Posts Tagged ‘Albatross Fleet’

I trust this email finds you all doing well and that hopefully you had a fabulous weekend.  With summer in the rear view mirror, fall must be just around the turn ahead.

Last weekend was jammed packed with tons of activities occurring around the island with a surf fishing tournament, the Day at the Docks festival and a surfing competition complimented by huge waves courtesy of Hurricane Igor. Of course the most important event this weekend was celebrating my birthday with my girlfriend. She surprised me with a “bucket list” boat trip to the deserted island of Portsmouth where we spent the day stepping back in time. The island was the hub of activity in the late 1800’s and is now abandoned. As luck would have it, other than the caretaker, we had the island all to ourselves for the day.

The biggest celebration for the weekend was actually the Day at the Docks. It is the annual celebration that pays tribute to the men and industry of commercial fisherman known as “waterman”. The day brings local fishing families and tourists together on the waterfront where commercial fishing boats, charter boats, and fishing gear are displayed in celebration of the history of this storied profession. The days’ activities conclude with a procession of fishing vessels entering into the harbor and the actual “Blessing of the Fleet” by local clergy to ensure a “safe and bountiful season”. The tradition of blessing  began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities and continues toady in coastal communities around the world. It was my first and was a true spectacle filled with history and tradition.

A traditional blessing asks for the safety and bountiful season for the fisheman – “Most gracious Lord, who numbered among your apostles the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, we pray you to consecrate this boat to righteous work in your name. Guide the captain at her helm. So prosper her voyages that an honest living may be made. Watch over her passengers and crew and bring them to a safe return. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon this vessel and all who come aboard, this day and forever. Amen”

I had the pleasure to be invited by Captain Ernie Foster and his lovely wife Lynne to ride on the lead vessel, the Albatross II, and photograph the long procession of  vessels as they entered the harbor from the sound. Once docked, I headed to a higher elevation to capture the entire spectacle just as the sun broke though the clouds while the blessing was being given.

I am on the road for the next two weeks heading to Tampa and then home to Huntsville. I hope you have a great week and please do not hesitate to contact me for me with any questions you may have about any future photographic assignments.

Best wishes ……….
~dK~

With the arrival of daylight savings time, we find ourselves with spring slowing following suit. I trust you all had a great weekend and find yourself full of “spring fever.”

I write you from the Outer Banks of North Carolina where it was – I hate to say - absolute paradise this last weekend. The weather could have not been any more beautiful and fisherman flocked to the harbor charters where word was Tuna was running wild off the coast. I took the opportunity over the three days to do a lot of photography in and around the harbors and the one prevalent theme in every port, Blue Fin, Yellow Fin and Black Fin tuna gracing all of the cutting tables. It is amazing to see a 150-pound tuna ….marked by the differing color of the fins. More amazing, the tales you hear as you stand near while the fish are filleted, the “one that got away”.

What I find most intriguing to my lens, though, is the majestic beauty of the fishing vessels and their beautifully painted hulls or markings. They sit in harbor beaming with pride from a days catch waiting the arrival of a new day and a new trip to sea. As I walk the docks of Hatteras Village I am drawn to a fleet of 3 identical ships marked by red and white outriggers. The “triplets” sit dead center in the harbor as if to say we stand alone.

The oldest fishing fleet in Hatteras, Albatross was originally captained by the late Capt. Ernal Foster. The Albatross Fleet has fished the deep waters off the coast of North Carolina since 1937. Ernals’ son, Capt Ernie Foster, now commands the fleet along with Capt. Bryan Mattingly and Capt. Mike Scott. When not at sea you can find the vessels Albatross, Albatross II and Albatross III moored at Foster’s Quay in the heart of the harbor at Hatteras Village.

With the vessels dead center, I give you a panoramic view of  the harbor.

In Maritime lore an albatross could be both an omen of good or bad luck, as well as a metaphor for a burden to be carried (as penance).

Best regards …….

~dK~