The 2009 Boat Parade was held Saturday, June 20, 2009.

Photos of 2009 Parade by Dana Williams

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The Boston Yacht Club Fleet Parade has always been about pride. Pride in boats, in the BYC, in fellow members, and in Marblehead.

All members have to do is show up in their boats and fly their colors. In addition, participants can dress their ship or decorate it and possibly win a prize. The idea is to have as many member’s boats as possible out in the harbor making an outrageous amount of noise to show “solidarity” with BYC and Marblehead.

The Event

The fun begins with the Captain’s cocktail party on the Friday night before the Parade.  There, in addition to generous servings of hors d’ oeuvres, the crews of participating boats will receive instructions for forming the parade, including each vessel’s position in the line of float.

Led by the Marblehead Harbormaster with blue lights flashing and siren blaring, the BYC Parade passes Fort Sewall, Crocker Park, and at the Club Dock. Each participating boat receives a starting gun salute and announcement over the PA system. From there, the procession crosses the harbor, where similar salutes are rendered at the Eastern and Corinthian Yacht Clubs.

Then it’s family party time, with free hot dogs, beer and soda at the Gazebo for all captains and crew members.

Vessel Decorating

For those who choose to decorate, a distinguished panel of judges, will select four winners based on the following criteria:

1) the best overall interpretation of the year’s theme
2) the most attractive vessel
3) the most humorous interpretation
4) the most original interpretation
5) Junior Division.