Newport Fishermen's Wives, Inc.

 Survival Suit Races

A more contemporary tradition of Blessing of the Fleet is the Survival Suit Races.  For nearly 20 years Newport Fishermen's Wives have promoted this event.
Teams-of-three: don survival suits while being timed, enter the bay and swim out to a raft - anchored about 50 feet from the Newport Tradewinds dock.  Once there they have to pull themselves up into the raft to stop the clock.  This is a team event where participants are encouraged to help each other so that all make it safely to the raft.  This fun event is designed to provide fishermen and anyone who goes to sea with intimate awareness of their survival equipment.  The emphasis is on being prepared and knowing your equipment in case it is ever needed at sea.  Teams are made up fishermen, family members, US Coast Guard personnel, and community members like the Newport Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival Court.  The competition can be fierce and a lot of fun for all vying for best individual and team times.  Prizes are awarded to the winners but bragging rights are just as important.
Entry forms are available at Englund Marine and Schiewe Marine on Newport's Historic Bayfront, or a printable version is available by clicking here.  All signed forms must be returned to the above mentioned gear stores prior to the Saturday of the event.

Retired Coast Guard CO; volunteer firefighter and marine safety instructor; Tom McAdams will give a marine safety equipment demonstration and call the races.  Spectators can view the races from Abby Street Pier.  Following the races about 11:00am spectators can look out into the bay where the USCG will be doing rescue training exercises.