SHEEPSHEAD BAY — The 35th annual Blessing of the Fleet, a yearly ceremony that officially opens the sailing season for recreational boaters, was hosted by Rockaway Point Yacht Club the afternoon of June 28.
The more than 60-boat flotilla, which sailed in and around Sheepshead Bay, included four local boat and yacht clubs: Miramar Yacht Club, Sheepshead Bay YC, Varuna Boat Club and Rockaway Point. Lead boats included Rockaway Point’s K Sea, Sheepshead Bay’s Emma Kay, Miramar’s Pavane and Varuna’s Last One.
George Farkas, Esq., Michael Farkas, Esq., and guests on Farkas’ boat, For-Play II. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Clergy blessed all lead boats and mariners for a safe boating season. In addition, the event included a celebratory gathering at Rockaway Point, drawing members of the local maritime community.
Rockaway Point Yacht Club member Glenn Pfister served as the event’s cannoneer, and Pfister told the Brooklyn Eagle that he “wears many hats” with the club. “Hosting this year is an incredible opportunity,” Pfister said. “It’s really nice to be around members from the other clubs in the area.”
Miramar Yacht Club lead boat, Pavane. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Pfister pointed out that the participating boat clubs are “pretty close” with one another.
“We share fishing events and occasional parties,” he said. “Rockaway Point, however, is a bit different from Miramar, Sheepshead Bay or Varuna in that we have a beach with an amazing view of the city as opposed to many docks.”
Rabbi Heidi Hoover administered a blessing to each vessel as it passed by during the procession. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
The club is also relatively small with around 100 members. “I happen to like the fact that we are an intimate club and pretty private,” said Pfister, who has been a member of Rockaway Point for around 32 years.
Rockaway Point Yacht Club Fleet Captain Ben Paolino concurred that the club is especially unique because of its small size and tight-knit nature. “There is an incredible level of camaraderie among our members,” Paolino said.
Varuna’s lead boat, Last One. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Participating clubs
Rockaway Point Yacht Club, located at 536 Beach 201st St. in Breezy Point, is a private boating and social club located at the western end of the Rockaway Peninsula. It serves as both a marina and a community gathering place for local boaters, fishermen and residents.
Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club’s lead boat, Emma Kay. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
The club has previously participated in events for wounded veterans and boating programs for children through partnerships with community organizations and the National Park Service.
Miramar Yacht Club was founded in 1932 when a group founded what they called the Miramar Boat and Canoe Club on the north shore of Sheepshead Bay. In 1944, Miramar was incorporated and reorganized as a cooperative yacht club, taking the name Miramar Yacht Club.
Rockaway Point’s lead boat, K Sea. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Its current location is 3050 Emmons Ave. Commodore Dexter Buell said that fostering the club’s mission of promoting the sport of sailing is the “best part” of his job.
Varuna Boat Club, located at 2806 Emmons Ave., is “a prime choice for both seasoned boaters and those new to the boating lifestyle,” according to the club’s website.
Steven Mattera, Varuna’s fleet captain, said that boating “is all about bringing people together,” adding that the Brooklyn waterfront is ideal for boating as it offers access to other areas, such as Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey and Long Island.
Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club, established in 1908 and located at 3076 Emmons Ave., features a historic, multi-story clubhouse overlooking the bay. There is also a private pool accessible during the summer months.
Rockaway Point Yacht Club member and cannoneer Glenn Pfister alongside Rabbi Heidi Hoover. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
The club is housed in what was once the stately summer home of the Rheingold Beer family. Commodore Jim McMenemy said, “We don’t care who you are, where you go to church, or if you go to church. We don’t care what you look like. We welcome all.”
Among the most active boat clubs in Brooklyn are Sheepshead Bay, Miramar, Varuna, Brooklyn Yacht Club, Mill Basin Marina and Yacht Club, Hudson River Yacht Club, Paerdegat Yaucht Club and Diamond Point Yacht Club, which is a marina-based club in Paerdegat Basin. Seasonal clubs include Canarsie Yacht Club, Gravesend Yacht Club and Jamaica Bay Yacht Club.