DOCKTALK
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Boat by Puffy Derkins
H
ere’s the thing: you’re most likely reading this in early October, when the weather around the Chesapeake is still warm and mild. So when I say to you “it’s time to start thinking about your holiday decorations!” you’re most likely going to respond with “holiday decorations? The Tiki torches are still up! Get out of here, woman!” But it’s true! It’s time to start thinking about those holiday decorations, most specifically the decorations you’ll want to have on your boat for the Lighted Boat Parade up and down the Bay in early December. Because if we can offer just one tiny piece of advice, it’s that you can’t rush your float design and construction. You might think you’re transforming your boat into a magical representation of the holiday spirit, but with a rushed build and botched theme, you can easily scare children, incite rage in spouses, spark chatter on a police blotter, and end up on the EPA’s list of Biggest Bay Offenders. Seriously. To get you closer to having the best float around, we spoke with Eastport YC’s Chief Elf, Pete Chambliss, whose “Angel” float is still spoken of in hushed, reverent tones around Annapolis. “We spent almost 800 hours on ‘Angel,’” says Pete, adding that the parade will run the gamut from simple to extravagant. “Ten years ago, if there was a pretty display, it was static. Now you have moving parts, computersynchronized, moving shows. You’ll see everything from high-tech high sound animation to a simple string of lights hanging from the top of the mast to the bow and stern.” For those interested in getting involved, EYC is hosting a lights parade design seminar October 23 at 7:30 p.m. for both power and sail parade-goers. Bring your ideas, your questions, and of course your notebook, because the pros (Chambliss 28 October 2013 SpinSheet
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