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Sea of Lights sailing past Oak Bay and Saanich

Lighted ship parade floats thousands of lights through Haro Strait

Approximately 30,000 lights will float across Cadboro Bay Friday night.

The Sea of Lights ship parade returns for the 13th year with at least 15 vessels, including a naval training ship, sailing and pirouetting past Cadboro Bay, Cattle Point, Willows Beach and Gyro Park on Dec. 7.

“It is a way us at the yacht club can participate in the community in an unusual way,” said Andrew McBride, who will be decorating his boat with more than 3,000 lights. “Plus, put on a bit of a spectacle and show off which is always fun.”

Started in the District of Oak Bay’s centennial year, the Sea of Lights includes a bonfire and hot chocolate at Willows Beach, with any donations and non-perishable food items collected going to the Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay. Anyone watching from Gyro Park will be served hot chocolate by donation or non-perishable food item, with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

“The Sea of Lights is special because it is our kind of prime wintertime event, it’s our opportunity to interact with the community,” McBride explained.

The free event sees the Sea of Lights parading past Cattle Point at 7 p.m., Willows Beach at 7:15 p.m. and Gyro Park and Cadboro Bay at 7:45 p.m.

“We try to make it as much of a spectacle as we can … People do appreciate the effort we put in and we appreciate them for coming down to see it,” McBride said.



arnold.lim@blackpress.ca

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Andrew McBride will be one of approximately 15 boats participating in the Sea of Lights floating ship parade. (Arnold Lim/Black Press)


Arnold Lim

About the Author: Arnold Lim

I'm an award-winning photojournalist, videographer, producer, and director.
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