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‘It’s beyond my wildest expectations’ — Christmas Boat Parade returns

Boats were decorated for the Christmas boat parade (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Families and friends gathered to get into the festive spirit at the Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday night.

The event at Hamilton Harbour made a return after a three-year hiatus.

At Albuoy's Point, spectators sat beside the water to get a good view of the 23 decorated vessels as they passed.

Corinne Franklin, of Sandys, was joined by her ten-year-old son Naeem Spencer.

She said: “We wanted to come down and get in the Christmas spirit, see the boats and have some camaraderie.

“I’m hoping to bump into people I know who I haven’t seen in a while.”

Ms Franklin added: “It's a great effort by everyone involved.

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Boats were decorated for the Christmas boat parade (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

“You can tell these are really personal crafts and they put a lot of effort into decorating.

“Some have music so that’s encouraging the good spirits for everybody on the dock.”

The ÜberVida Christmas Boat Parade (Photographs by Akil Simmons)

Troy Dill said that the event was more calm compared with the last Christmas Boat Parade he attended.

He added: “Just being out with family and friends is good.

“People look forward to a nice outing in the Christmas season and this is a great outing in a nice, safe environment.”

Steve and Caroline Rees Davies were there with their children — William, 12, Louisa, 10, and Antonia, 4 — as well as Islay, their Goldendoodle.

The ÜberVida Christmas Boat Parade (Photographs by Akil Simmons)

They enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere and the decorated boats.

Mr Rees Davies said: “It’s outdoors so it should be safe and everyone’s keeping a good distance.

“It gives the kids something a bit more exciting to see.”

Denis Owen, the organiser of the event and owner of the ÜberVida charter boat, said the parade was “wonderful”.

He added: “It’s beyond my wildest expectations.

“I’m very grateful for everyone who has come out to support, who’s come out to watch, who’s helped. I’m speechless actually.

“It’s so lovely. Merry Christmas to Bermuda.”

The ÜberVida Christmas Boat Parade (Photographs by Akil Simmons)
The ÜberVida Christmas Boat Parade (Photographs by Akil Simmons)

Mr Owen said: “We’re still in a pandemic and people need some holiday cheer.”

He gave a “huge” thanks to everyone involved in decorating and parading the boats.

The ÜberVida Christmas Boat Parade (Photographs by Akil Simmons)
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Published December 20, 2021 at 9:42 am (Updated December 20, 2021 at 9:42 am)

‘It’s beyond my wildest expectations’ — Christmas Boat Parade returns

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