Portage des Sioux, MO
Saturday, July 16th, 2011
Theme this year is "Mermaids"
Awards will be presented at Portage des Sioux
UMR MM 212 RDB
- HOME
- Poster
- Schedule
- Boat Parade
- Awards
- Directions
- Photos
- History
- Winners
- Organization
- Obituaries
- Contact
Pictures of the 2011 Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade will be posted as they become available.
Click on the Photos tab for all picture galleries.
Click HERE to read the article in the Alton Telegraph about the 2011 Blessing of the Fleet!
Here are some pictures of the winners that are in so far, more to come,
click on a thumbnail to see the larger version.
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Cruiser Category |
Storm Treasure |
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Houseboat Category |
Sandy M |
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Pontoon Category |
Ginger Bell |
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Runabout Category |
The Shark |
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Sailboat Category |
Gypsy Rose II |
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Con Trios Yacht Club |
Storm Treasure |
2010 Winners pictures are up, click on the Winners tab.
VIEWING THE PARADE FROM LAND
Non boating spectators are invited to watch from the Shrine, Palisades Yacht Club and neighboring My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon where courtesy boat docks are available. Palisades and Longshot Saloon will both have live entertainment, food and drink available. They are within walking distance of each other so you can enjoy a full day of fun on the river. Another spot to watch the downstream parade pass by is The Original Sharky's on the River.
News articles on the 2010 Blessing of the Fleet:
Click here to read the article in the Alton Telegraph
News articles on the 2009 Blessing of the Fleet:
Click here to read the article on STLToday.com
Click here to see a photo gallery of the parade on STLToday.com
Click here to read the article on TheTelegraph.com
Website design and hosting compliments of CaptainWeil Computer Services LLC
BLESSING OF THE FLEET AND PARADE OF BOATS
DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 16TH, 2011
THEME: "Pirates"
PARADE STARTING POINTS:
1:00 PM Yacht Club of St. Louis lead by Captain Dutch Hauhe in the cruiser "Scoundrel" immediately followed by Captin Tim Woodson in the Pirate Ship "Gypsy Rose"
1:00 PM Harbor Point Yacht Club lead by Captain John Bloch in the cruiser "Audy B II"
2:15 PM Blessing Commences at Shrine of Our Lady of the Rivers
CELEBRANT:
Reverend Robert L. Banken
VIEWING: At the Shrine and Palisades Yacht Club
AWARDS: Presentation at Palisades Yacht Club immediately after the Parade
Decorate YOUR BOAT and JOIN US!
VIEWING THE PARADE FROM LAND
Non boating spectators are invited to watch from the Shrine, Palisades Yacht Club and neighboring My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon where courtesy boat docks are available. Palisades and Longshot Saloon will both have live entertainment, food and drink available. They are within walking distance of each other so you can enjoy a full day of fun on the river. Another spot to watch the downstream parade pass by is The Original Sharky's on the River.
Thanks to the following supporters:
The Original Sharky's On The River
My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon
Printing furnished by Stolze Printing Company, Inc., Bridgeton, MO.
Live Video of the Parade courtesy of Tom Stolze of OfallonWeather.org
NOTE: Parade is comprised of Two (2) Sections departing Harbor Point Yacht Club and Yacht Club Of St. Louis respectively at 1:00 PM.
Both Sections will proceed toward the Shrine Site to merge for the Blessing commencing at 2:15 PM.
2011 Blessing of the Fleet Parade Route
click on map for printer friendly version
The Parade will be made up of two sections.
First: starting at Harbor Point Yacht Club Mile 204.5 UMR at 1:00pm and proceeding upstream toward the Shrine Site.
Second: starting at The Yacht Club of St. Louis in the Dardenne Chute at 1:00pm, approximately equal to Mile 215.6 UMR proceeding downstream. This section of the parade proceeds downstream in the Dardenne chute and enters the main channel of the Mississippi River near the upper end of Mason Island. The parade continues downstream in the main channel until approximately Mile 212 UMR (abeam of the Our Lady of the Rivers statue).
The parade turns toward the Missouri shore where it merges with those from Harbor Point parading upstream and passes the statue at 2:15pm going upstream. After receiving a blessing at the statue, the parade continues upstream in Portage Chute, passing Palisades Yacht Club where the boats are judged for awards.
Note: All boaters are invited to join in the parade along the route as it passes your marina.
VIEWING THE PARADE FROM LAND
Non boating spectators are invited to watch from the Shrine, Palisades Yacht Club and neighboring My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon where courtesy boat docks are available. Palisades and Longshot Saloon will both have live entertainment, food and drink available. They are within walking distance of each other so you can enjoy a full day of fun on the river. Another spot to watch the downstream parade pass by is The Original Sharky's on the River.
2011 Awards
Awards by the Blessing of the Fleet, Inc. in five (5) categories:
Best Decorated Cruiser
Best Decorated Houseboat
Best Decorated Pontoon Boat
Best Decorated Runabout
Best Decorated Sail Boat
Awards based on Best Decorated to the year's selected theme as judged by this year's panel of Judges;
Scott Hickey, Commodore, Con Trios Yacht Club
Bill Kelley, webmaster www.RiverBills.com
Margot Vossenkemper
Special Prize Sponsors
Con Trios Yacht Club - Best Decorated Con Trios Yacht Club member's boat,
to be awarded at The Original Sharky's on the River at North Shore Marina about 7 PM..Alton Marina and Harbor Point Yacht Club - Best Decorated boat from the upstream group.
VIEWING THE PARADE FROM LAND
Non boating spectators are invited to watch from the Shrine, Palisades Yacht Club and neighboring My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon where courtesy boat docks are available. Palisades and Longshot Saloon will both have live entertainment, food and drink available. They are within walking distance of each other so you can enjoy a full day of fun on the river. Another spot to watch the downstream parade pass by is The Original Sharky's on the River.
Other contributions
The Original Sharky's On The River
My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon
Printing furnished by Stolze Printing Company, Inc., Bridgeton, MO.
Live Video of the Parade courtesy of Tom Stolze of OfallonWeather.org
From the St. Charles area take Highway 94 North about 12.5 miles north of Interstate 370 to Highway J
From North St. Louis County and Illinois take Highway 94 about 9 miles West from Highway 67.
VIEWING THE PARADE FROM LAND
Non boating spectators are invited to watch from the Shrine, Palisades Yacht Club and neighboring My River Home Boat Harbor / Longshot Saloon where courtesy boat docks are available. Palisades and Longshot Saloon will both have live entertainment, food and drink available. They are within walking distance of each other so you can enjoy a full day of fun on the river. Another spot to watch the downstream parade pass by is The Original Sharky's on the River.
Click HERE to view larger map and get directions from Google Maps
Picture Galleries from previous years, all albums will open in a new window.
2011 Blessing of the Fleet aerial pictures courtesy of Mike and Sherri Stanczak
2011 Blessing of the Fleet pictures on Lisa Hickey's facebook page
you need to be a member of facebook and logged on to view Lisa's album2011 Blessing of the Fleet photos by Tom Stolze.
Tom also broadcast the parade live on the internet via his website http://ofallonweather.org/2011 Pictures by Maureen aboard the Follow Me boat "Scoundrel"
2010 Pictures by Lisa Hickey aboard the "Texas Lady"
2010 Pictures by Sharon from the Follow Me boat "Scoundrel"
2010 pictures by Pat Reid of Crystal Photography
Historical Photos Courtesy of Rick Estes
2008 photos courtesy of Darryll Weil
2007 photos courtesy of Mike and Sherri Stanczak
2007 photos courtesy of Lynn Tighe
2007 photos courtesy of Darryll and Maureen
2006 photos courtesy of Tim and Lynn Tighe
2005 photos courtesy of Tim and Lynn Tighe
2004 photos courtesy of Darryll Weil
HISTORY OF THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET, INC. We are proud to announce that The Blessing of the Fleet, Inc., an organization whose purpose is to promote safe boating, will be celebrating their 54TH Anniversary on Saturday, July 16, 2011.
The Blessing of the Fleet, Inc. is responsible for organizing an annual event on the river rich in tradition, The Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats. This event is held on a mid-summer afternoon in July on the Mississippi River between Mel Price Lock and Dam in Alton, Illinois and the Winfield Lock and Dam, Missouri.
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rivers in Portage des Sioux is the actual site of the ceremony and gets her name from the fact that three major rivers - the Illinois, the Missouri and the Mississippi - all meet within a few miles of the statue. The first pleasure Boat Blessing materialized as a result of a flood that threatened Portage des Sioux in the early 1950’s. The towns’ parish, headed by Rev. Edward Schlattmann, prayed together to the Virgin Mary for the town of Portage des Sioux to be spared from the perils of the raising waters. They together coined a name for the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Rivers. As history records, the flooding waters parted and traveled just above and below the river town without entering it. To pay tribute to their Lady, the town people and parishioners, Schlattmann and local businessmen and local boatmen formulated plans for the first religious fiberglass statue.
Eventually the 25’ Statue of Our Lady of the Rivers and a 25’ Base were erected at the site of Portage des Sioux. It remains today as the fourth tallest statue of Mary in the world. Over the years it has served as a navigation aid for the area and the podium from which the annual Blessing of the Fleet takes place. As each vessel approaches the base of the Shrine and slows to idle speed a blessing is bestowed as they pass imploring heaven to protect and bless them in these waters. This tradition has proven to be the highlight of the areas boating season and each year attracts hundreds of participating decorated pleasure craft, as well as, spectators to the area. Together they display an exquisitely executed celebration of the season, exhibiting a long inspired passion for boating and relating knowledge of history.
Participants compete for awards in specific categories by decorating to a designated theme for each year and are invited to gather following the parade and blessing for a fun and festive awards ceremony held at a local area marina.
The Blessing of the Fleet works in conjunction with area marinas, harbors, various related area businesses, as well as civic and local organizations and has the cooperation of the City of St. Louis Fire Department-Marine Division, The City of St. Charles, Mo., U.S. Coast Guard and U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, Missouri Water Patrol, and Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine Committee of Portage des Sioux, Mo.
The Blessing of the Fleet, Inc. has been fortunate to have had exceptional leaders serve in the office of President. Mr. William Timothy Tighe holds this office currently, as the organizations fifth President. He has been an active and respected member of the Blessing of the Fleet for more than ten years and is an experienced, educated and skilled yachtsman. President Tighe is dedicated to maintaining the success of the organization and to continuing this meaningful tradition for all boating enthusiast and their families to enjoy.
To all past and present officers and committee members of the Blessing of the Fleet, Inc. who have dedicated their time and talents over the past fifty years to preserve and maintain this tradition, we are honored to congratulate you on achieving this 53rd Anniversary. To generations yet unborn, The Shrine and this Annual Tradition will together serve as a symbol of our generations appreciation of the nautical sensibility and natural beauty of this area where three rivers meet near the site of the Statue of Our Lady of the Rivers, Portage des Sioux.
Congratulations Blessing of the Fleet, Inc. on these Accomplishments
2011 Winners
Click on a picture to see a larger version.
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Cruiser Category |
Storm Treasure |
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Houseboat Category |
Sandy M |
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Pontoon Category |
Ginger Bell |
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Runabout Category |
The Shark |
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Sailboat Category |
Gypsy Rose II |
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Con Trios Yacht Club |
Storm Treasure |
2010 Winners
Click on a picture to see a larger version.
Thanks to Pat Reid of Crystal Photography for the pictures.
To see all the pictures Pat took click HERE.
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Cruiser category Winner |
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Houseboat category Winner and Best In Show Winner |
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Pontoon category Winner |
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Runabout category Winner |
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Sailboat category Winner |
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Con Trios Yacht Club Winner |
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2009 Winners:
Theme: "Luau"
Best Decorated Cruiser: "Storm Treasure" Royce and Gayle LaMarr
Best Decorated Houseboat: "Aquatraz" Dave and Karen Wilmouth
Best Decorated Sailboat: "Insatiable" Harry Stoner
Best Decorated Pontoon: "June" June Polster
Best Decorated Runabout: "Summertime" John Spraul
Best Decoarated Upstream Boat: "Aquatraz" Dave and Karen Wilmouth
2008 Winners:
Theme: "Margaritaville"
The Best Decorated Cruiser award was "Night-N-Gale"
The Best Decorated Houseboat was "Aquatraz"
The Best Decorated Sailboat was the "Kontaloa"
Best Decorated Pontoon Boat was "Misbehavior"
The Best Decorated Runabout had no name
Best Decorated Con Trios Yacht Club member boat was "Sound of Pleasure"
2007 Winners:
Theme: Toast Our Golden Anniversary!
Acrylic Commemorative Trophies Provided by Blessing of the Fleet, Inc.
FIVE CATEGORIES AWARDED FOR BEST DECORATED TO THE THEME
CRUISER CATEGORY: Edward and Rosemary Bialecke, “GRIFFIN”
HOUSEBOAT CATEGORY: Alan Deutschmann, “SOUND OF PLEASURE”
RUNABOUT CATEGORY: Glen and Darlene Hartman, “DARLENE”
SAILBOAT CATEGORY: Don and Mary Ellen Morrison, “RAGTIME”
PONTOON/DECKBOAT: Alan Bull, “ODYSSEY”
AWARDS BASED ON BEST DECORATED TO THE
YEAR’S SELECTED THEME
AS JUDGED BY THIS YEARS PANEL OF BLESSING OF THE FEET
JUDGES.
THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
JUDGES:
James A. Svoboda, Past Commodore, Con
Trios Yacht Club
Mark D. Warner, Mayor, Portage Des
Sioux, MO
Harry T. Bussmann, III, Our Lady of
the Rivers Shrine Committee
THREE CASH AWARD PRIZES
DONATED BY “SHOW ME THE MISSISSIPPI”
BEST OVERALL ENTRY IN SHOW WINNER – Check in the Amount of $500.00
FIRST PLACE PRESENTED TO: Alan Deutschmann, “Sound of Pleasure”
SECOND PLACE – CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF $300.00
PRESENTED TO: Tom and Mary Lou Smith, “FarNeite II”
THIRD PLACE – CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 200.00
PRESENTED TO: Owners Unknown, “Playen II”
Judges for Show Me the Mississippi – Cash Awards – Were Linda Sanchez, President of Show Me the Mississippi and Several Members Selected from this years “Show Me”, Membership.
SPECIAL CORPORATE SPONSORED AWARDS
(These Awards were Judged by and
Sponsored by Each Respective Company Owner and or their Representative.)
SEA RAY WINNER – Best Decorated Sea
Ray
Sponsored By: MarineMax, St Charles,
MO
Winners: Dee Berkley, “Some Day Came”, 26’ Sea Ray Sundancer
GIBSON HOUSEBOAT WINNER – Best
Decorated Gibson Houseboat
Sponsored by Wahoo Sales and Service,
St. Charles, MO
Winners: Tom and Nancy Meyers, “Sparky”
REGAL – Best Decorated Regal
Sponsored by Dan’s Boats, St. Peters,
MO
Winners: Jason and Louise Haldiman, "We-Z-Goin’ Wild”
CON TRIOS YACHT CLUB WINNER
Best Decorated CTYC Member Entry in Parade : Alan Deutschmann, “Sound of Pleasure”
2010 Officers |
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| President: | Tim Tighe |
| Vice President: | Denny Galkowski |
| 2nd Vice President: | Mike Baisch |
| Executive Secretary: | Alan Deutschmann |
| Treasurer: | Charles Aten |
Obituaries
June 14th, 2011
Denny Galkowski
Blessing of the Fleet Board Member and Con Trios Past Commodore (2009) Denny Galkowski passed away following complications from surgery after he had suffered a stroke. Denny was my mentor and Commodore my year as Fleet Captain and I could not have done it without his help and input. He was a very strong supporter of both the Con Trios Yacht Club and the Blessing of the Fleet, having served as a Board Member on both organizations. Denny was a Paramedic with the St. Charles County Ambulance District. He was an accomplished boater along with his lovely wife Pat in the cruiser "2XS" out of Polestar Marina. Denny will be sorely missed by all of us. Our Condolences, Prayers and Love go out to Pat and their family at this sad time.
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Posted October 28th, 2007
Lynn A. Tighe
Lynn Tighe, beloved wife of Commodore Tim Tighe has died at her home after a brave and private battle with pancreatic cancer. Lynn was an avid and accomplished boater that loved being on the rivers with friends and family aboard her yacht " Patience ". She was an active and strong supporter of CTYC and played a major role with Tim as Fleet Captain and this year as Commodore.
Lynn was also a very active officer of the Blessing Of The Fleet, Inc. and help guide that organization to it's 50th anniversary celebration this year.
Lynn was a friend to many, always warm, welcoming and fun loving.
Lynn A. Tighe, the First Lady of Con Trios Yacht Club will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim and the Tighe family. Arrangements are as follows:
A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 1, 2007 at Sunset Hill Funeral Home located at 50 Fountain Drive at Route 157, Glenn Carbon Il. 62034 ( 618-656-3220 ). The family will begin receiving friends at 4:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 2, 2007 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 325 East Vandalia, Edwardsville, Il. 62025.( 618-656-6420 ). The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Lynn A. Tighe Gardens at SIU-E, c/o The SIU-E Foundation, Campus Box 1082, Edwardsville, Il. 62026.Click here to read Lynn's obituary in the Edwardsville Intelligencer newspaper
Click here to read the story in the Alton Telegraph newspaper
Thanks to Bill Kelley from www.riverbills.com for the link
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Posted October 22nd, 2007
David A. Simon
Suddenly while boating on the river on Sunday, October 21, 2007. Dave was loved and cherished by family, friends and pets. He also loved boating and was active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Services: Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at SHEPARD Funeral Chapel, 9255 Natural Bridge at I-170 from 9:30 until time of service at 11:30 a.m. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Family request Memorial Contributions to Humane Society, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or Blessing of the Fleet, 853 Brentford Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125.
Photo and information from http://www.riverbills.com/ and http://www.legacy.com/stltoday/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=96651724
Contact Information
Click here to email Tim Tighe
for more information.
Website design and hosting compliments of CaptainWeil Computer Services LLC