Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade –  We were able to view the boat parade from our flybridge.  It turns out there were 24 boats.  Fewer than in years past.  A big deal here at the Marina.  They gussied up the docks, put out tables for customers to eat and view the parade with front row seating, and dock-side parties were in full swing by the time the parade started.

The boats came into the marina in front of the dock, slowly turned toward the island park and then left.  In this way, the judges sitting at the end of the dock could see that the boats were decorated around the entire boat.  In years past, the rumor is, boats were only judged on the one side where the judges sat so boat owners only decorated that one side.

From our flybridge, we can see the tip of the island park between two boats in front of us.  Perfect viewing.  Some boats looked like boats with lights on them.  A couple of boats went all out and really put their boat on display.  I only captured a couple boats.

7 pm and the boat parade is about to come our way. This brightly lit boat is in front of us.

Fishing trawler  

I didn’t think the pictures would turn out that well with all the ambient lighting.

Yacht with choir and orchestra

One of our neighbors had a choir and a 5 piece orchestra on the top level of their boat.  You can barely see them on the top right.  Very impressive.  When they did the turn in front of the Island Park, they stopped and serenaded the crowd waiting all afternoon on the park perimeter.  I was very impressed.  Christmas carols sung to you by professionals.

Once the parade was over, the partying started in earnest!

We could tell that this Boat Parade was a big deal for the marina and for the city.  The boat parade and festivities attracted lots of folks.  Imagine walking by one of these in the parking lot:

RollsRoyce.  

RollsRoyce “Ghost”

Then there was two …..

I was able to detect the new car smell from 5 feet away!  Actually, I was afraid to get any closer.   Obviously, the car dealership was hoping for just the right customer to walk by and say to themselves…hmm why not a RR today?  One was only $378,000.  A mere pittance.  😉

We have seen these kinds of cars occasionally on the road.  Never, to stand by one and breathe on it. Wow!  I did not set any alarms off, that I know.  Better still, no security guard came out and accosted me for standing so close.  Wayne was relieved that I had left my wallet on the boat!!  hahaha