The threat of wind diminished and a dozen boats sailed past the shores of Oak Bay in an annual tradition of Sea of Lights last weekend to raise donations for the Salvation Army.
“The event was a great success, and the forecast strong winds did not materialize,” said organizer John Carter of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. “We had about a dozen decorated boats, and even a couple of stand-up paddleboards, all following the beautifully decorated HMCS Oriole.”
Did you miss the sail-past last weekend? Thanks @OakBayFireDept for the kids truck tour @OakBayNews @MayorNils pic.twitter.com/bvE9iE0wKE
— Kevin Murdoch (@Murdoch_OakBay) December 9, 2014
All boats received a prize at the dinner afterwards, with some imaginative prize categories created by Mayor Nils Jensen. The three main prizes went to “Molly Malone” and skipper Andrew McBride (RVYC’s newly elected commodore) for best sailboat; “Lobo” and skipper Dave Trace earned best motorboat, and sailboat “Tir na n’Og” and her skipper Peter Keller earned best overall title.
Carter estimates around 2,000 spectators warmed by the bonfire on Willows Beach followed by a lower-key event with around 150 spectators at Gyro Beach.
“The Salvation Army were happy with their substantial charity collections,” he said.