In Montauk, boats ready for blessings

Several hundred fishing boats on Sunday are expected to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet in Montauk, a ceremony that has been conducted for the past 50 years.

The ceremony will start 5 p.m. at the town dock. When the weather cooperates, it takes about two hours for the roughly 400 boats lined up to pass the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ridley, an 87-foot vessel that will be carrying local clergy, who will bless the boats as they pass.

At the end of the ceremony, the Ridley will go out to a buoy and wreaths will be cast into the water, honoring eight fishermen who died in the past year.

The annual event is sponsored by the Montauk Boatman’s and Captains Association.