The traditional Blessing of the Boats took place on Sunday, June 23, with Canon John Stow being rowed by the Bermuda Pilot Gig Club from St George’s to St David’s to bless boats that gathered at Chapel of Ease Dock.
The traditional Blessing of the Boats arises from the long established connection of the people of St David’s with the fishing and boat-pilot occupation and dates back to 1849 when the Chapel of Ease was consecrated.
There were no bridges or land links between St David’s and the rest of the Island at that time, so Bishop Field was rowed across the harbour by four sons of clergymen who volunteered for the service.