Blessing of the Boats at Gorey and Bonne Nuit

Ports of Jersey is participating in two Blessing of the Boats ceremonies this weekend. Gorey Boat Blessing and Bonne Nuit’s Sea Sunday service are annual events which celebrate the sea and honour the contribution of the Island’s search and rescue community to Islanders’ safety. Ports of Jersey vessels will attend both services, alongside local and French rescue boats.

The Gorey Boat Blessing will give thanks for all the lifeboat and Air Search crews, with visitors from France attending as well as Jersey’s search and rescue teams. The Channel Island Air Search team will be carrying out a fly past and wreaths will be released in honour of those who have lost their lives, or their loved ones, at sea.

Bonne Nuit’s Sea Sunday service will feature a Blessing of the Boats, and a service giving thanks for the beauty of the bay, celebrating the sea and all those who work at sea and enjoy the sea.

Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler, will be speaking at the Gorey event. He said: “The sea is the common bond that ties us together as an Island and as a Maritime Community. The blessing of boats and crews is a tradition which spans continents and stretches back centuries, and it is important that we come together to give thanks to those who protect us when we are at sea.

“We are fortunate to have brave, professional men and women – our lifeboat crews, lifeguards, firefighters, and coastguards – who are dedicated to helping those in danger. Today is a chance to thank those people, and their families, for the valued work they do.”

Gorey Boat Blessing – 11am, Sunday 28 July, Gorey Pier

Bonne Nuit Sea Sunday – 10.30am, Sunday 28 July, Bonne Nuit Pier