Thanks to all the community for its support! This includes all the local businesses who so kindly donated wonderful gifts for prizes and to the Sidney Rotary members who both judged and provided trophies for specific categories. Thanks to the Rum Runner restaurant for hosting an outstanding après Sailpast party and rewards dinner. Everyone was a winner! A special thanks to the Canadian Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary whose three vessels shepherded us safely around the course and then back to port. To the Port of Sidney Marina who provided complimentary moorage, thank you.
A special thanks to all the people who toughed out the cold after the Santa Claus parade and lined the shore in cool winds to cheer us on as we sailed past. This is truly what lighting up our boats is all about. We hope that it has helped bring a little Christmas spirit to the Peninsula.
This marked the 25th Anniversary of the Lighted Boat Sailpast parade. From the feedback we are hearing it was one of the best. We were pleased to have some new vessels in the fleet this year but were also proud to have one of our members who has been participating since 1996.
Above all, a thank you to the Peninsula Celebrations Society for their organizing, the Sidney Mayor, Council and staff for their assistance and support and to the Peninsula News Review for their coverage of the activities.
Sincerely,
Warren Franklin
“Merlin”
On behalf of this year’s skippers & crew
The following are some comments from six of the skippers who participated this year:
- “It was our first time in the Sidney Lighted Sailpast. It was thrilling to get so close to the many waving spectators, as we traveled past the pier! I could feel the excitement. How wonderful it was with the full moon and still water!” Martin Swan MV “Doc Swan”:
- “ I would like to send my hearty thanks for the amount of behind-the-scenes organization to put this event together every year. …the weather was great and the RumRunner venue was a big hit, especially the chili and soup. The boats looked great … and my crew had an excellent evening all around.” Kathryn McDougall, SV “Traa Dy Liooar”
- “…the evening provided a “kickstart” to a special time of year. Seeing all the well-wishers along the parade route was truly inspiring and makes the effort worth while.
Merry Christmas.” Capt Cam & crew MV “Menehune”
4 “With appreciation for the list of sponsors we were given, I will enjoy thanking those businesses who have supported the Sidney Sail Past. I owe a huge vote of thanks to the organizing committee, our Sponsors, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, fellow boaters and the crowds who cheered from the shore.” Don Craigmyle, SV “Pegasus”
5 “This was my first time as an entry to the sailpast after watching from the shore for 24years. I was very surprised as well as honoured when presented with a beautiful trophy for Best Commercial Boat. I would also like to put out a challenge to all the Commercial Vessels in the area to get involved and participate next year. It is a lot of fun and who knows, you may get your name next to mine on the Trophy.” Reg Kirkham MV “Westy Too”
6 “many thanks to the organizers and sponsors of the lighted sailpast. Also to the Coast Guard for lighting the way and marking the crab traps. It is a real community effort! Congratulations are also in order to all the skippers and crews who worked so hard in decorating their boats. Many of you spent weeks in preparation – and it showed. Well done !” Kevin Costain, Sonnish Na Mara, Royal Victoria Yacht Club.