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