Boacts lined up at the marina before the start of the parade, with the clubhouse in the background.
SINGAPORE, 14 December 2025 – Singapore’s western coastline lit up with nautical brilliance on Saturday, 13 December 2025, as 18 dazzling yachts adorned in festive lights paraded across the marina at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC), creating a breathtaking visual spectacle and kicking off the Club’s historic Bicentennial celebrations.
The RSYC Christmas Boat Light-Up Parade, a one-night-only public showcase, drew families, tourists, and photography enthusiasts to West Coast Ferry Road to witness Singapore’s most illuminated boat procession. Spectators lined the promenade as fairy lights twinkled across the water, and creatively themed yachts reflected off the marina’s still surface. The celebration marked a rare occasion for the public to access RSYC’s typically members-only grounds.
A Month of Festivities
The dazzling parade was the crown jewel of RSYC’s month-long festive programming. The celebrations began with a Christmas Light-Up of the Clubhouse on 5 December, where RSYC’s historic colonial-era premises and waterfront were bathed in holiday hues. A day before the main parade, on 12 December, visitors were treated to a static boat display, carnival games, balloon sculpting, and Christmas carolling — turning the marina into a family-friendly wonderland.
The festive atmosphere also included a Christmas market with artisanal crafts and seasonal treats, blending community charm with seafaring elegance.
More Than Just Lights
“This isn’t just about decoration,” said Commodore Balakrishnan B of RSYC. “It’s about bringing people — especially children and families — closer to the sea. How many Singaporeans get to see the sea this way? Sitting near the water, watching boats up close, understanding the beauty of maritime life — these are rare opportunities we’re proud to offer.”
Commodore Balakrishnan explained that, while RSYC has held internal boat light-up events before, this year marked a deliberate push toward public inclusion.
“We want the wider community to experience this too. Many only see boats on television — here, they can experience them up close. We even had a recent charity cruise where we brought underprivileged families from Boon Lay out on the water. That’s what this is about — inclusiveness, joy, and building connections.”
Behind the Glow
But behind the glittering lights was hard work and risk. “Lighting up boats isn’t simple,” Commodore Balakrishnan added. “There’s rain, electrical safety, and coordination. Each boat is worth hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Altogether, the marina could be hosting nearly a billion dollars in vessels — safety is paramount.”
He praised the boat owners and crew for their meticulous preparation despite adverse weather. “It may look like a 15-minute display to the audience, but many spent over 48 hours preparing their boats. It’s about more than winning — it’s about camaraderie and showcasing our maritime spirit.”
And the Winners Are…
This year’s Best Dressed Boat award went to Alies 37, helmed by James Tan (above), who described the effort as challenging but rewarding. “It took about one and a half weeks to prepare, especially with the rain. But events like these bring the RSYC community together — it’s always worth it.”
Python, owned by Raymond Tan, took second place (below), while Tengah, owned by Vice-Commodore James Wong, secured third.
Launching RSYC’s Bicentennial Year (#RSYC200)
Beyond its visual grandeur, the 2025 Christmas Boat Light-Up Parade signalled the start of something even more significant — RSYC’s Bicentennial Year in 2026, commemorating 200 years of seafaring tradition. The celebrations will culminate in a landmark Bicentennial Gala Dinner and Heritage Exhibition on 7 February 2026, with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Education Desmond Lee as Guests-of-Honour.
The gala will honour RSYC’s legacy, tracing its journey from British colonial roots and royal patronage in the 1800s to post-independence leadership — notably when President Yusof Ishak became RSYC’s first Singaporean patron. The accompanying heritage exhibition will spotlight RSYC’s resilience through milestones including World War II, its role during the Japanese Occupation, and its continued relevance in today’s maritime scene.
“Many people don’t realise we’ve been around since 1826,” said Commodore Balakrishnan. “We are not just a yacht club; we are a living part of Singapore’s maritime history — and we’ve never stopped evolving.”
Looking Ahead
As 2026 approaches, RSYC will roll out a calendar of commemorative events including regattas, community outreach, nautical workshops, and heritage storytelling initiatives — all designed to blend the club’s deep traditions with its forward-looking vision.
With nearly 200 years behind it, RSYC continues to inspire a new generation of sea lovers and maritime enthusiasts. And as this year’s boat parade proved, even amid tradition, there’s always room for sparkle.
One of Asia’s most storied maritime institutions
Founded in 1826, the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club is Singapore’s oldest yacht club and one of Asia’s most storied maritime institutions. Offering a full-service marina, dining and leisure facilities, and community-driven programming, RSYC remains committed to promoting sportsmanship, seafaring camaraderie, and maritime heritage for future generations.
