SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirteen charmingly decorated boats sailed around Sentosa Island and towards HarbourFront Cruise Bay for the inaugural Boat Light Parade in Singapore last Saturday, 6 December 2014.
Proudly organised by ONE15 Marina Club, the ONE15 Christmas Boat Light Parade saw power and sail boats of different lengths decked out in Christmas lights and decorations to the theme of A Tropical Christmas on Water, kicking off the holiday season. Done in other cities like Sydney and San Diego, ONE15 Marina Club hopes to bring the tradition here to Singapore's waters. Confirming that their vision was a success, members of the public were given a breathtaking spectacle as the flotilla cruised along Sentosa's coast, passing by iconic locations such as Siloso Beach, Resorts World Sentosa, HarbourFront Centre and VivoCity.
Decorating his boat for the first time, Captain Matt Richard of Hye Seas II (a superyacht measuring 116ft) recollected, "It was a lot of work. My crew and I spent over 30 hours adorning the boat with lights and other festive decorations; however, looking back, it was definitely worth the time and hard work when I see my guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. The other participants were really impressive as well; some even had Christmas mascots like Gingerbread man, Santa Claus and a Toy Soldier!"
The participating boats were classified into 4 different categories, according to their type and length, and assessed by a panel of judges selected from the event's sponsors based on their creative use of lighting, music, crowd engagement, originality and depiction of the theme "A Tropical Christmas on Water". The parade's Best of Show also stands to win a cash prize of S$3,000. The boats went all out in their elaborate designs and ornamentations as they competed against each other for cash prizes totalling S$15,000.
"I particularly enjoyed admiring how each boat had a unique representation of the given theme. They each stood out in their own ways," said Choon Yee, a participant onboard superyacht Megaway (128ft). "It was undeniably an intriguing experience to be part of the flotilla and witnessing the mesmerising display of lights by the other boats. It felt like Chingay on waters!"
Parade participation was open to both boaters (boat dealers, charter boat operators and boat private boat owners from all Singapore Boat Marinas and beyond) and non-boaters alike. Boats are available for charter from ONE15 Luxury Yachting for those who do not own boats. There are over 28 charter yachts available to chose from that can accommodate 8 to 50 passengers. Decorate them in festive lights and cruise along with catered food and drinks onboard the chartered for the festive holiday boat light parade.
"My group, all 16 of us, had a merry time; I think that's most important," Michael Gray, a participant and owner of a 58ft power boat, Tiger Too, commented, "Especially when we were all sailing along the Sentosa Boardwalk, where the public could see us, decked out in a myriad of enthralling colours."
Spectators can also expect to see this enchanting festive boat light parade as the yachts take to the waters again this Saturday, 13 December. With three additional participants joining the parade this time, the public can head to Sentosa Boardwalk between 8.15pm to 9.15pm to catch a glimpse of these beautifully decorated yachts.
The event concludes with Awards Ceremony and Closing Party held at Boaters' Bar at ONE15 Marina Club, recognising the participants' efforts and the winners of each category. Tickets to the after party are priced at S$35 per ticket at the door.
Sponsors who were onboard with the event include key sponsor, DBS Insignia, contributing sponsors W Singapore - Sentosa Cove and World Sport Group and supporting sponsors comprising well-established boat dealerships in the region - Simpson Marine and Princess Yachts Southeast Asia. Product Sponsors who will be supporting the event in-kind include Nestle Singapore, PengWine®, Sony Singapore and Gogreen Segway®.
Added Matt Richard, "I really hope this parade becomes an annual event; in which I would definitely take part again!"
Photos from the event can be viewed here.
For more information, please email xmasboatparade@one15marina.com.
About ONE15 Marina Club
ONE15 Marina Club is the winner of several international accolades including the Outstanding Hospitality Award at the Helm Magazine Singapore Yacht Show Awards 2013, Asian Marina of the Year consecutively from 2012 - 2014, Best Asian Marina/Best Yachting Club 2009 and the prestigious FIVE Gold Anchor Award. The Club also has the honour of hosting upscale international yachting events including the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race, the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09, Asia Superyacht Conference 2009 - 2011, Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference 2012 and 2013, the 6th Asia Pacific Yachting Conference 2014 and the Singapore Yacht Show 2011 - 2014. Located in Sentosa Cove, the prime leisure district of Singapore, ONE15 Marina Club features a beautiful marina of 270 berths with facilities to accommodate megayachts of up to 200 feet. The well-appointed clubhouse encompasses world-class facilities including fine restaurants and bars, luxurious suite rooms, a modern spa, a well-equipped gymnasium, members' and kids' lounges as well as conference and meeting rooms. Evoking the glamour and elegance of Monte Carlo, ONE15 Marina Club and is emerging to be Asia's most desired waterfront leisure destination.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Peggy Tan
Director of Sales, Membership and Marketing
ONE15 Marina Club
peggytan@one15marina.com
+65-6305-6988
+65-9366-9777
Pamela Tan
Assistant Manager, Marketing and Communications
ONE15 Marina Club
pamelatan@one15marina.com
+65-6305-9671
Hannah Lee
Corporate Communications Executive
ONE15 Marina Club
hannahlee@one15marina.com
+65-6309-3482
