Thirteen charmingly decorated boats sailed around Sentosa Island and towards HarbourFront Cruise Bay for the inaugural Boat Light Parade in Singapore last Saturday, 6 December 2014.
Proudly organised by ONE15 Marina Club
Decorating his boat for the first time, Captain Matt Richard of Hye Seas II (a superyacht measuring 116ft) recollected, “It was a lot of work. My crew and I spent over 30 hours adorning the boat with lights and other festive decorations; however, looking back, it was definitely worth the time and hard work when I see my guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. The other participants were really impressive as well; some even had Christmas mascots like Gingerbread man, Santa Claus and a Toy Soldier!”
The participating boats were classified into 4 different categories, according to their type and length, and assessed by a panel of judges selected from the event’s sponsors based on their creative use of lighting, music, crowd engagement, originality and depiction of the theme”A Tropical Christmas on Water”. The parade’s Best of Show also stands to win a cash prize of S$3,000. The boats went all out in their elaborate designs and ornamentations as they competed against each other for cash prizes totallingS$15,000.
“I particularly enjoyed admiring how each boat had a unique representation of the given theme. They each stood out in their own ways,” saidChoon Yee, a participant onboard superyachtMegaway (128ft). “It was undeniably an intriguing experience to be part of the flotilla and witnessing the mesmerising display of lights by the other boats. It felt like Chingay on waters!”
Parade participation was open to both boaters (boat dealers, charter boat operators and boat private boat owners from all Singapore Boat Marinas and beyond) and non-boaters alike. Boats are available for charter fromONE15 Luxury Yachting
“My group, all 16 of us, had a merry time; I think that’s most important,” Michael Gray, a participant and owner of a 58ft power boat, Tiger Too, commented, “Especially when we were all sailing along the Sentosa Boardwalk, where the public could see us, decked out in a myriad of enthralling colours.”
Spectators can also expect to see this enchanting festive boat light parade as the yachts take to the waters again this Saturday, 13 December. With three additional participants joining the parade this time, the public can head to Sentosa Boardwalk between8.15pm to 9.15pm to catch a glimpse of these beautifully decorated yachts.
The event concludes with Awards Ceremony and Closing Party held at Boaters’ Bar at ONE15 Marina Club, recognising the participants’ efforts and the winners of each category. Tickets to the after party are priced atS$35 per ticket at the door.
Sponsors who were onboard with the event include key sponsor, DBS Insignia
Added Matt Richard, “I really hope this parade becomes an annual event; in which I would definitely take part again!”
Photos from the event can be viewed here
For more information, please email xmasboatparade@one15marina.com
SOURCE: ONE15 Marina Club