Year after year, the Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks Show is a favorite event of our members and staff, and 2023 did not disappoint! Mild weather, dozens of decorated boats, and a dazzling fireworks shows made this year's parade among the most spectacular in memory. Latitude 38 agrees with Scuttlebutt's estimate of 80 boats on the parade route the evening of December 9. This year's fireworks show was reported to be the most impressive ever seen following the annual parade.
Aboard three Modern Sailing boats, Kanaloa (Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 catamaran), Attitude Adjustment (Beneteau Oceanis 41), and Liberty (Beneteau Oceanis 38.1), twenty-three Lighted Boat Parade Club Sail partipants were awed by the joyous spectacle of boats. Creatively festooned with lights by our fleet staff, Kanaloa and Attitude Adjustment joined the parade, while Liberty, as an undecorated spectator boat, was free to roam and enjoy the full length of the parade along its outer edges.
After a full day of teaching ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing, Instructor Captain Scott Paul took out Dolce Vita (Catalina 30) with his merry crew and shared these photos with us.
Kanaloa and Attitude Adjustment are seen in the background with our neighbor the schooner Freda B.
When you're this close, the fireworks display isn't something you just see, it's something you feel! Some of our sailors commented that this year's display was the best they'd ever seen, compared to previous years.
Our CEO, Leigh Hunt, skippered Ho'okele (Seawind 1160 catamaran) as another spectator boat for staff and friends. He also shared a few photos and words about the experience.
Another neighbor, the brigantine Matthew Turner, showed up glowing in all her glory.
"Wow! Well done Sausalito! Last night was the best Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade that I have seen since I’ve been here! Big thank you to the team at Modern Sailing School & Club for getting into the spirit. Kanaloa and Liberty looked great!" - Leigh Hunt, President/CEO of Modern Sailing
We're already looking forward to next year's parade!
Did you share any great photos of the 2023 Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade on social media? Please tag us at #modernsailingschool or @modernsailingschool - we'd love to see them!
