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Ellis Island, a Catalina 34 owned by Peter Ellis, pulled off the King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade equivalent of a trifecta by claiming first place honors in three of the parade’s six divisions. Like the 16 other boats in the parade, Ellis Island was lit bow to stern with bright, colorful lights. But he nailed the “Tropical Holiday” theme with a steel drum player. In addition to Best Execution of Theme, Ellis Island earned the Best Overall and Best Sailboat Over 32 feet awards.
The award for Best Sailboat Under 31 feet went to the Emma Lou, featuring a lit whale, and owned by Daniel and Whitney De Sousa. Best Power over 32 feet went to Triple Net, featuring Surfing Santa and hula dancing crew, owned by Mike and Erin Grannis. The Glass Bottom boat, owned by Jacob Mark earned Best Power Boat under 31 with its fully lit hull and a towering reindeer.
The annual parade was presented by the King Harbor Port Royal yacht club, with support from the King Harbor Association and the Portofino Hotel, and sponsorship from Chevron. The Redondo Pier Association presented a Holiday Concert before the parade. Pat Light from KHYC chaired the parade for a second year.
The Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol, the Redondo Police Maritime Unit, and the Baywatch Lifeguards were present, though no problems arose during the calm, clear evening
Local dignitaries viewing the parade from 14 hospitality boats included Redondo Beach Mayor Jim Light, Councilman Todd Loewenstein, Treasurer Gene Solomon, Fire Chief Pat Butler, and Newly appointed Harbor Master, Curt Mahoney.
Proceeds will benefit two youth charities in the harbor. Parents are encouraged to consider enrolling their kids in the harbor’s youth sailing education programs: King Harbor Youth Foundation (KHYF.org) and Waterfront Education (WaterfrontEducation.org).
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