Boats With Character Sought for Parade

“Leakin’ Timbers,” “Wheel, Steam and Bell,” and “Bilgy Binnacle” are just a few of the trophies that will be awarded after the 26th annual Character Boat Parade in Newport Harbor Aug. 17.

The parade will feature boats in various categories decorated to reflect the parade’s theme, “School Days.” The armada will be led by a Newport Beach fireboat and will start at 2 p.m. in front of the California 500 Bar and Grill. From there the boats will cruise down the south side of the bay, past Lido Island to the jetty, and back up the north side to the Balboa Bay Club.

Competition is divided into three divisions: decorated boat, open to any boat of any size, configuration, age and construction; character boat, which includes steamboat, classic yacht and Monterey, and commercial entries from companies or other organizations displaying the name, logo or products of the sponsors.

There is no registration fee for non-commercial and character boats. Commercial entries will be charged $100. For more information, call the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, (714) 644-8211.