Burial at Sea - Ash Scattering- Frequently Asked Questions
“Hark, now hear the sailors cry, smell the sea, and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly”
Van Morrison
The memorial ritual does more than acknowledge the death of someone loved, it is a way for all to mourn and treasure fond memories. Memories are truly one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone in our lives.
A memorial celebration is the first step on one’s journey to channeling grief towards healing. Memorial Sailing Charters allow us the opportunity to pay tribute to a “one of a kind” life well lived as well as a time of comfort and support of one another to gain strength and hope for the future.
Burials at sea ash scatterings are increasing in popularity as more families become aware of this wonderful experience of releasing the cremains of their loved ones at sea. For some people it is a comparison to life itself. “Life is like the sea, we are moving without end, nothing stays with us.” Others enjoyed a love of sailing, boating, or free time spent on the beach.
Our burial at sea sendoffs take place offshore from Clearwater Beach in the peaceful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As we depart from the Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina, family and friends can reflect on fond memories of their loved one. Once our Captain reaches the designated area he will “hove to” effectively slowing down our vessel under sail power. Family and friends will now make their way to the deck where the cremains will be released in a water burial urn. Flowers are dispersed as the urn makes it way gently descending beneath the waves. We will sail around the area of the send off for a final farewell. Guests will have time to share and visit as we sail, making our way back to the Marina.
Burial at Sea Ash Scattering Frequently Asked Questions:
How many passengers can you accommodate? Up to 14 passengers ages 13 years +
What times are available? departure is at 9:30 am returning by 11:00-11:30 am depending on wind, tides and currents
How will my loved ones’ cremains be scattered? We direct you to have them in a water burial urn.
What is a water burial urn? A natural choice for burials at sea is the water burial urn for cremains. It is designed to be set adrift at sea. The urn will float for several minutes, sink gracefully, and then break down over time in an ecologically friendly way.
Should we scatter flowers? Flowers incorporated into the burial at sea are a touching gesture of love. Nothing is more memorable than beautiful flowers floating on the water’s surface.
Do you have a scripted service that you offer? It is important that you plan your loved ones service on board our vessel. It may be nothing more that lowering the urn and flowers into the water to say a loving goodbye.
How will I/we know the exact location where the ash scattering took place? We shall mark the exact spot of the send off electronically and then email you a marine map with the location
Suggested Time Frame? March-October allows for optimal weather conditions, November-February depending on cold fronts & associated high seas
Hopefully, these guidelines will help you create the perfect send off that will honor your loved one. Scattering ashes at sea comes with endless possibilities; from urns, to ideas for the ceremony. The ceremony is all about saying goodbye and creating an everlasting memory of setting the person you love free. Therefore, do it in a way that demonstrates that.