A Blessing for a Safe Summer on Barnegat Bay

The Berkeley Shores Homeowners Civic Association's annual Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade went off without a hitch this afternoon, despite brisk southeast winds and a choppy Barnegat Bay.

Boats of all sizes and shapes made their way out the narrow Amherst Beach inlet and into the bay, then chugged out and circled channel marker 39, not an easy task, considering the wind and water conditions, said association vice-president Vic Lido.

"With the wind, it's a challenge to do that," Lido said.

Rev. Phillip Denig, a retired Army chaplain, was waiting for them on board the "Bolero," which was turned with her bow into the wind at the bay entrance of the Amherst Beach inlet. Denig blessed each boat as it passed. The boats then headed out to a wreath-laying ceremony at the channel marker.

The US. Marine Corps 6th Motor Transport Battalion of Red Bank, riding on the "Bob-Kat," presented the colors.

Sgt. Albert Moreira was the honored veteran of the day. Moreira was on board the "Lamplighter" with his family. He dedicated a wreath to veterans, then flung it onto the water.

Mayor Jason J. Varano and Township Council President hitched a ride on"Family Ties," which led the procession out to the channel marker.

Hillsborough resident Tracy Amerman and her family came down Saturday to visit her parents. She was happy with the lack of traffic on the Garden State Parkway yesterday.

"We flew," she said. "It was amazing. It's been a great weekend so far."

A number of residents and visitors gathered on Amherst Beach to watch boats make their way out of the inlet and into the bay.

The Berkeley Shores Homeowners Association hosted a picnic on the beach after the parade.