An estimated 50,000 visitors, gathering on water and land, cheered on the parade of yachts and motorboats, each decorated with a holiday theme and thousands of glittering lights. The flotilla followed a 4-mile route through Motts Channel, Banks Channel and the Intracoastal Waterway, passing the judges’ viewing stand at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
A panel of judges, including John Boy of John Boy and Billy’s Big Show, selected the winners, all competing for $10,500 in cash prizes plus holiday bragging rights. Text voting continued this year, with Crowd Favorite and People’s Choice Awards determined by spectators.
The evening ended with a stunning 21-minute, 4,000-round fireworks display by Zambelli International, illuminating the night sky, and showering the waterway with sound and color.
Fall weather conditions were favorable with mild wind, clear sky, and fall temperature in the upper 40s, according to the release.
2014 winners by category include:
Best Overall
Captain: Mike Spivey; Vessel: Angler Management; Theme: Good Tidings to You, Turtle
Peoples Choice
Captain: Ava and Scott Werstlein; Vessel: No Name; Theme: Furtilla
Crowd Favorite
Captain: Skip Wilson; Vessel: The Bottom Line; Theme: Yellow Submarine
Best Powerboat 31ft. and over
Captain: Bob Bleecker; Vessel: JB; Theme: Salt Life Santa
Best Powerboat 23ft. – 31ft.
Captain: Eric Burns; Vessel: Chuck Norris; Theme: Sleigh Surfing
Best Powerboat 22ft. and under
Captain: Brent Jernigan; Vessel: Craig Cat; Theme: Christmas Hummingbird
Best Costumes Crew Spirit
Captain: Castle Branch; Vessel: The Jolly Roger; Theme: Peter Pan
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