Beach Bum Charters was thrilled to join in on The 39th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights with our newst addition to our fleet, The Salty Seahorse! Thanks to Lake Michigan Credit Union, this event brought everyone together for a night packed with awesome displays, friendly rivalry, and lots of giving. On a chilly Saturday night, 27 boats lit up the Sarasota waterfront, bringing creativity and holiday vibes. Not only did it entertain thousands, but it also supported a great cause, making it a night to remember.

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A Night of Festive Competition

The parade had boats competing in different categories, judged on creativity, design, and holiday spirit. The competition was intense, with captains and crews putting in tons of effort to get their boats ready. The winners showed exceptional creativity and festive fun.

Private Boats (21' to 35')

• 1st Place and Most Creative Overall: Seas The Kilt, captained by Mark Hoffman

This boat stole the show with its unique theme and amazing light setup, nabbing the top spot and the Most Creative Overall title.

• 2nd Place: Wayne’s Word, captained by Wayne Nottingham

This boat was a close second, wowing the judges with its lively decorations and smooth style.

Private Boats (36' and Over)

• 1st Place: Lotus, captained by Casey Hovey

The Lotus mixed elegance with festive lights, creating a stunning sight on the water.

Corporate Boats (21' to 35')

• 1st Place: Whoville Wonder, captained by Trey Smith, representing Joy Organics

Inspired by a classic holiday tale, this boat captured the season's whimsy and joy.

• 2nd Place: Salty Seahorse, captained by Tobey Morehouse, representing Beach Bum Charters

This boat showcased a fun nautical theme with bright, cheerful lights.

Corporate Boats (36' and Over)

• 1st Place: Bluewater, captained by Jay Riggs, representing Suncoast Marine Group

Bluewater wowed everyone with its grand size and detailed lighting design.

• 2nd Place: Golden Ticket, captained by Elas Wallace, representing Kokomo Yacht Club and GZ Yachting

This boat’s elegant decorations and festive vibe earned it a well-deserved runner-up spot.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

Beyond the lights and fun, the parade had a bigger purpose. It raised funds for Suncoast Charities for Children, which provides essential programs and services to over 8,000 local kids, teens, and adults with special needs. The community’s generosity was boosted by the Reinhart Foundation, which matched all donations up to $10,000 dollar for dollar.

This matching gift opportunity encouraged many to donate, knowing their contributions would have double the impact. The funds help sustain vital services that improve the lives of individuals with special needs in the Sarasota area.

If you missed the event but want to help out, donations are still welcome at the Suncoast Charities for Children website:

https://suncoastcharitiesforchildren.harnessgiving.org

The Power of Community Events

Events like the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights show the power of community connections. They bring people together to celebrate, compete, and support each other. The parade’s success relies on the hard work of boat owners, volunteers, sponsors, judges, and attendees.

The guest judges were key in picking the winners, bringing their expertise and festive spirit to the event. Their thoughtful evaluations made sure that creativity and effort were recognized fairly.

How to Get Involved Next Year

If you’re thinking about joining next year’s parade, here are some tips to get ready:

• Start Early: Designing and decorating a boat takes time. Begin planning your theme and gathering materials months ahead.

• Focus on Creativity: Unique ideas and attention to detail catch the judges’ eyes.

• Safety First: Make sure all electrical decorations are marine-safe and securely installed.

• Engage Your Crew: A motivated team makes the process more fun and efficient.

• Support the Cause: Consider fundraising or donating to Suncoast Charities for Children to boost the event’s impact.

Final Thoughts

The 39th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights was more than just a festive show; it was a celebration of community spirit and generosity. The beautifully decorated boats, enthusiastic participants, and generous donors all contributed to a night that brought joy and hope to many.

Events like this remind us how shared experiences and collective support can brighten lives—both literally and figuratively. Whether you attended, donated, or cheered from the shore, your involvement made a difference.

Keep an eye out for next year’s parade and think about joining this awesome tradition that lights up Sarasota’s holiday season and supports children and adults with special needs.