Thank you so much for your participation in this year’s annual “Lighted Ships Parade.” The theme for this year’s parade is “Jingle on the Waves.”

The parade lead boat and other information will be announced at the Skipper Meeting on Friday, December 2nd at 5:30 PM in the Clubhouse. If you can't make it to the meeting you will receive the information via email. The lead boat will depart from the basin at 6:00 p.m. All boats should file in behind them and follow in single file through the parade course. The Judge’s boat, “In the Mood” will be docked in front of Anthony’s Homeport on the port plaza dock.

Remember to pass VERY SLOWLY, and USE CHANNEL 68 to clearly state your registration number that you were given. Leave plenty of space between vessels. This will help facilitate the scoring by the judges. The criteria the judges will use to score the boats are as follows: A) Theme, B) Originality, C) Light Placement, D) Overall Appearance, and E) Special Effects or Animation. The winners will be announced during the final leg of the parade on VHF channel 68. If you are one of the winners, you will be contacted by phone or email. Awards will be handed out at the January Dinner Meeting for OYC members. All participants are welcome to attend the meeting; however, you will be responsible for your own dinner charges if you choose to attend that portion. Reservations must be made well in advance to the chair to assure we have ample space.

After passing the judge boat, the parade route will continue north along the east side of Budd Inlet to Boston Harbor, then across to Cooper Point and return along the west shore past the Country Club and return to the OYC basin around 8:30 p.m. Boats mooring at Swantown may proceed back in when they approach the channel. Please review the attached Safety Standards Sheet. This document contains information on various procedures to help make this a fun and safe event for all participating vessels. The Olympia Harbor Patrol will be on-sight both nights to assist vessels should any problems arise. They will monitor Channels 68 and 16.

If you have any questions please contact RC Gary Ashcraft at rc@theolympiayachtclub.com.