sail-world.com -- Boat parade time across America - and in Mooloolaba
Boat parade time across America - and in Mooloolaba
Sat, 8 Dec 2012
It's Boat Parade time across America. From Arizona to Florida, from Newport Beach to Chattanooga, the lighted boat parade is a big part of Christmas.
Prizes are given, excitement runs high and those without boats line the shores to celebrate and discuss the boats - from awe-inspiring to sweet, from ridiculous to hilarious. It's all part of the fun.
However, in Los Angeles, Marina del Rey's boat parade will this year be special, as it is their 50th. Most people are warmly attired as they sail their glowing, highly decorated vessels for applause and kudos. Everything from runabouts to tall ships, yachts and powerboats forget their differences and join in the celebrations. Marina del Rey's is happening tonight, on the 8th December.
It doesn't have to involve a port or the ocean. Also tonight not far away, the artificially created Lake Perris is holding its 14th Lights on the Lake Holiday Boat Parade. They're raising money for the local children's hospital.
Many have already been held. Some are not raising money, but showing off their electrical skills. In Chattanooga last night, decorated boats paraded on the Tennessee River and here it was a show put on by the 'International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers'
Over in Florida they are boat-parade-crazy. There are nearly as many boat parades as waterways - Apollo Beach, Astor, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs, Cape Canaveral, Carrabelle, Cape Coral, Cedar Key, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Beach, Jacksonville, Key Largo, Key West, Florida Keys, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, St Petersburg, Tampa - and that's not an exhaustive list.
But there is something different about Newport Christmas Boat Parade this year. There is a movement to boycott it, by members of 'Stop the Dock Tax' movement.
The event, put on by the Newport Chamber of Commerce and hosted by their Commodores Club, has found itself in the middle of a nasty battle between residential dock owners and the city.
Folks around the water are threatening to turn off their lights, and pull their boats from the parade, in protest over increased dock fees proposed by the city of Newport. ...................
But guess what! It's not only Americans who have boat parades - Mooloolaba’s Christmas Boat Parade is fun for everyone!
If you are anywhere within reach of Mooloolaba, it's good to know that they are raising money for Sailability with the boat parade there. So bring your family, bring your friends. Pack a picnic. Get yourselves ready for a magical, floating light spectacular! Imagine – loads of colour, pretty Xmas lights, entertainment and more.
If you have a boat, small or big, and want to be in the night-time parade? Enter to win the Best Dressed Boat prize!
Do you live on the Mooloolah canals* and want to show off your house? Enter to win the Best Dressed House prize
All entry fees will be donated to Sailability Sunshine Coast (a non-profit volunteer run organisation giving sailing experiences for disabled children and adults).
Don’t have a boat or live on the waterways of the Mooloolah River? Don’t worry - you can still join in! We have a fun-filled afternoon of activities around The Wharf Mooloolaba, so come and celebrate Christmas with us!
Burke Marine
Burke Marine, suppliers of international quality marine clothing and equipment, was founded by Martin Burke on the shores of Sydney Harbour in 1971. Visit our website for your nearest stockist. [More info]
http://www.burkemarine.com.au
Ensign Ship Brokers
Ensign Ship Brokers was established in 1980 and has spent the last 28 years expanding our marine knowledge and developing our reputation! We strive to provide the very best service! [More info]
http://www.ensignbrokers.com.au/
GME Standard Communications Pty Ltd
Leaders in communications and navigation. Their goal has always been to make products whose innovation, convenience and peace of mind can help improve the lives of their customers. [More info]
http://www.gme.net.au
Hamilton Island Luxury Accommodation
Full range of private apartments, villas and houses on Hamilton Island. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 bedroom options available. All include buggy and island airport or marina transfers. [More info]
http://www.whitsundayholidays.com.au
Multihull Solutions
Multihull Solutions is Australia and New Zealand’s premier offshore and cruising catamaran and trimaran specialist, offering sales and servicing of the world’s finest multihull brands.
[More info]
http://www.multihullsolutions.com.au
Navionics Australia
Navionics is proud of its superb cartographic database comprising more than 25,000 charts and port plans; the largest privately owned database of its kind, the only one using full seamless technology [More info]
http://www.navionics.com.au
OziOpti
OziOpti is all about 'getting kids in boats' and the Australian company supporting the introduction to of the world’s most popular junior sailing yacht, the 'International Optimist Dinghy' [More info]
http://www.oziopti.com.au
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
2013 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is Australasia's most significant marine lifestyle event. We look forward to welcoming you to the 25th annual event. [More info]
http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/
Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week
Entries for the fourth annual Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week have opened! 4 days of racing, 5 days of fun – that is what you can look forward to from 3-7 September at Magnetic Island. [More info]
http://www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
Ullman Sails
For over 45 years, Ullman Sails has been devoted to helping our customers reach their sailing goals. [More info]
http://www.ullmansails.com
VicSail Sydney
Vicsail Sydney Pty Ltd, launched into the Australian sailing fraternity in 1983 and has been sailing strong ever since. At Vicsail, “We Sail the Boats We Sell”. [More info]
http://www.vicsailsydney.com.au