Saturday's Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute Christmas Boat Parade has been hailed as a resounding success.

In only its second year, the parade has joined the list of major public events that mark the Bermuda social calendar, with crowds lining Harbour Road, Front Street, and Pitt's Bay Road, and vantage points in between to see the 65 decorated boats.

An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people are thought to have watched the parade, with many lining Harbour Road, the north or eastbound lane of which Police had closed to traffic.

Grand Marshall of the parade this year was Newport Beach, California Boat Parade organisers Bill and Linda Pierpoint, who rubbed shoulders with Tourism Minister David Allen, Development Minister Terry Lister, and Mayor of Hamilton, William Frith.

Huge crowds turn out for Christmas Boat Parade Mr. Allen promised people gathered at the Royal Bermuda Yacht club that his ministry would throw its weight behind the parade, by including it in the Island's advertising campaign.

Mr. Pierpoint, who puts together a parade that has some 200 boats over a seven day period, was impressed with the local production.

"This is as spectacular and exciting an event as what we have after 90 years of the Newport Boat Parade,'' he said. "I think it's going to grow. It doesn't even look like a start up parade.'' Mr. Pierpoint praised the organisers for the timing and pacing of the parade, saying: "Everyone knew what they were doing. This parade worked like clockwork.'' The parade has become so popular, guests at the Waterloo House on Pitt's Bay Road booked a spot for next years parade as the last boats filed by.

Resident Manager Fiona MacMillian said: "Everyone had a wonderful time. It was such a great atmosphere with it and we are in a prime location for it.

Everything stopped including staff.'' Her counterpart at Newstead, Graham O'Connell said his guests watched the parade from the hotel's pool area then retired to the packed to capacity dining room after a fireworks show.

Mr. O'Connell added: "Making the traffic a one way was a real asset. The traffic was a problem last year, but they did well this time. It really made a difference.

Chairman of the organising committee, Ian Coles, calling it a "fairy tale event'' thanked boat skippers for their hours of preparation.

"Kevin Blee, parade marshal, and Tom Whayman, dockmaster, should specifically be mentioned for ensuring a flawless operation,'' Mr. Coles said. "Everything was done with an emphasis on safety.'' The winners of the judging competition are: Best overall, Dennis Correia's Clevelander ; Best sailboat, Andrew Bamshan Night Wind ; Best commercial boat, James O'Connor Rambler ; Best under 30 feet, James Cornes Poison Ivy ; Most creative Will Cox's Shearwater ; Best use of Light and Animation, David Lines African Queen ; Best Christmas Music John Carr Nomad ; Best use of Humour, Andrew Cook Scooby Deux ; and most traditional, Dean DaCosta's Infinity .