The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving along the
Intracoastal Waterway, starting at the
Little River Inlet in
Little River, South Carolina, and ending at the
Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach. In advertising for the event, a decorated boat with the name "Yachts for Tots" carries Santa Claus, several reindeer, and children carrying presents. This is a play off of "Toys for Tots," as this event was created to collect toys for needy children in Horry County, South Carolina, during the Christmas season. Donations of pet supplies for the needy are also accepted.
Boats entered in the event are judged on originality, crew enthusiasm, theme, and decorations. The boat with the best overall score, as deemed by the panel of judges, will win the $1,200 grand prize. $300 is awarded to each of the category winners.
The captain of The Dream, "Poo" McLaughlin, leads the event, which he co-founded with his niece, Susie Watson. The parade winds its way through the Intracoastal, and can be viewed for free along the waterway from many access points between the two cities. The entry fee for participating in the regatta is $40, or the equivalent in new, unwrapped toys. The community assists with the event, including several area restaurants, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society, and Horry County Fire and Rescue.
For more information on how to participate in the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta, or the best spots for viewing the event, visit christmasregatta.com.
