Boaters NOT wishing to take part may pass the procession to port, staying clear of the blessing
area during the designated hours. This is a U.S. Coast Guard-designated marine regatta and
law enforcement vessels will be patrolling to ensure that safety is maintained in this area.
Thank you for your consideration. Notice to Mariners Occoquan River Blessing of the Fleet May 10, 11:00 A.M. -- 2:00 P.M.                   Dedicated to Boating Safety and
Celebrating the Opening of the 2003 Boating Season       Enter the parade route at Marker No.
14, just past Fairfax Yacht Club, and
proceed outbound toward Belmont Bay
Harbor and pass alongside the gas dock
where a chaplain will invoke a blessing on
each passing boat. Please maintain safe
intervals between boats       Guard VHF Ch. 9 to hail and Ch. 71 as
a working channel. Marine bulletins
regarding the event will be broadcast
starting at 1000 on VHF Ch. 16 and Ch.
22A.       The Occoquan River Maritime
Association (ORMA) is coordinating the
efforts of the Prince William, Fairfax and
Occoquan Yacht Clubs, with support from
the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Fairfax and
Prince William County public safety
agencies. ORMA is a volunteer organization dedicated to coordinating activities involving commercial and
recreational use of the Occoquan River. ORMA’s major initiatives are advocacy for maintaining the
Occoquan channel depth, working with the Town of Occoquan to reestablish its historic seaport for
recreational boaters, and preserving the environmental quality and safety of the river.