Dockside Dwelling

Spotlight on the Lighted Boat Parades

The “Hey, Diddle Diddle” dressed for the 2005 Benicia Parade of Boats. Photo by Denise Dohogne

By Denise Dohogne
Published: December, 2006

If you’ve ever witnessed, first-hand, a lighted boat parade during the Holiday Season, then you know just how magical and spirit-filled these traditional yacht club events can be. For those of you who’ve missed all the fun and excitement, you’re definitely in for a treat.

The evening begins just after nightfall. Revelers gather around a staging area, usually the fuel dock or guest dock near the yacht club, or any place where all the vessels in the parade will float by in a somewhat orderly fashion. All of the boats are proudly dressed, bow to stern, in colorful lights and fantastic ornaments. It’s an awesome spectacle of sailboats with masts strung with lights stretching unfettered, high into the dark sky, and stately motor yachts that command attention with the sheer volume of whimsical creativity their massive hulls deserve. 

There is usually a decorating theme, but if there is one rule for December’s lighted boat parade décor it’s the more the merrier. If done right, however, even simple elegance takes the prize. I’ve seen some remarkably beautiful sailboats made into lighted Christmas trees, and graceful renditions of snow-covered yachts draped with icicles, fanciful snowflakes suspended in their riggings, and the power boats, with their expansive decks and fly bridges garlanded in lights, become elegant, glistening objects.

Oh yes, there are prizes and coveted awards for winners in various categories, so it comes as no surprise that some boat parades around the Bay Area have become quite competitive. Those incentives are just enough to cause boaters to go overboard with their light displays, though bragging rights are really what it’s all about.

It’s important to mention what goes on behind the scenes in the days leading up to the actual parade. There’s a special camaraderie at the marina as the boaters begin the sometimes difficult process of hanging lights to create their special effects. Case in point: Last year my crew and I were determined to win the grand prize, which included a free month’s slip fee. We began our lofty endeavor by stringing the usual lights on the railing and stabilizing mast. It quickly became obvious that more ingenuity was required if we were to win. With that in mind, our theme became The Good Ship Lollipop, and we fastened an oversized crown of lighted lollipops around the bow and stern, adding other candy accents along the way. As if this weren’t enough, our special effects first mate created a giant transparent red lollipop lit by the anchor light (the mast being the lollipop stick) and an eye-popping, spot-lit smoke stack that bellowed a stream of bubbles. Musical accompaniment included the legendary Good ship Lollipop, as sung by Shirley Temple, blaring from the ships hailer. We were a venerable candy store in motion.

Although creativity is king in terms of display, all would be lost without electricity. And no one wants anything to go wrong while en route. The biggest challenges are securing enough generator power and extension cords to simultaneously fuel the lights and boat’s systems, and safely maneuvering about a boat strewn with duck-taped decorations and filled with party-going passengers. Motoring out in the Bay at night and adhering to parade formation and safety rules requires a constant heads up on the part of the captain.

Being a part of a lighted boat parade from either the ship or the shore makes for an incredibly memorable experience, one that will be talked about for months. It’s a fantastic way to get with the holiday spirit, and everyone loves a parade.