Date: Saturday, 13th December
Start Time: 18:00
Location: Bristol Harbour (Cumberland Basin to Bathurst Basin)
Calling all Skippers, Paddlers, and River Users!
The nights are drawing in, which means it is time to deck the hulls and light up the harbour. We are calling on the local boating community, from powered cruisers to paddleboard squadrons, to join us for the Cabot Cruising Club Illuminated Boat Parade.
This is a volunteer-led event designed to bring us all together for a magical evening on the water, whether you have a 40ft cruiser or a canoe, we want you involved!
The Plan: A River of Light
This year, we are organising a “single pass” parade, creating a continuous stream of light from the west end of the harbour into the city.
The Itinerary:
- 17:30 – Bridge Swing & Assembly: Prince Street Bridge swings to allow vessels into the “arena area.”
- Powered Vessels: Congregate in Cumberland Basin.
- Manual Craft: Congregate at Underfall Yard/Cottage.
- 18:00 – Parade Start: Powered vessels will lead the procession through Prince Street Bridge and into Bathurst Basin.
- Follow On: Manual craft will follow the powered vessels when safe to do so.
- Finish: All vessels congregate in Bathurst Basin for the finale.
Shore Support & Warm Drinks
Invite your friends and family to watch! Our neighbours at Underfall Cafe are opening specially from 17:30 – 18:30 to support the event. They will be serving seasonal treats (including Baileys and Gingerbread hot chocolates), making the yard the perfect spot for shore crew to watch the fleet muster and launch.
The Afterparty Social: Mulled Wine on the Light Ship
It wouldn’t be a Cabot Cruising Club event without a proper social! Once we are moored up, all crews are invited aboard the John Sebastian Light Ship (LV55). In collaboration with Bristol Marina, we’ll be hosting an evening of:
- 🍷 Mulled Wine
- 🥧 Mince Pies
- 🎵 Musical Entertainment
Overnight Mooring: Don’t want to rush home in the dark? Both powered and manual vessels are welcome to stay overnight in Bathurst Basin. (Last bridge swing out is TBC, but likely at around 19:30).
We Need You! (Participation & Safety)
To make this event safe and successful, we rely on the cooperation of the boating community.
- RSVP is Essential We need to gauge numbers for logistics and catering. Please RSVP to Ben Ewing (Commodore).
If you are a proposed GROUP LEAD for a section of boats, please provide your email and mobile number so we can add you to the event WhatsApp group for real-time comms.
- Safety First Safety is paramount in low-light conditions. We operate on collective responsibility:
- Group Leads: Each group of vessels must have a designated lead with a VHF Radio.
- Visibility: All participants must wear appropriate life jackets/buoyancy aids and have navigation lights/whistles.
- Electrical Safety: Please be mindful of how you rig your Christmas lights!
How to Join
Let’s create a magical event and have a collaboratively safe, beautifully illuminated celebration.
To register your vessel or group, please contact: Ben Ewing, Commodore
Full safety briefing and detailed itinerary to follow for all registered skippers.
Created by Volunteers—Together, be the light!