Oh, what a beautiful day for the traditional Blessing of the Hatteras village fleet.

Usually, the Blessing is the last event at Day at the Docks, but the 2019 edition was cancelled in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

On Saturday, Sept. 28 under bright, sunny skies, 31 charter and work boats, small boats and a great big U.S. Coast Guard vessel came through the Hatteras breakwater. Aboard the boats were family, friends, captains, spouses and children.

After the procession, Dan Oden piloted his boat to the stern of the Albatross II. Five-year old Hazel Scott handed her father K.P. Scott a wreath to lay upon the water in memory of those watermen who had passed since the last Day at the Dock.

This year, an eight member female chorus sang with Rev. Toni Wood, pastor at the Hatteras Charge of the United Methodist Church. The music titled “The Anchor Holds” introduced the Blessing’s theme.

Wood used Hebrews 6:19-20 as scripture for the day, keying on “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”

She referenced the recent hurricane. “We have to have hope.” That is, the kind of hope that becomes an anchor for the soul.

READ MORE IN OUR ON THE WATER SECTION HERE.