The Charlotte Amalie harbor will be aglow with the festive lights of the holidays as vessels of all shapes and sizes participate in the 12th Annual Lighted Boat Parade from 6:45-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17. Beginning their merry, carol-filled journey from Crown Bay Marina and then proceeding along the downtown waterfront, this kick-off to the holiday season is a favorite for visitors and residents. The parade is hosted by the Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League, V.I. Department of Tourism and St Thomas-St John Chamber of Commerce and coincides with the annual Miracle on Main Street.
Featuring the return of last year’s winner, the motor vessel Friendship and her owners Stacy and Jimmy Jones, the fleet will be joined by perennial participants Topaz, Fury, members of the V.I. Power and Sailing Squadron, and the MTR duck from the Admiralty Dive Center.
Registration begins Friday, Nov. 26, and will continue up until the 6 p.m. Captain’s Meeting on Dec. 15 at Tickles Dockside Pub. Crown Bay Marina will again be offering free dockage to all participating boats, which will greatly assist in decorating.
Cash Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries based upon most creative use of lights, best holiday theme and best in overall creativity as determined by a celebrity panel of judges. The awards ceremony will be hosted by the pub immediately following the parade.
Contact Erik Ackerson, executive director of the V.I. Charter Yacht League, at 774-3944 or by e-mail at info@vicl.org All vessels must be registered with the Department of Parks and Natural Resources, must provide life jackets for all aboard and must provide proper insurance prior to acceptance.
