Onlookers enjoyed festive boats as they glided close to the boardwalk in Christiansted. (Source photo by Diana Dias) As night falls, the Christiansted Boardwalk comes alive for the 2024 St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade. A dazzling display of lights was on display for all to see as the annual event was in full effect on […]
As night falls, the Christiansted Boardwalk comes alive for the 2024 St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade. A dazzling display of lights was on display for all to see as the annual event was in full effect on Saturday night.
A packed boardwalk welcomed families, visitors, and other spectators searching for a good spot to catch creative decor and sparkling lights from decorated boats passing by. For some, the boat parade is considered the first official kickoff to the Crucian Christmas Festival. Vendors, restaurants, and other stores were in full operation and welcomed patrons. For each boat, it was a party on the water as participants danced, waved, and cheered as they passed onlookers.
This year, if individuals did not have the opportunity to attend in person, they had the option of viewing online. Young sailors from the St. Croix Youth Sailing Association were also featured in the boat parade.
For Maria Bermudez, this was an annual tradition for her. “We enjoy coming out watching the sunset and waiting for the show to begin,” she said.
This year’s Boat Parade Committee Chair was Nadia Bougoneau. In an effort to spread holiday cheer, the committee asked attendees to participate and capture their best photo of the parade.
According to their Facebook post, shots can capture it all, from “smiling faces in the crowd, folk dancing on the boardwalk to the sounds of a steel pan and R&B Connection band, the best-decorated boat, the most stunning fireworks shot, anything that’s just too cute for words.”
Anyone who would like to join the competition can share the hashtag #STXBoatParade, and feel free to include a watermark on the photo.
As per previous boat parades, it ended with a breathtaking fireworks display that ended with applause from the crowd.
The boater participants and lineup order were as follows:
– St. Croix Youth Sailing Association – 12 FT S/V & 17 FT M/V Inflatables (Captain: Steve Sargent)
– Ruffian – 41 M/V Hatteras – Sportfish (Captain: Chris Stanton)
– NotNats – 24 M/V Boston Whaler (Captain: Peter Stanton)
– Fountain – 34 M/V Fountain (Captain: Luis Cintron)
– Bully – 23 M/V Polar (Captain: Bully)
– Judy May – 28 M/V Vantage 270 Whaler (Captain: Paul Leonardis)
– Ponyo – 36 S/V Jeanneau 2009 (Captain: Gary Campbell)
– Fish Slayer – 24 M/V 2016 Seahunt (Captain: Ian Smith)
– Whaler – 19 M/V Boston Whaler (Captain: Michael Cintron)
– Reliance – Scuba – 42 M/V Delta (Captain: John Gillbette)
– Tropic Bird – 25 M/V 2020 Contender (Captain: Arnold Simmonds)
– Hook and Cook – 33 M/V Pursuit 3250 (Captain: David Claeys)
– Little Sister – 34 S/V 1985 Catalac (Captain: Michael Yearick)
– Emanuel Sea – 35 M/V 1985 Pilot House (Captain: Peter Emanuel)
– Adventure – Big Beard Adventure Tours – 42 M/V Gold Coast Power Cat (Captain: Michael Gerardi)
– Gemini – 32 M/V Century (Captain: Roger)
– Celebration – 42 M/V Gold Coast Custom (Captain: Allie)
– Heineken Party Boat – 32 M/V Pontoon Boat (Captain: Kurt)
– Sea Cat – 25 M/V Sea CAT (Captain: Juan Batista)
