Videos: 2011 Christmas Boat Parade
Bermuda’s Christmas Boat Parade in Hamilton Harbour drew thousands of spectators last night [Dec.10], making it one of the most-watched events on the island’s 2011 community calendar.
With perfect weather conditions — and an equally good atmosphere — residents were out in full force on both water and land, lining Front Street, Harbour Road and other key vantage points where they could watch the dazzling proceedings.
Video #1 Christmas Boat Parade:
Over 70 vessels made their way across the water, starting from the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, travelling clockwise around White’s Island.
The training schooner “Spirit of Bermuda” led the parade, which featured both Bermuda- and Christmas-themed light displays including an illuminated Bermuda kite, Charlie Brown, Christmas trees, a moongate, palm trees, reindeer, Santa Claus, a “Star Wars” entry which combined light-sabres with Christmas lights — and even an octopus sporting a Santa hat.
Video #2 Christmas Boat Parade:
“Santa’s Ride” had flames shooting out of the stern, Cablevision’s entry had company CEO Terry Roberson on board while the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences [BIOS] entry featured a sea- themed display with an illuminated turtle, sea horse, and fish.
A Police boat out monitoring the parade for safety reasons had been decorated with lights — and had Santa Claus inside a replica Birdcage aboard pretending to direct the water-borne traffic.
Video #3 Christmas Boat Parade:
Current Bermuda events were even referenced, with one boat flashing lights spelling out “Peace On De Rock”.
With the Christmas lights reflecting on the water, many boats left multi-coloured sheens in their wakes as they circled the harbour. A brilliant fireworks display ended the night on a dazzling note.
The Boat Parade was founded in 1998 by Guatemalan-born Bermuda resident Norma Thomson and continues as a biennial event. This year’s organising committee included Mrs. Thomson, Hamilton businessman Steve Thomson and publisher Ian Coles.
Video #4 Fireworks display:
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- Photos: 2011 Boat Parade Fireworks | Bernews.com | December 7, 2013
A job well done by the Committee – congratulations! A great family evening and the fireworks were the best we’d seen.
Thanks Bernews for the Videos and Pictures. Now those who were unable to attend can have a chance to see how great of a night it was. !!
It was truly AWESOME!! Well done to everyone who put loads of work into decorating boats – it paid off big time! Great evening.
Thank you to all that participated in the parade and a special thanks to all those people and businesses that organized and sponsored the event for a truly wonderful family Christmas experience! Job very well done!
Sincere thanks to the organizers for a fabulous evening in perfect conditions. There are relatively few events in Bermuda that truly bring us all together – this is definitely one of them. Great atmosphere along Harbour Road and on the water. Thanks also to all the boat owners and participants, sponsors, and to all those involved in putting on a first class event. The fireworks finished off the night with a flourish!
Best Boat Parade! The force is still with me.
This year’s Boat Parade was spectacular ! Congratulations and thanks to all those who entered and assisted in any way to make it such an enjoyable success for all of Bermuda ! This is the true Spirit of Christmas !