Redondo Beach King Harbor boats ‘Share Your Imagination’ for the holidays

King Harbor Boat Parade Sweepstakes Award winner Ellis Island II featured a live mariachi band. Photo by Kevin Cody
by Kevin Cody

This year’s King Harbor Boat Parade theme was “Share Your Imagination,” which over two dozen brightly lit boats took to heart Saturday night. There were boats lit up with Santa Clauses and snowmen, and a Mexican desert with saguaro cacti and a mariachi band. The Sea Ray powerboat “El Coyote” carried a giant octopus that  lit up and changed colors, just like the real ones. “Motley Crew,” a Catalina 36 sailboat, carried USC Trojan boosters, who also lit up and changed colors, just like the real ones. Last year “Motley Crew” celebrated USC’s new coach  Lincoln Riley. This year the crew celebrated USC Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Councilman Zein Obagi welcomed spectators on behalf of the city. Superintendent Steven Keller introduced  Redondo Union High teacher Ann Collingwood, and Lincoln Elementary School teacher Ann Bhare, who were nominated by their fellow teachers to serve as Grand Marshals.

Harbor Commissioner Vicki Callahan drew from her years on the waterfront to deliver a running commentary on the boats as they circled the main channel.

Rain and gale force winds were forecast. But keeping with the boat parade’s charmed history, the skies stayed clear, and still until all the boats were back safely in their slips.

King Harbor Boat Holiday Boat Parade 2022 award winners were:

Sweepstakes Award: #35 Ellis Island II (Peter Ellis)

Best Sail under 32.  #20 Magic Carpet (Kelly Bean).

Best Sail Over 32-feet: #12 Sea Toy: Sea Scouts Ship 618.

Best Power under 32-feet: #20 Just Right (Paul Zambrisky).

Best Power Over 32-feet: #1 Gypsea Kings  (Tim King).

Best Use of Costumes and Music: #6 Waterfront Education.

Most Enthusiastic: #10 Triple Net (Mike Grannis). ER

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