Lighting It Up for the Holidays

Apparently the weather gods were in a festive mood Saturday night, as a break in the rain was perfectly timed so that several dozen boats could show off their holiday spirit at the annual San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade. Originating from Loch Lomond Marina, the Marin YC and various docks along the city’s canal, the procession headed east to the turning basin off the San Rafael YC, with observers lining the waterfront on both sides of the waterway. 

video by Latitude / Andy 

In this era of low-amperage LED lighting, the decorations this year seemed more elaborate than ever. Even the San Rafael police boat got into the act. It was great fun for observers of all ages, and there wasn’t a "bah, humbug" heard anywhere along the route. 

If you regret missing the chance to participate with your boat this year, we suggest you start planning a unique display now, and commit to making a showing at this event, or one of the San Francisco region’s other lighted boat parades. (San Francisco, Alameda, Sausalito, Vallejo, Petaluma, Santa Cruz, Monterey — and, of course, there are parades in SoCal and the Northwest also.)