Since the very dawn of mans exploration of the worlds oceans it has been a long standing tradition to ask the Gods to watch over the ship and its crew during their voyage.  This tradition has spanned all of the great civilizations throughout history and all of the world’s religions.  In keeping with this tradition and the customs of Ecuador RSOPS recently invited the local priest from the Salinas parish aboard the Beacon to bless the ship and it’s crew and ask God to look over them and keep them safe as we prepare to begin the 2008 season.