The annual Day at the Docks celebration on Hatteras Island had to be canceled due to the devastation from Hurricane Irene. However, the annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held Friday, September 30 at 5 p.m.
Day at the Docks is an all-day festival celebrating Hatteras Island watermen and the spirit of Hatteras Village. The event held along the working waterfront of Hatteras Village was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 17. Each year the celebration has ended with a parade of boats into Hatteras Harbor and a blessing of the fleet.
The blessing of the fleet in an important event for Hatteras Island locals. Friends and family lost at sea are memorialized and the blessing of the fleet is an important ritual for all Hatteras Waterman.
The following poem will be read during the ceremony.
Bless the Fleet 2011
By Johnnie Baum
The sun rises triumphant to herald a new day.
While boats of many sizes, head out on the bay.
Great trawlers moving stately, to the horizon go.
The charter boats more quickly, with a bit more show.
Boats are loaded with crab pots, others filled with net.
The fleet is moving out, a sight you’ll not forget.
May God bless each craft, each captain and crew.
With a catch that’s good, faith strengthened anew.
Let the winds be light, to help them on their way.
Keep each of them safe, this dear Lord, I pray.
The sun to warm them gently, clouds to give them shade.
No storms along their way, on the sea you made.
Bring them each home safely, that non might shed a tear.
And while they are fishing, keep your angles near.
Full holds when they return, for each one I pray.
Yes dear Lord, bless the fleet, each and every day.
Let there be safe harbor, wherever they might go.
And Father until once again, land lies beneath their feet.
Be with them and their families, and always bless the fleet.