NAWILIWILI — Santa picked a winner as he enjoyed Sunday afternoon with the crew aboard OZone at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. With a few minutes remaining before embarking on the 15th Annual Nawiliwili Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade, Santa
NAWILIWILI — Santa picked a winner as he enjoyed Sunday afternoon with the crew aboard OZone at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
With a few minutes remaining before embarking on the 15th Annual Nawiliwili Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade, Santa was looking over the lavishly decorated Olson 30, waiting for the sun to make its descent below the Kipu mountains to see the full effect of the light show.
Bill Georgi, attired in a competing Santa outfit, recruited judges from out of the audience of several hundred people and with payment of a candy cane for their services, the judges selected OZone as the top boat in the flotilla which cruised the harbor.
Navigating between fishermen’s lines and throngs of people, many gathered around quick tents and gas lanterns, OZone stayed beyond the throwing range of anglers, its lights battling through the darkness.
Dr. Chris Jordan, skipper of Ozone, donated his prize money back to the charitable arm of the NYC, said Sharon Gibson, the NYC scorekeeper. Those funds benefit the Kaua‘i Sailing Association and Jordan’s gesture was matched by another NYC Lifetime member to expand the NYC sailing program, Gibson said.
Woodie and Karen Cole, aboard Coyote, captured the second place honors and a cash prize of $50 followed by the Zephyr piloted by Santa, aka Dr. Mike Bailey, with help from a pair of “Fat Elves,” Bailey’s twins Alana and Mark made “fat” by their personal flotation devices.
Although Bailey opted not to participate, the lady donning the “Santa Loves Me Best” shirt was able to convince the “Fat Elves” the small sailing vessel might win “Most Cutest” in the judging.
Gibson said Bailey has been a regular participant since the parade was started 15 years ago when Larry Mangold served as the NYC Commandant.
Following the cruise through ideal night skies and weather, all members adjourned to the NYC Clubhouse for a turkey and ham dinner with special rum drinks provided by Greg Schredder of the Koloa Rum Company.
Schredder is a longtime NYC member and Gibson said she anticipates Koloa Rum Company becoming a sponsor of the annual Kaua‘i Channel Race in 2010 as well as being active during the Rum Series races.
A “Change of Watch” party takes place in January followed by the start of the 2010 race season with a race and party on Feb. 6.
The public is invited to view all of the NYC events including the first race of the Gene Wells Memorial Series which starts on Feb. 11 with the first flags flying at 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.nawiliwiliyachtclub.org.
