The Doublehanded Sailing Association
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Memorial Service
July 3, 2001 - Beach Hall - Rogers City, MI
Sea Fever
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and
the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the
white sail’s shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea’s face and a gray dawn
breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the
running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy
life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s
like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow
rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s
over.
We are gathered to recognize the lives of our fellow sailors,
Canadians, Charles Hornett and Shelly Hind who answered John Masefield's
call and went down to the seas again, never to return.
Words cannot truly express the thoughts of each of us at a time like this – especially when all of the other race participants present were caught in the same storm, survived without injury and have come through prior storms during their years of sailboat racing on Lake Huron or the other Great Lakes. For this we are truly grateful even as we mourn the loss of Charles and Shelly.
At a time like this, a paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm, The Seaman’s Psalm, is appropriate.
The Seaman’s Psalm
The Lord is my Pilot; I shall not drift. He
lighteth me across the dark waters; he steereth
me in deep channels; he keepeth my log.
He guardeth me by the star of holiness for his
name’s sake.
Yea, though I sail mid the thunders and tempests
of life, I will dread no danger, for thou art near me.
Thy love and thy care they shelter me.
Thou preparest a harbor before me in the homeland of
Eternity.
Thou anointest the waves with oil; my ship rideth
calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight shall favor me on the
voyage I take,
and I will rest in the port of my God forever.
-James Rogers
Let us pray,
Lord, be with us this evening as we gather to remember Charles and Shelly who now rest in your port forever. Be with their friends and relatives at this time of sorrow; heal the anguish and help them to remember the good times and the fair seas.
Lord, you have covered the earth with waters that beckon us to explore and to experience new adventures. We stand in awe of the splendor and mysteries you set before us on these waters and are grateful to be able to see and experience them even when they place us in peril.
We pray that you will bless each vessel and crew assembled here. As by your providence you have brought them to this place continue to guide them in peace and safety over the waters you have created. And lead them at last to safe harbors and a peaceful rest, as Charles and Shelly now are at rest with you.
Amen.
Eternal Father – sung by Harmone Choraleers
Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee,
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
The song known to United States Navy men and women as the "Navy
Hymn," is a musical benediction that long has had
a special appeal to seafaring men, particularly in the American Navy
and the Royal Navies of the British Commonwealth and
which, in more recent years, has become a part of French naval
tradition.
Moment of Silence. Amen.
Pride of Michigan Color Guard presenting Canadian and American Flags.
Three gun Cannon Salute from the Pride of Michigan
Taps
Flags at the Rogers City Marina were at ½ mast.
End of Memorial Service.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our fellow sailors, Charles Hornett and Shelly Hind.