Peace canoes go out for the first paddle! Preparing for the blessing of the fleet!
Members of the first Boat Building by the Bay Program gathered along with project sponsors, volunteers, family, and community members to celebrate the completion of an amazing project.
The ceremony began inside the Bay Room at the recently renovated McNasby Building. Members from the Box of Rain, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Eastport Yacht Club Foundation, Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation, Junior League of Annapolis, Chesapeake Light Craft, as well as the boat building Leader, George Smith all spoke to the merits of the program just completing its first year. Awards were given to all participants before joining around the canoes and placing their signature inside the boat for posterity. Following the signing each participant grabbed hold of their canoe and marched it proudly out to the maritime beach.
As the boats laid at the tip of the water George gave a blessing and asked Maurice and Alicia (each responsible for one of the canoes designs) to toss a gold coin in the water so that as long as they sail they have good fortune. Then the first three participants took to their canoe and made a beautiful paddle around, gliding across the water for all to see. Each subsequent voyage was just as successful as all who participated in the program were able to take the canoe they built with their own hands for a beautiful ride along the water. Volunteers and community members then followed as all who were interested took they sturdy boats out for a small voyage.
The event ended with a bbq and cake, it was a celebration worthy of all the hard work that went into this project. The first year could not have been successful without the help from sponsors, volunteers, support from the community, and the dedication by the participants. We are excited for this project to continue on, stay tuned to see what shape the boat will take next year and how you can become involved. The boats will be making a stop at the National Hall of Fame, where they will be on display for about 2 weeks and then finding their final home at Sarles Marina in Eastport, so that the participants and community may have access to these wonderful boats.
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