Photo Focus: Charlotte Amalie Harbor Gets Lit

December 16, 2023

All participating boats were decked out in hundreds of lights and holiday decorations. (Photo by Michele L Weichman)

The rain and rough seas did not stop the St. Thomas Lighted Boat Parade Friday. As the clouds rolled in, the night sky lit up with the bright lights from the beautifully decorated boats.

Children climb down the coastline in Frenchtown to watch Friday night’s parade. (Photo by Michele L Weichman)

Before heading to Miracle on Main Street, people packed Oceana restaurant in Frenchtown for front-row seats to the annual event.

As the boats cruised by, captains and passengers, some dressed for the holiday occasion, waved, sang Christmas tunes and encouraged the people dining to do the same. Younger diners headed to the rocks by the water’s edge for an up close and personal experience.

Friday night’s first-place winner was vessel “9 Lives,” captained by Keven Wenk. This is the second year in a row that Wenk has won.

Keven Wenk and crew celebrate his boat parade win. (Submitted photo)

Second place went to the motor vessel “Araeak”, captained by Larry Benjamin and the host boat of the St. Thomas Sail and Power Squadron.

Larry Benjamin’s “Araeak,” grabbed second place. (Photo by Larry Benjamin)

And last but certainly not least in third place was the sailing vessel “Gorda Pirate”, captained by Tyler Weiss.

“The Annual St Thomas Lighted Boat Parade is a generational celebration that has become a part of a perennial community favorite shared by families and friends for over twenty years,” said Parade Director Erik Ackerson.