The Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights is scheduled for this weekend, and we encourage all participants to enjoy it. As most boaters know, it has been a Dana Point Boaters Association tradition to convey the Most Spirit Award to the boat having the most fun during the parade. The award consists of a plaque and a $250 check.
This year, we contacted The Marina at Dana Point and graciously offered the award again. The response received was: “We have elected to take a different approach to events and awards this year…but thank you for reaching out and inquiring.”
Even though traditions are changing in Dana Point and the long-standing trophies and awards are seemingly wanted no more, your Dana Point Boaters Association has elected to award the Most Spirit plaque and $250 check to the boat in the parade, demonstrating the most fun. To select the winner, we need you, the Dana Point boaters, to email us at MostSpirit@danapointboaters.org with your choice of which boat had the most fun. In your email, include the boat name, boat number, and boat type (sailboat or powerboat). We will announce the winner in an eNewsletter next week.
Regarding the day-use boater parking, I am sure interested boaters have noticed some changes there. The short story: A concerned boater researched the situation and found the permit, and realized Dana Point Harbor Partners was not in compliance with the permit when they downsized the day-use boater parking. When compelled by the City of Dana Point to return it to the allocated number of spots, Dana Point Harbor Partners re-striped the lot for the smallest user group only, mainly those hauling a trailer with a jet ski to launch. While the restriping might have brought the day-use boater parking back to the 334 required spots, it certainly wasn’t done with the day-use boaters in mind nor in the spirit of the permit. Game playing? That is for you to decide. More on this subject in the next few weeks.
We wish you a Happy Holiday Season!