🌟 Welcome Aboard the 16th Annual Mermaid Waters Christmas Flotilla of Lights! 🌟
Ahoy, captains, crews, and holiday cheerleaders!
16 years ago, a small handful of twinkling vessels set sail to light up the night—and this year promises to be the brightest, boldest and most magical flotilla yet!
Become part of this beloved tradition, where the water becomes a runway of radiant wonder and every boat tells its own sparkling story. Whether you’re a flotilla veteran with 15 parades under your belt or a first-time deckhand wide-eyed at the glow, you’re sure to be part of something truly special.
To our skippers: Thank you for transforming your boats into floating masterpieces—reindeer on the bow, snowflakes on the mast, and enough lights to guide Santa himself! We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
To our shore-side spectators: Bring a picnic rug, grab a cocoa, and let the parade wash over you like a tide of tinsel. There are several fantastic parks and bridges along the route to view from.
Merry Christmas, happy sailing, and let the flotilla of lights begin! ✨ 🛥️ 🎄 🎅 ✨
Rules of Engagement:
• 1845-1900hrs. Boats to muster adjacent to Sail Fish Cove in Lake Wonderland (with as many Christmas lights as possible) High Tide 20.28hrs 1.1m (Seaway) Low Tide 15.00hrs 0.3m (Seaway) Sunset 18.41hrs.
• The lead Boat, “Santa’s Boat” is a Blue Riviera M370 (SX370Q) “On Cue”. All boats to be on VHF 15 (We ask everyone to have a
VHF radio on board so the front boat can communicate with all vessels about crab pots, fishing boats anchored in the
channel etc etc).
• 1900hrs Santa will lead the fleet at 4-6 Knots. Santa will advise the fleet on VHF 15 and 6 x loud horn blasts when departure commences.
• Please follow the boat in front with a minimum distance of 10 meters & maximum distance of 20 meters (please stay within these limits to help make a great spectacle for our friends on the shore). Do not overtake or drive alongside other boats as the Canals are too narrow, follow in line. If you can’t commit to the whole circuit, please join the end of the procession so the boats following you don’t get confused a veer off course with you.
• Remember you are the Skipper and are responsible for your boat and crew. Ensure your boat is equipped with navigation lights and life jackets as required.
• Please see the map attached for the course we will be following and become familiar with the route before the night.
• Have a person on board with a torch as a crab pot spotter (you don’t want a tangled Prop)
• This is an unofficial gathering of friends on boats (invite another friend with a boat to come along, all boats all sizes)
