Another successful Illuminated Boat Parade is in the books!

Thousands showed up along the Newport waterfront on Friday evening to watch twenty three boats compete in the 22nd Annual event.

I had a blast emceeing the event at Newport Yacht Club, thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello.

The parade was organized and sponsored by Discover Newport, Newport Yacht Club, and the City of Newport for organizing.

Here is a list of the 2019 winners;

  • Recreational Powerboat: Cod Father, Richard Cromwell
  • Commercial Powerboat: Coastal Queen, Bill Munger owner of Conanicut Marina
  • Recreational Sailboat: Scappare, David LeBlanc
  • Commercial Sailboat: Tidal Wave, Oldport Marine, Mike Muessel and Matt Gineo
  • Fishing Boat- There was no participant or winner in this category.
  • Team Spirit-Bird Cage, Bob Oeoulette and Richard Cromwell, Pontoon Boat

Local restaurants graciously donated the gift cards that were given to the award winners. All participants were also given a ribbon for their participation.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...