GENERAL INFORMATION
Parade I.D. numbers MUST be displayed on your starboard side. One at BOW, one MID SHIP, one at the STERN and well-lighted for judging and emergency identification. If numbers are not properly lit and placed, we will not be able to photograph your entry.
All boats must be under auxiliary power for circling the parade route. Average speed is 4 to 5 knots. The harbor will be under restricted usage the afternoon and evening of the parade, and spectator craft will not be permitted in the parade area. Non-parade vessels entering and leaving the harbor during these hours are requested to contact the Harbor Master for escort.
Towing is permitted ONLY with prior approval of the Parade Committee. Tows must be well-lighted and within about 10 feet of the mothership.
No fireworks, rockets or flares are allowed. Inland Rules of Road are in force, and all rules and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard and Harbor Master must be followed.
Parade line formation will be under the direction of the Parade Committee Boats. Every Parade participant should practice steerageway at night before the evening of the Parade to familiarize himself/herself with boat movement in darkness.
Running lights must be operative and visible. Procedures regarding safety and possible emergencies for hazards will be covered at the Skippers Meeting.
JUDGING:
Your boat will be judged from the STARBOARD side only. Judges will be stationed at a number of sites around the Parade route. This should encourage the entrants to stay close to the shore and provide a uniform level of entertainment for the entire Parade route. Your Parade I.D. numbers must be well lighted for the judges. Since the boat entrants pass the judging sites several times during the course of the Parade, judges will award points each time, which will be averaged later.
DESIGN:
A design is the first step in successful decorating. Keep the design simple, concentrating on the basic theme you select. A good single idea, effectively carried out, will have the most impact on judges and spectators. Many colors of lights can be used but a single color or white is most effective. Consider the number of crew aboard, and make their costuming an integral part of your design. Costumes can be rented, or made simply of muslin or cotton, and painted. All members dressed in a single color, white or black, and use accessory items like hats, vests, large ties, belts, etc..to match your theme.
DECORATIONS:
Decorations don’t have to cost a lot but they must be fireproof or fire-retardant. Although plywood is best, heavy cardboard reinforced with wood stringers, or foamcore can be used for signs, props or backgrounds. They can be painted with non-soluble paints, glittered, or covered with decorative sheeting, aluminum foil, mylar or plastic sheets. Under good floodlights, these can look like a million. Large flat areas should have holes or flaps cut in them so they do not act as sails. Sailboats can make use of their rigging to haul displays, light strings aloft. You may want to have 25’ to 50’ extension cords, power surge cords, duct tape, nylon line and floodlights on board.