Rains don’t dampen NYC light parade

NAWILIWILI — “Just another day in paradise,” said a spectator huddled under an umbrella Sunday afternoon at Nawiliwili Harbor.

The showers that sent people running for cover almost scuttled the annual Nawiliwili Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade.

“We were just five minutes from cancellation,” said Sharon Gibson, normally the scorekeeper for NYC Harbor Series races. “We actually had people on the harbor waiting for the word so they could announce it.”

Instead, Doug Gibson, the skipper of a a 35-foot catamaran called Malihini, said the parade was just going to start a little late due to the rains.

Lelele was the first boat out of the harbor, its silver star glimmering in the waning light further obscured by the storm clouds.

With no wind to speak of, the boats relied on its outboard for power, the rubberized boat from Birds Over Paradise flitting between the flotilla.

The sequence was for the benefit of the judging public who obtained ballots from Bill Georgi, garbed in a Santa hat and aloha shirt.

“I can’t wear the full suit,” Georgi said. “It absorbs too much water in this rain. I just hope the weather clears for the Waimea Lighted Parade, Saturday.”

The flitting of the Birds in Paradise, piloted by Jerry Charlebois and friends, was enough to earn the dingy the top purse of $75.

OZone, skippered by Chris Jordan and his crew, finished in the runner-up position with $50 in winnings. Lelele with Terry Wells and his family pocketed the third prize.

“They were all winners,” Gibson said of the seven boats and their crews who participated in the event.

Marty Ellis, normally aboard a yacht, said this was the first time she got to see the parade from land. She said more than 80 people headed to the NYC Clubhouse following the parade.

Gibson said NYC members Tim Perry and Rick Schunk prepared a sumptuous meal of prime rib, ham, stuffed salmon and turkey.

“It was a delicious meal and a lovely evening,” Gibson said. “And it didn’t rain a drop the whole time!”