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Sausalito Boat Parade Lights Up the Bay

Saturday night was one of the best weather windows we think Sausalito has seen in many a December, and boats came out by the dozen, dressed in sparkles and lights to celebrate the city’s annual Lighted Boat Parade. Hosted by Winterfest Sausalito, the event was (to our minds) the highlight of the weekend’s holiday activities, which also included Sunday’s Jingle Bell 5K Run and Pancake Brunch.

As the sky grew dark, the number of lighted boats increased until there was a steady flow of traffic cruising from the north end of Richardson Bay back down to the Sausalito Yacht Club. Scuttlebutt says there were 80 boats! Can you believe that? We can. We saw them; too many to count from our distant vantage point.

lighted boats
The Bay became a colorful wonderland.
© 2023 Latitude 38 Media LLC / Monica

Parade participants were entered into seven categories for best charter, sail and power boat, then the Sweepstakes, Club Cup, People’s Choice, and Ensperger awards. We won’t list all the winners and place runners, but you can see them here.

Barbara Treadwell and Marcy Pattinson, volunteers with Call of the Sea, joined the Matthew Turner for the parade and sent us some great photos.

Matthew Turner, all lit up and ready to join the parade.
© 2023 Barbara Treadwell
Freda B and a festive friend pass along the waterfront.
© 2023 Barbara Treadwell
Marcy (left) and Barbara helm Matthew Turner through the parade.
© 2023 Barbara Treadwell
And, of course, what boat parade doesn’t conclude with fireworks?
© 2023 Barbara Treadwell

We also found this fun video shared by Winterfest Sausalito on their Instagram feed. Video by @humpledonk/Instagram.

Sailing

1 Comment

  1. Greg 11 months ago

    I was there and it was awesome, with perfect weather we wondered why more boats didn’t come out to watch.

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