Actually sailing in the Christmas parade
Another fun year on the Barba Roja for the holiday lighted boat parade. We had a good crowd and great decorations courtesy of the SMSA high school sailing team. There were lots of great entries this year, including a few friends from the club. Steve decided to reprise our party trick from last year and hoist the old Mylar spinnaker to light up for a run along the river. The forecast suggested an easy 9-11kts down the boardwalk, but instead we got 14-18. We pushed through, but with no other sails up the boat loaded up immediately and we had quite the time getting the sail up and keeping her under control. Once we got it hoisted we took a very fast run down the boardwalk, and quickly doused before things got out of hand. Maybe not our smartest idea, but it certainly did make for a fun party trick and put on a great show for the folks on shore. A fun part of my holiday traditions.