The Blessing of the Fleet was well attended and the largest number of vessels participated. The MacGilvary Pipe band played a concert to start things off. Rev’d Kerry McLaughlin assisted Rev’d Ed Swayze in officiating. Kerry is the Corrections chaplain and the chair of the Thunder Bay Ministerial.

Vessels that participated included, MNR conservation officer, fire department, Ontario Provincial Police, Thunder Bay Port Authority, HMCS GRIFFON, CCGC Cape Challion, tour vessel Pioneer II, and the tug Miseford. This is the second time the Blessing has been held at the Wilson Street Spit, which is the southern part of the Thunder Bay Marina. The blessing of the vessels is symbolized by the sprinkling of the boats with water. Rev’d Ed got into a utility boat to get closer. In 2004 some vessels touched bottom. People were concerned that he might fall overboard, but luckily because he is a sailor he had his sea legs.