Media Alert - Announcing the 2010 Blessing of the Fleet
Marking the Start of the 48th Year of Youth Leadership Training Aboard Tall Ships STV Pathfinder and TS Playfair
TORONTO, June 16 /CNW/ - Toronto Brigantine Inc. (TBI) invites your attendance at the annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, June 19, 2010 12:30 - 14:30 p.m. The event will launch our fleet for the Great Lakes sailing season and celebrates TBI's 48 years of operation as Toronto's only youth leadership development program aboard tall ships. It also celebrates the youth whose work and dedication keeps the maritime teamwork tradition alive and relevant.
The blessing provides an opportunity to bring young program participants, their parents and community members together and to raise the awareness of the work of the Toronto Brigantine with youth. Our program is open to all in the community and the Blessing of the Fleet is non-denominational. This year's ceremony will be presided over by Reverend David Mulholland.
The blessing of ships is an ancient custom and different maritime communities have different ceremonies. Going to sea is a demanding and challenging activity, and it is traditional to seek divine protection from the possible perils. During the Blessing of the Fleet seafarers ask for help to deal with challenges: good training, a clear mind, physical strength and courage, colleagues who can be counted on, a well maintained vessel and favourable weather.
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010
Location: Marina Quay West (Spadina & Queen's Quay)
Agenda:
12:30 - 14:00 Pot luck lunch
13:00 - 14:00 Press tour of the ships led by youth Officers followed by Q and A
14:00 - 14:30 Blessing of the Fleet
15:00 - 18:00 Sail - Inner harbour and around Toronto Islands (media participation is optional)
With the upcoming Redpath Toronto Waterfront Festival (30 June- 4 July) and the 2010 Great Lakes United Tall Ship Challenge, the Blessing of the Fleet will provide Toronto area media with a unique perspective from the youth who sail with us year after year on the time-honoured tradition of tall ship sailing.
For more information about TBI, please visit www.torontobrigantine.org.
For further information: Media Contact: Laurie Di Vincenzo, 416-596-7117, [email protected]
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