Island Estates Boat Parade Winners

Braving unusually cold weather and very low tides 47 boats participated in the Island Estates Yacht Club Memorial Holiday Boat Parade which passed by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Island Way Grill showing off a spectacular light display.

The Best in Parade winner was Puff the Magic Dragon, which took 2 years of planning. The winner, Captain Braun, is donating his grand prize to Toys for Tots charity.

The parade is organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club ad is the largest in the area. 23 businesses contributed money or gift certificates as prizes.

2008 winners:

• Best in Parade: Puff the Magic Dragon – Drew Braun

• Power boats 30 feet or more: First place, Semper Fi, John Tornga; Second place, Sea Spirit, Bob Griffin; Third place, One Wish, Gene Williams

• Power boats 30 feet or less: First place, Sea Hunter, Tom Tafelski; Second Place, My Son, David Smart; Third place, JCREW, James Boswell

• Sailboats, First place, Annalea II, Anton Hopen; Second place, Island Hopper, Carol Elwood; Third place, Venor Divino, James B. Thurber