Pirate Boat Parade

Event: Pirate Boat Parade – Galveston Pirate Festival

Date/Time: Friday Sept 19th 6PM Parade Start time, 5PM lineup.

Location: Galveston Harbor

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 Entry & Registration

    •    All participating boats must be registered online at GalvestonPirateFest.com no later than the Skippers Meeting

    •    $50/vessel

    •    Each Skipper must provide boat name, length, crew count, and proof of insurance.

As well as a short bio/ story of your vessel to be told by the Commodore as you sail past the judges.

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 Theme & Decorations

    •    Vessels must be decorated in pirate theme – sails, flags, cannons, skeletons, treasure chests encouraged.

    •    No offensive or inappropriate signage/imagery. Family-friendly atmosphere required. If unsure, reach out to Commodore to confirm.

    • We will be out at sunset, don’t forget your Navigation Lights & spotlight for docking after dark.

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 Judging & Awards

    •    Categories include:

    •    Best Dressed Power Yacht (30’+)

    •    Best Dressed Power Vessel (-30′)

•    Best Dressed Sailboat (30+)

    •    Most Creative Theme

    •    Best Pirate Crew Performance

    •    Awards presented on the main stage at the Opening ceremony of Pirate Fest.

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 Staging & Parade Route

    •    Staging Area: Vessels will line up at location set by parade commodore

    •    Parade Route: Boats will pass Pier 21 and circle back toward the staging point -2 passes for the judges.

    •    Estimated Duration: 2 hours

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 Safety Rules

    •    All captains must attend the Skippers’ Meeting on Tuesday Sept 16th at 7:30PM @ a location to be released to go over parade route, safety plan and answer any questions.

    •    All crew and passengers must have USCG-approved life jackets onboard & readily available, as well as a throw buoy in case of Man Overboard.

    •    No reckless maneuvers, wake-jumping, or unsafe cannon fire. Horns & noise makers welcome!

    •    This is a Litter-Free event, no throwing items off boats to the public or ye Walk the Plank! #LeaveNoTrace

   • ALL vessel decorations be battened down Tight with zip ties etc so nothing falls off the boat.

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 Additional Notes

    •    Boats should monitor VHF Channel set by parade commodore for official parade instructions.

    •    Fireworks and pyrotechnics require special pre-approval.

    •    Alcohol is permitted onboard only in compliance with Texas law – the Skipper must remain sober for the duration of the parade.

    •    Docking space is limited; crews should arrange slips in advance.

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 Next Steps:

    •    Promote the event and your participation on social media with hashtags:

#GalvestonPirateFest #PirateBoatParade #GalvestonEvents #PirateLife