maris Rowing Club.
The annual blessing of boats took place on Sunday, 12th May 2024 at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club premises and was officiated by Fr Ivan Tonge of Ringsend Photo: Afloat
The annual blessing of the boats is a time-honoured tradition which dates back many centuries with some origins traced back to the early fisherman of the Liffey.
(Above and below) Up to 30 yachts and boats were dressed overall for a multi-coloured parade of sail on the River Liffey as part of the annual blessing of the boats ceremony at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club Photo: Afloat
Events in ports around the world can range from a simple ceremony to a multi-day festival including church services, parades, dancing, feasting and contests.
A sudden rain shower and the departure of both Stena Estrid and Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde only momentarily paused the 2024 multi-coloured parade.
The parade of Sail waits for Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde to depart Dublin Port Photo: Afloat
A wreath in honour of deceased members of the club was laid out at the mouth of the Liffey in choppy Dublin Bay conditions.
One such member remembered fondly is former club commodore and proud Ringsender John Wedick who died last November as Afloat paid tribute here
(Above and below) Once into Dublin Bay, wreaths were laid in Dublin Bay for deceased PYBC members via a flotilla of vessels Photo: Afloat
The flotilla returned to the club for a PYBC committee food and wine reception and the lovely prospect of a fun-filled 2024 summer boating season ahead.
Meanwhile, an agreement has been secured on a new Maritime Village Community proposal in the area as part of Dublin Port's update on its 3FM Project as Afloat reports here
