Intracoastal Regatta makes wake in spirit of Thanksgiving

Forget Black Friday; Thanksgiving weekend on the Grand Strand brings the biggest wake to kick off the Christmas season: a parade on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

The 32nd annual “Intracoastal Regatta,” benefiting Yachts for Tots and The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, will sail 5-7 p.m. Nov. 26 on the waterway from Little River Inlet south to Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach. It’s free to see, and more boat entrants are encouraged to join.

The regatta coordinator, Susie Watson, a Cherry Grove Beach native who also is marina manager at Harbourgate Marina in North Myrtle Beach, credited a whole committee and all the boaters who enter each year for the event’s longevity. She spoke about how with “just a little imagination and idea, and then, bam,” this endeavor has grown and become an annual celebration. All participants and onlookers asked to bring donations of new unwrapped toys, or pet food/supplies, or both, on this evening.

“Always remember,” Watson said. “Dreams do come true.”

Question | With this regatta growing since 1984, what memories of that boat parade you, your husband and your uncle saw in Florida are still fresh atop your mind that inspired this whole endeavor that has sailed into a Thanksgiving tradition for the Grand Strand?

Answer | The many themes, such as “The Night before Christmas,” the Nativity scene, “It’s a Small World,” Elvis boats, flamingos dancing. and patriotic vessels were the inspiration.

Q. | Through the years, what most-decked out vessels have dazzled event committee planning members, and everyone lining the waterway, the most?

A. | We have seen Snoopy, trains, and patriotic and Elvis themes through the years. In 1984, the Hurricane, owned by Gus Speros, was our lead boat, and the Barefoot Princess Riverboat has ended our parade each year. Russellhatt, owned by Cindy Russell, has been in the parade all 31 years. Captain Poo on The Dream has led the parade for many years. Michelle Drake, turning her Getaway Dolphin Cruise boat into a Christmas train, has given new ideas to decorating the vessels.

Q. | Have new lighting designs on boats, especially with light-emitting diode technology, taken on new dimensions never previously envisioned?

A. | In the beginning, many of the decorations were made from cut-outs and trimmed with lights, then the inflatables were a big thing. Now boaters are getting more creative by design with the LED lights and chicken wire to transfer the vessel into sharks, trains, and unlimited imaginations of Christmas spirit

Q. | Besides the mammoth task of coordinating Yachts for Tots, through fundraising and toy drives – especially with donations welcome on regatta night – how special has been raising awareness about homeless dogs and cats for the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, to make this a truly family affair, and what pet items are in greatest demand this year?

A. | Of course, there is always a need for food for all animals, along with bedding, cat litter, pet toys just everyday supplies. Also, consider donating your time to the humane society and other local agencies. So often at this time of year, our four-legged friends are forgotten.

Q. | What public viewing sites have become the hottest spots to watch the regatta?

A. | All waterfront restaurants located in Little River and North Myrtle Beach to 13th Avenue North. Also, the boat landing, under the U.S. 17 overpass. Neighborhoods along the Intracoastal Waterway throughout Little River and North Myrtle Beach.

Q. | How many registered boats were on the books as of Nov. 10, and how does the total count vary from year to year?

A. | Twelve as of now. Each year, it has varied from 18 to 30, depending on the weather. We depend totally on the boaters to get out and decorate their vessels. I can assure you that it is far more fun to parade with us. Six miles of parade spectators are amazing to see. Every house, condo and spot along the waterway will be filled, and you’ll see bonfires, campers, and Christmas parties at decorated homes, marinas and businesses.

Q. | Among the music playing from boats, what yuletide songs have become most identified with the regatta?

A. | “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Q. | And what carol always guarantees you a smile to think about this annual regatta – at any time of year?

A. | Alabama singing “Thistlehair the Christmas Bear” and “Angels Among Us.” Also, my granddaughter was born the night of the boat parade, 12 years ago – Happy Birthday, Carolina Sue!

Q. | Any basic reminders for the public that are more vital now than ever?

A. | Don’t forget to drop off an unwrapped toy at any of the “Yachts for Tots” boxes posted across our local community. Demand this year will be higher because of Hurricane Matthew. ... Start each holiday season with us as we cruise the waterway and bring out the child in all of us.

This story was originally published November 20, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Intracoastal Regatta makes wake in spirit of Thanksgiving."