ORMA Blessing of the Fleet 2021
We shall plan to leave the docks no later than 10:30 and try to stay together. Then, we’ll head over to Mattawoman Creek for a raft-up and party! Ya, even I (George) will plan on waking up “early” for this.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the ORMA Blessing of the Fleet, which is dedicated to the loving memory of Patricia Croft, who was selflessly devoted to the service of others. As Presiding Coordinator to ORMA, and board member to many other organizations associated with our waterways, Pat cheerfully volunteered countless hours of her time throughout the years and her passion for the water was contagious. Please help us celebrate her wonderful life by participating in this event.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition where receiving a blessing from the local Clergy was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season. This year, to celebrate Pat’s colorful spirit, we are highly encouraging everyone to decorate their boats for the event.
SCHEDULE: On May 15th, first responder boats will pass Belmont Bay Harbor Marina at approximately 9:30am, heading upriver, toward the Town of Occoquan. At approximately 10am, the first responder boats will turn around near the Occoquan Town Dock and begin heading back downriver, toward Belmont Bay Harbor Marina. The fire boat will lead the group, spraying a spectacular Water Salute for all to enjoy! Interested spectators can view first responder boats from land at Town of Occoquan’s dock at Mamie Davis Park, from the shores of Occoquan Park, as well as many restaurants/marinas along the Occoquan River.
BOATER PARTICIPATION: All boats can be blessed simply by passing the ORMA blessing boat, Rhumb Line, docked at Belmont Bay Harbor Marina during the event hours. FOR PRIZE ELIGIBILITY, boats must be registered for the event through the SIGN IN button on the ORMA Facebook page before midnight on May 14, 2021 ***AND*** participation must be validated by ORMA as having passed the blessing boat during the event hours.
DIGNITARY PARTICIPATION: Representatives from the Town of Occoquan, Prince William and Fairfax Counties, as well as VA State, are invited to give their well wishes to boaters as they pass the Blessing boat.
*** PRIZES ***
Decorated boats that are registered have an opportunity to win boat fuel gift cards; $500 for 1st place from Prince William Marina; $300 for 2nd place from Belmont Bay Harbor Marina, and $200 for 3rd place from Occoquan Harbor Marina. Additional prizes include two $100 boat fuel gift cards from Hoffmaster’s Marina, as well as gift cards from restaurants, salons, pet stores, and more! (Prizes are subject to change.)
*** PRIZE ELIGIBILITY / EVENT REGISTRATION ***
For prize eligibility, boats must be registered for the event through the SIGN IN button on the ORMA Facebook page BEFORE midnight on Friday, May 14, 2021. NOTE: By registering for the event, you agree to allow ORMA to post your name, boat name and/or images of your boat on public social media outlets.
*** AWARDING PRIZES ***
DECORATED BOATS: After the event is concluded, a voting page will be created on the ORMA Facebook page with a picture and the name of each decorated boat that was registered AND recorded by ORMA as having passed the blessing boat during the event hours. The voting page will be open for 7 days. Boats with the top 3 highest number of votes will be awarded the top 3 prizes, respectively. Final details regarding the voting process, guidelines and details will be posted when the voting page is officially opened. Boat decorations may be any theme; flags, pirates, parrots, etc., but remember, the more creative you are, the better your chances are of winning the top prize(s).
ALL REGISTERED BOATS: ALL boats that are registered **AND** recorded by ORMA as having passed the blessing boat during the event hours are eligible to be included in the prize drawing, including two $100 boat fuel gift cards and various other gift cards.
The final list of prizes and prize winner names will be posted on the ORMA Facebook page. RAIN DATE IS MAY 16, 2021.
PRIZES GRACIOUSLY DONATED TO ORMA AS OF 03/29/21
DECORATED BOATS
$500 boat fuel gift card for 1st place from Price William Marina
$300 boat fuel gift card for 2nd place from Belmont Bay Harbor Marina
$200 boat fuel gift card for 3rd place from Occoquan Harbor Marina
ALL BOATS
Two $100 boat fuel gift cards from Hoffmaster’s Marina
Inflatable life jacket from West Marine in Woodbridge
Gift certificates from
Electric Palm
Bistro L’Heritage
El Paso Mexican Restaurant