Blessing the pirates - Queensland style

12:35 AM Fri 30 Jan 2009 GMT

'Blessed Queensland pirates!' .

There'll be a few pirates lurking in the waterways around Queensland's Bribie Island next Sunday. Boat owners will be lining up in Pumicestone Passage between Bribie Island and the coast of Queensland to have their vessels blessed.

While pirates of old probably didn't stand a chance of being blessed, these modern day pirates are more than hopeful. The tradition is only in its second year, but the event could be something that other yacht clubs will follow. Organisers are hoping that it will be the start of an annual celebration that will last for 'a hundred years'.

Pumicestone Passage - blessing scene - .. .

Organisations such as the Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island, Bribie Island Game Fishing Club and the SES will have vessels blessed.

Bribie Island Yacht Club spokesman Paul Gilmore said all boat owners were welcome and spectators, especially children, were encouraged to dress in pirate gear for the occasion.

The Blessing of the Fleet will take place off Sylvan Beach, near the Volunteer Marine Rescue jetty, at 11am.

Father Jim Tait from St Peter's Anglican Church will perform the blessing, and he and the club hoped the event would grow and still be going in 100 years.

by Cabulture Shire Herald/Sail-World

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