NAWILIWILI — Nawiliwili Harbor sailors celebrated the spirit of the holidays, as several hundred people, many of them families, lined the banks of the seawall jetty to catch a glimpse of the 10th Annual Nawiliwili Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade
NAWILIWILI — Nawiliwili Harbor sailors celebrated the spirit of the holidays, as several hundred people, many of them families, lined the banks of the seawall jetty to catch a glimpse of the 10th Annual Nawiliwili Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade Sunday evening.
The harbor was shrouded in clouds and misty showers through most of the afternoon, and Sharon Gibson, one of the NYC organizers, said she was getting phone calls from concerned boaters.
But, by 5 p.m., the major portion of the showers had moved away from the harbor, and despite the low overcast, the waters were calm with little wind, conditions perfect for cruising the waters.
One young father said, “It’s (the boat parade) been going on for the past 10 years, and this is the first time I’ve been able to see this. It’s perfect timing.” His charges included a son and daughter who were anxiously scanning the calm waters for signs of any of the decorated boats.
“They’re on vacation now, so we can stay out late. This is just right,” he said.
By 6 p.m., at least one catamaran pulled out of the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor, its outline decorated with lights as it motored out towards the breakwater.
Five boats took part in the annual event, much to the delight of the spectators who got a close look at the lit boats as the flotilla passed close enough to the seawall that spectators could hear the shouts of “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays.”
The catamaran that took the lead rounded the jetty and turned around for a return trip, this time spotlights shining on Santa, who took up a position at the bow, framed by the sail line of lights.
On this trip around the jetty, the flotilla was greeted with a surprise visitor, as an outboard motor-powered outrigger canoe had its mast decorated in green and red lights and joined the cavalcade within the safety of the harbor.
Following several tours around the harbor, the procession moved out to Kalapaki Bay, where guests at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club could enjoy the spectacle.
Then, it was off to the annual Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Christmas party at their new facility at the small boat harbor.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
