Kenosha Yacht Club Blessing of the Fleet

The Kenosha Yacht Club takes pride in announcing its 65th annual Blessing of the Fleet. The event will begin at 10:30am, on Sunday, June 4th at the Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Avenue on historic Simmons Island.

At the Kenosha Yacht Club, as with many boating organizations and communities worldwide, the Blessing of the Fleet symbolizes the start of the boating season. This centuries-old tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, asking that ships and their crews be safeguarded from the dangers of the seas, for a fisherperson’s bountiful catch, and for a safe return to harbor.

The ceremony offers the opportunity to honor our past as well as memorialize those who have gone before us. As such, the ceremony will include a remembrance of past members who have passed away this year by the reading of their names and the tolling of the bell. They will also be remembered with the lighting of the Southport Lighthouse that day. A traditional wreath will be placed at the flagpole, and we will be joined by the Viet Nam Vets Honor Guard. There will be messages from the KYC Commodore, as well as from the Civic and community leaders who will be joining us for the occasion.

Boats brought to the Kenosha Yacht Club will be blessed, and boaters are encouraged to display their “brag flags.” We will also go to Southport Marina and the inner harbor to bless boats docked in those locations. As always, the general public is more than welcome. Since 1912, the Kenosha Yacht Club has been home to boaters and families around the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan.