MARION — Sailboats, yachts and other vessels cruised into Nye’s Wharf on Saturday, July 1 for Marion’s first Blessing of the Fleet. 

Assistant Harbormaster David Wilson said he wanted to bring the tradition of blessing boats for the season to Marion after being a part of a fleet blessing in Fairhaven.

“We wanted to have more public outreach and it is something good to do in the harbor,” said Wilson. “We haven't done anything really like it, So we figured we would start on our own and see how it goes.”

The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition where a clergyman blesses each boat as they pass by.

The procession of boaters followed the Harbormaster’s boat from Sippican Harbor to Nye’s Wharf to be blessed.

Reverend Eric Fialho of Saint Gabriel’s Church in Marion prayed for the safety of the 25 boats and fishermen in the harbor from the shore.

Some boats donned colorful flags for the event, while other boaters decided to stick with the Fourth of July theme by flying American flags from their vessels.

Wilson said that the turnout for the blessing was ‘better than expected.”

“It seemed like everybody had a lot of fun,” said Wilson. “Now that we have one under our belt, we’ll definitely have more participation next year.”