With COVID waning, the need to socialize among friends is strong. A great way to mix and mingle with like-minded friends is to attend this year’s Grand Illumination Cruise, held on the weekend of November 18th-20th, in conjunction with Norfolk’s Grand Illumination weekend.

Each year during the third weekend in November, the City of Norfolk holds its Grand Illumination weekend, which kicks off the official holiday season in the city. The culminating event of the festive weekend is the illumination of the Norfolk & Portsmouth downtown skyline.

This year the City of Norfolk has brought back the ever-popular Grand Illumination Parade. Prior to the lighting of the downtown skyline, the Grand Illumination weekend consists of a festive, holiday themed parade, the largest in the region. The parade features spectacular floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers, and Santa himself.

Broad Bay Sailing Association, in conjunction with Hampton Yacht Club, Norfolk Naval Sailing Association, and other regional sailing and boating clubs, sponsors a yearly cruise to Norfolk’s Waterside Marina for the joyful weekend events. We plan to have a flotilla of boats sail down to Waterside Marina for this last cruise of the season. The Grand Illumination Cruise, now in its 11th year, always enjoys a robust fleet of sailboats and powerboaters as well.

If last year’s event is any indication, this year’s Grand Illumination cruise will be a fantastic way to end the sailing season. As in years past, we will have the Grand Illumination Crock Pot Challenge, which always brings out interesting and innovative stews, brews, led by many crockpots roux’s. Our reigning champion, Christina Ritger promises to create a delicious and delightful crockpot creation again this year and looks to be a formidable champion.

For those that need a bit more to ward off the late fall weather, no worries as I have heard that there will also be warm libations, such as Hot Toddies, Hot Buttered Rum, and other hot beverages readily available to warm bellies.

As has been the tradition over the last few cruises, Jean & Jerry Pattenaude will host a Sunday morning dish-to-pass breakfast on their catamaran, Shangri-La. This is the only way to end an enjoyable end-of-year cruise before departing for points home.

So, start making your plans now to attend this year’s Grand Illumination cruise, which will be held over the November 18th-20th weekend.

If you plan to attend or have questions, please contact Jonathan.  

Jonathan Romero
S/V Tempo
romeroarms@cox.net
(757) 285-6017