The 2011 Southport Christmas Flotilla
POWER BOATS
First - Knot So Fast - Jerry Kusky
Second - Vaya Con Dioa - Jim Minnett
Third - Marine Max - Mike Stidham
SAIL BOATS
First - Gentle Breeze - Jason Sondergarrd
Scond - C Breeze III - Robert Creech
Third - Kellie - Ed Pierce
A big thanks to CFYC's past Commodore Woody Wilson who headed up the 2011 Christmas Flotilla.
His report of the event:
A special thanks to everyone who participated in the Southport Christmas Flotilla!. By all reports it was a fantastic display of community spirit. Your personal efforts and dedication to making the Flotilla a huge success are greatly appreciated.
The mighty Cape Fear River played nicely for a change. The current was flat, the wind was not a factor and there was no rain. The full moon provided plenty of illumes and we all found our way in the dark without incident or accident.
We are extremely fortunate to have the USCG support and lead the Flotilla with one of their vessels each year. It's interesting to note, the USCG Approval of Event Document does not task them to participate. Coast Guard Station - Oak Island participates and supports us with their above and beyond attitude that makes them such a great asset. God bless them for their service and dedication to duty.
We thank Downtown Southport, Inc. and the Southport Tourism and Economic Development Department for their help and assistance in making this year's Flotilla possible. Everyone certainly appreciated and enjoyed the beverages, food, snacks and awards provided by DSI at the Flotilla Awards Party.
We owe Paul and Maria of Provisions Company a debt of gratitude for their continuing support of the Flotilla. They can always be counted on to generously support community activities. The chili was fantastic and there was plenty of it. No one left hungry. There is not a better place to view the Flotilla than Old American Fish. Pam and Dave were like one armed paper hangers keeping the customers supplied all during the party. A great time was had by all.
Cathy Melton once again was the liaison with the control boat and the elementary school kids who judge the Flotilla entries and decide the winners. She gets to be out in the cold all during the entire Flotilla.Their findings are final and there is no chance of influencing their vote. Their teacher, Katie McNeil, maintains the secret voting and the results are certified by kid power.
Dave Weigel of the Cape Fear Yacht Club graciously provided the mark boat ,Flip Flop, again this year and we appreciate his dedication to staying on station until the very last vessel clears his position.
Bob Griffith and his crew on the Kelly Allen served as our trail vessel to ensure all the participants cleared the river and waterway. John Boy says that's Bob's normal racing position anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem to be the last vessel.
John Boy Crawford has been a consistent supporter of the Flotilla for years and helps with the spotting and march ordering of the participants and anything else that needs doing. He is a real Gunga Din. His biggest task is to plug in the shore power line for the control boat, Wayfarer, because he likes the initial pedestal electrical shock that curls his hair.
Our Cape Fear Yacht Club Master Photographer, Chris Webster, managed to get some outstanding photos of the awards presentation and the Flotilla in general. His photos are truly memory makers for sure.
If we had an award for the most energetic and innovative dancing Santa Claus, it would have been awarded to Hilleary of Lantana's who danced in the sleigh (flat bottomed john boat) pulled by the MarineMax/Southport Marina entry. She danced during the entire parade. Rumor has it, she paid the price with sore muscles on Sunday. Best dancing Santa we have ever seen.
All participants, crew members and friends please pat yourselves on the back for a job well done.
