One of the most fun things to do this time of year along the NC Coast are the annual flotillas. It is a chance to participate in fun events and raise a lot of money for local charities! The folks who enter their boats in the flotillas take the competition seriously and put a lot of thought and planning into their boat’s theme. Some spend all year gussying up their boats. They really get them “decked out” for the occasion!
All of these flotillas are always looking for more boat entries (the more the Merrier right?) so visit their websites if you’d like to enter your boat!
Here is the skinny on a few annual flotilla events along our coast:
The Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla:
The Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla boat parade is always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Saturday, November 25th, 2023) and begins at dusk (about 5:30 PM) in front of Inlet View Bar & Grill.
The Flotilla will then proceed down the IntraCoastal Waterway ending up at Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant & Marina.
All of this will be to benefit the Brunswick Family Assistance Program! Be sure to come join the fun at the Flotilla and party with your friends for a GREAT CAUSE.
Boat parade starts at 5:30 in front of The Inlet View Bar and Grill at Shallotte Point and proceeds down the Intracoastal waterway to the commercial canal in front of Sharkey’s Restaurant where judging will take place.
As always there will then be a gi-normous Flotilla Party in the main dining room (and all over Sharky’s) with a night of music and general Merry Making!
After awards are given out the party cranks up with live music provided by Chip & The Old Blocks and Stone Cold Blues Band). There will be a number items for auction. Flotilla T- shirts will be available for purchase.
For more information about next year’s event or to enter a boat, call (910) 612-7799 or (910) 612-2793
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT BRUNSWICK FAMILY ASSISTANCE!
Website: https://oceanislebeachflotilla.com
The Wrightsville Beach Holiday Flotilla:
40th Annual Flotilla weekend will be held on Saturday, November 25th 2023.
A great reason to spend Thanksgiving weekend at the beach, the fun starts Friday night with the tree lighting ceremony.
Schedule of Events
———-
Boat Parade + Fireworks
The boat parade begins at 6pm with fireworks following the parade on Saturday, November 26th, 2022. The duration of the boat parade varies every year by the number of boat entries. There is no official location to watch the parade, but you can park in the Wrightsville Beach park parking lot and walk to any number of vantage points along the parade route, including the Banks Channel Bridge, the two South Harbor Island mini-parks, or the west side of Waynick Boulevard.
There will be fireworks following the parade.
They cruise form Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. The boats compete for prizes and add to the wonderful holiday spirit.
The flotilla always takes place on the second Saturday after Thanksgiving and begins at 6 PM.
A panel of judges will be on hand to choose the winners. Bring the family and enjoy the evening at Carolina Beach.
Questions? Call 910-386-8081.
Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Fishing boats and pleasure craft decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. They cruise form Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. The boats compete for prizes and add to the wonderful holiday spirit.
The flotilla always takes place on the second Saturday after Thanksgiving and begins at 6 PM. A panel of judges will be on hand to choose the winners. All are encouraged to participate in text voting for your favorite boat to determine the winner of the People’s Choice award.
Bring the family and enjoy the evening at Carolina Beach. To enter a boat in the Flotilla click here for a printable registration form. Questions? Send an email to [email protected].
The Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla
Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla
December 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Free Event
Join the Friends of the Maritime Museum for the annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla! Yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season can be seen at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront.
Join the Friends of the Maritime Museum for the annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla! Yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season can be seen at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront.
To Participate In The Flotilla:
Boats may register to participate in the Flotilla by phone or email [email protected] until noon on Saturday, December 2. There is no registration fee.
All vessels are asked to proceed east down Taylor’s Creek to the Beaufort Hotel where judges will pick their favorites. Flotilla participants may also dock for free (there is a charge for power) at the Beaufort Town Docks (subject to availability).
North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
www.ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.