East Enders will be happy to know that a version of Hamilton Harbour's popular Christmas boat parade will be coming to St. George's in the summer.

St. George's Town Crier E. Michael Jones and his organising committee are working on finalising plans to bring their own version of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute Christmas Boat Parade to St. George's Harbour on July 13.

For those East End boat owners who did not bother to make the trek up the North Shore for the December event in Hamilton Harbour, they now won't have to consider travelling such a distance.

Not one to do things in half measures - he initiated the New Year's Eve celebrations in St. George's 11 years ago - Mr. Jones anticipates the parade taking off in a big way and becoming an annual summertime event, similar to the wintertime version in the capital.

He has already spoken to retailers of Christmas lights, such as Gorhams, Masters and Price Busters, about offering post-Christmas specials on lights for those intending to participate in the parade. He is urging boat owners to take advantage of those sales and get their lights early.

“The BUEI had some 70 boats, I would like to think we can get 50 in our first try,” he stated.

“Because it is summer and there are so many boats in the water, there is no reason why we can't get that many or more, keeping in mind all those 70 boats in the BUEI show already have their lights, so they are ready to go.

“There is no theme, the lights can be anything they want...the sky's the limit. They can decorate the boat any way they like and the lights don't have to be just white.

“It's very likely that we could surpass numbers that they have had at BUEI. But for our first time if we can get 50, the committee would be very pleased.”

The organising committee is exploring all avenues; including seeking the advice of BUEI's Ralph Richardson and Steve Thomson. Mr. Jones' committee includes Tom Whayman, who is on the BUEI committee that does the light show and St. George's Corporation alderman Kenneth Bascome. Mr. Jones says others will come on board, such as someone from the St. George's Sea Cadets and a representative from the East End Mini Yacht Club.

“It was most important to work alongside Ralph Richardson, the director of BUEI, and Steve Thomson, who is chairman of the committee for the lights,” said Mr. Jones.

“Those committee members have been very willing to provide all of the information to make our jobs that much easier. In meetings with them they think not only is it a good idea but will enhance and help to grow it overall. More boats will have lights and maybe they will have more boats in their show next year because of it.”

Because of the time of year, Mr. Jones thinks the boat parade will be hugely popular. He was careful to avoid clashing with Eastern Counties matches, while the Newport Yacht Race is scheduled for the end of June.

“All the yachts are normally on their way back by July 4,” Mr. Jones stressed.

“And with County Cup on July 20, we thought July 13 would be a good time to get the boat show going. It gives all the committee members involved in the Newport race a chance to get their boats ready (for the boat show).”

And the areas surrounding the harbour, including Marginal Wharf on the St. David's side are perfect vantage points to view the show. Because of the time of the year and daylight saving, the show won't start before 9 p.m., but that would enable other build up events to be scheduled earlier in the day, said Mr. Jones who noted that July lends itself to better weather and more visitors on the Island.

“It's summertime and we would really like to see more of the smaller boats in the water,” he said, adding also that no cruise ship will be berthed in St. George's at the time of the week to hamper viewing of the show.

“No matter where they are around the harbour they will be able to see the boats,” he assured.

“If they are on south side on Marginal Wharf, in areas of St. David's and the islands, Barracks Hill and homes built along Cut Road...they will all be able to see.

“I anticipate the boats will come down on the Friday evening and the owners will begin working on their boats all day on the Saturday and then early Saturday evening can get dinner, get themselves organised and then get underway around 9 o'clock.

“What's nice about doing it in the summertime is the boats won't have to leave that night and go up the North Shore, they can all stay in St. George's. I anticipate quite a few boats will actually stay in St. George's Harbour for that night.

“The next day they can take their lights down and then go back. We've already had one boat owner say he's coming from Dockyard. I anticipate getting people from all over the Island.”

“I would like to think we'll have people in 14, 15-foot boats, keeping in mind they will have to have the safety equipment on board and running lights and will have to have whatever safety equipment is mandated by Marine and Ports,” said the past member of the Water Safety Council who is a boat owner himself.

“Marine and Ports have given us their full support and will be happy to help us coordinate this, including Harbour Radio. One of the nice things is Harbour Radio will have a great view and will be able to see all the boats and everything that is happening in the harbour, so they can keep an eye on things.”

However, Mr. Jones doesn't think the responsibilities he will have will enable him to take his boat, Ayesha, a 48-foot sloop from her mooring.

“I will be very busy that night but it certainly is a possibility of having her out waving the St. George's colours,” said Jones in response to the question.

“I anticipate in the middle of the harbour we will have more boats rafted up than they do on May 24 for the first dinghy race when there are lots of boats rafted up that day,” he added.

“We will serve food and beverages on the promenade, we want this to be another event on the St. George's calendar. So don't put the lights away yet - I think it's going to be exciting to do it in the summer time.”

It is not expected that the boat show will last much more than an hour, after which there will be a fireworks display to close out the activities while the boats are still lit up in the harbour.

“I don't anticipate anything more than an hour for the actual boat show,” said Mr. Jones.

“The fireworks would be at about 10.30 and if people would like to stay, there will be ample opportunity for people to stay and mingle. There are many people who would like to stay around and make a night of it.

“The town is now a World Heritage Site and it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our talent. I think it's going to be a wonderful opportunity to do something that doesn't involve a great deal of expense.”

Sponsors are also being sought Mr. Jones said that anyone wanting more information can call 297-8197 or e-mail him at Towncrieribl.bm.