A members’ brunch and Opening Day ceremonies will kick off the boating season for the Oak Harbor Yacht Club at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 29 outside of the club.

Ceremonies will include a welcome by Dave Williams, former marina manager, a prayer to bless the fleet by Chaplain Mike Hakanson, honor of deceased Yacht Club members and the traditional blessing of the fleet. As in past years, the cannon shot by the Buccaneers will signal the official start of the boating season.

All boaters are welcome to participate in the parade of boats following the 1 p.m. ceremony. Dan Wright will conduct a skippers’ meeting immediately after the ceremony which all boaters who wish to participate are asked to attend. The parade of boats will form in the Oak Harbor basin and proceed for review by the Commodore’s Barge, M/V Nellie, owned by Bob and Karen Nelson, with the current OHYC bridge: Commodore Steppe Williford, Vice Commodore Bob Greathead, and Rear Commodore Dennis Carter recognizing each boat.

The blessing of the fleet and the review of boats has been a tradition of boating communities and yacht clubs for centuries and was originally started in the Mediterranean to bless fishing fleets.

Call 675-1314.