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A BOATER–FRIENDLY ROUTE HAS BEEN CREATED FOR THE
2017 SATURDAY NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE BOAT PARADE
Setting Sail December 23, 2017

Sustainability and safety concerns voiced by the boaters resulted in the Parade Committee’s unanimous decision to
recommend a modification for the 2017 Parade. The new route was also endorsed by the Punta Gorda Police
Department and presented at the PGICA Board of Directors April meeting.

The Parade start location has been moved to take advantage of the increased pre-parade dockage available,
reducing or eliminating the need for dozens of boats to circle around awaiting the parade start. All two way boat
traffic has been eliminated, decreasing collision risk and the loss of boater night vision from the lighted displays on
approaching vessels. Boaters can’t get lost on the new route. Elimination of 180 degree turns and reduction in 90
degree turns greatly diminishes the opportunity for large gaps to occur. Eliminating the double back sections of the
Parade route also shortens the Parade duration, reduces boater fatigue and is a tremendous benefit to the
increasing number of smaller boats without onboard toilet facilities.

Boaters and their crew volunteer tremendous time, energy, capital and effort to create an extraordinary annual
Christmas gift to the Community. The Saturday Night before Christmas Eve Boat Parade is the largest annual event
in the Isles, however 92% of Isles homeowners have no direct access to view the Parade. The 2017 Route doubles
the viewing areas per Parade mile, and increases viewing opportunities from a total of 37 to 59, allowing those Isles
homeowners not residing along the route a better opportunity to enjoy the event.

For more information, including a more detailed Parade map click on www.PuntaGordaBoatParade.com

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