All entry fees must be paid prior to or at the Captain’s Meeting.  Total entries are limited, so get your entry in early to make sure that you don’t miss out.  The captain of all boats entering the Christmas Regatta must attend the Captain’s meeting on Friday after Thanksgiving.

Each boat is judged for theme, originality, crew enthusiasm and decorations. A panel of judges determines scores.  The boat with the best overall score will be deemed the overall winner and will be awarded the Grand Prize of $1200.  A $300 prize will be awarded to one boat in each of the categories of boats.  The overall winner is not eligible for a category win. All prizes will be awarded following the parade, location will be announced at the Captains’ Meeting.

 The judges identify your boat by your assigned number so please display your number where it can be seen clearly by our judges.  Judges are located along the Waterway throughout the entire parade route so keep up the enthusiasm!

All boats entering the parade shall meet at Tilghman’s Point at 4:30p.m. Saturday afternoon with assigned numbers displayed on BOTH SIDES of their boats.  Please monitor VHF Channel 10 as you approach Tilghman’s Point and the staffing vessel will direct you into the parade.  Numbers must remain displayed on the starboard (Right) and port (left) side for the entire length of the parade. Poo McLauchlin, Captain of The Dream, leads the parade and each boat is to line up and parade in order according to their assigned number. While the parade is in operation please keep to the right of the centerline of the ICW.  Absolutely NO 360-degree TURNS on the parade route, any vessel making these turns will be disqualified. No inappropriate behavior, remember this is a family oriented event. Please allow ample space between you and the boat ahead of you, but don’t get so far apart that spectators get bored.

The official parade will end at Dock Holidays Marina, and all boats are requested to follow the entire parade route. Boats MUST enter the bay area of Dock Holidays to make turn.  Boats returning to their home marinas at this point should remain right of the centerline of the ICW and watch for rough wake. Do Not Cut Across South Bound Parade Traffic. Be considerate of decorations and lights. If you would like to dock at Dock Holidays Marina for the awards ceremony, please contact the ship store for slip assignment.

280-6354 or call Dockmaster on Channel 16.

Horry County Fire Dept will assist in keeping the parade moving and in control, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide assistance in case of emergency. For emergency communications, and parade directions: VHF Channel 10. Please keep radio channels clear- the staffing vessel will give voice instructions directing you into the parade and through the judging.

PLEASE OBEY ALL DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO YOUR VESSEL BY PARADE OFFICIALS -LET’S KEEP IT SAFE!!  THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING AND HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY!