Long gone are the days of summer sailing and warmer evenings, the trees have quickly become bare and the temperature has most definitely dropped, winter has arrived. We may not be in store for a dreamy white Christmas or any snow for that matter but there’s just something so magical about Christmas time, the holiday tends to bring everyone together and life seems to go at a slower pace.
We’re finally in the month of December, it’s now universally acceptable to put up your Christmas tree (although, a few guilty members of our team have had them up since November!) and you won’t be judged if you eat your bodyweight in mince pies.
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to host many social events for our berth holders this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, however we look forward to introducing some exciting ideas when it’s safe to do so.
Good tide-ings we bring to all our berth holders as we invite you to spread some festive cheer with our annual Milford Marina Christmas boat dressing competition!
At long last you can clamber in your closet and fish out all your decorations which haven’t seen daylight for 12 months. Most traditional decorations include wreaths, stockings and of course the notorious Christmas tree, but these things may not be so boat-friendly especially when exposed to the elements of the weather.
The Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor Terry Davies will be joining us at Milford Marina on Friday 18th December to choose the best dressed boat. The winner will receive a bespoke hamper of Welsh produce from family-run Milford Waterfront business, Trwffl. The surrounding apartments and businesses across the town are taking part in their own separate competitions too, which will also be judged on Friday 18th December by the Mayor of Milford Haven - and what a sight we think it will be!
We spoke to Paul Whitby, who was crowned our 2019 Christmas Boat Dressing Competition winner with a fantastic display on Larus. Paul has given us some words of wisdom and advice for those who wish to take part this year…
When setting up your lights, make sure they have plenty of support. As we all know, winter weather can be unpredictable, most of my lights are cable tied loosely to the para chord, so the chord holds all the weight, not the wiring.
Paul Whitby, Larus
If you are using light nets, set them up so they are easy to remove. I lost most of mine last year on the first windy night and had to replace them.
But most of all, just set up your lights for the fun of it, the more boats that put up lights the better! It’s lovely to see all the families that visit the marina to see the lights, and to hear their excited comments.
It would be lovely to see many more boats and businesses setting up lights to help create a really great display. Even if it’s only to make it special for the local children, especially after the year we’ve all had.
All vessels small and large are welcome to enter the competition, we can only advise to work with what you’ve got and get creative using the shape of your boat. Some boats opt for an explosion of colours, whilst some keep it sweet and simple, there’s no right or wrong way, we just suggest keeping an eye on the weather forecast and making sure your lights are fully secured.
We all know how stressful this time of the year can be, so if you’re stuck for Christmas gifts, we’re surrounded by a cracking selection of boutique shops to suit all tastes and budgets, take a look at Milford Waterfront’s gift guide for some festive inspiration.
Show off your crafting skills and get into the Christmas spirit with Milford Waterfront’s Christmas card design competition. With 4 age categories this year everyone is welcome to enter, although glitter isn’t mandatory it’s very much encouraged (sorry parents!).
If you would like to participate in this year’s annual Christmas boat dressing competition, please let us know by Friday 11th December.
Milford Marina provides first class facilities and the perfect base from which to discover the Pembrokeshire Coast and beyond. Start your journey today and receive a no obligation quote instantly.
