On the evening of December 16, as darkness cloaks Hamilton Harbour, both Tom Whayman, dockmaster and Kevin Blee, parade marshal, will be experiencing adrenaline rushes.

These capable young men, also affable, make a stalwart team and will be in charge of the BUEI Christmas Boat Parade at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, (RBYC).

Mr. Whayman said: "It's stressful and intense but we try to keep everyone moving safely.

"I make sure boat lines are not on the dock and that people don't fall overboard. It is non-stop until the last boat moves out!'' A well known east ender, Mr. Whayman has a lot of dock master experience as he has worked in that role for numerous races at the St. George's Dinghy Club and the Royal Hamilton Dinghy Club during the Marion and Newport races.

"I've been around boats all my life, and I used to hang around St. George's Club from the age of eight, especially when a race was happening.'' The parade marshal's job is constant communication with the boat captains and Mr. Blee has assumed this role for the third consecutive year.

Mr. Blee said: "I work to keep the boats orderly and timely. I keep them moving and there is about 100 feet between each boat.

"It can be exciting keeping the ferry lines clear and getting people out of the way of the fire works.'' At 6.30 p.m. boat captains will be instructed to keep their marine radios on marine channel 72 and they follow the marshal's directives.

Both men agree that it is a spectacular event which they enjoy immensely.

Following the parade, numerous people return to the RBYC where a cash bar is open and a portion of the proceeds go to BUEI. Also, tickets are sold for a delicious buffet.

It is a shining event and a happy affair! At least 500 people return back to the RBYC to congratulate the thrilled winners.

Both Mr. Whayman and Mr. Blee work long into the night getting the boats back to the dock and safely tied, following the parade.

"The dockside of RBYC is the optimum venue to host a boat parade like this.

Bacardi sponsors the prizes and party afterward.

"The parade is colourful and cheery but the fire works, shot off by Kip Froud, are a beautiful sight!'' concluded Mr. Whayman.