During this year’s holiday boat parade, the Everett Yacht Club plans to give the viewing public a closer look at vessels strewn with Christmas lights, despite having a shorter parade route.

In previous years, the boats have gone as far south as Mukilteo. A variety of factors involved with about 25 boats on the water during the evening in the winter triggered safety concerns among some skippers.

So instead, on Saturday, the boats plan to head northward after reaching Naval Station Everett. By 7 p.m., they intend to dock outside Anthony’s Homeport, where the yacht club has scheduled a Christmas-themed public viewing, complete with hot cider, music and candy canes.

During the dock viewing, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the public may vote on the boats’ lighting displays for a new spectator award.

“I felt that it might be an opportunity, not only to make it a safer event, but also to allow it a greater exposure to the community,” said Vaughn Angel, chairperson for the parade.

Safety is a watchword with Angel. He stressed that, while on the dock, children ages 12 and under must wear a life jacket and be accompanied by an adult. The yacht club plans to provide life jackets.

The official boat parade begins at 4:45 p.m. Saturday along the Snohomish River at the 10th Street boat launch. The boats plan to float along the shoreline and into the inner harbor, near Lombardi’s Cucina, 1620 W. Marine View Drive, before they scoot further south.

After reaching the Naval station, the route turns the boats around, taking them to the dock outside Anthony’s, 1726 W. Marine View Drive.

Tonight, the club plans to hold a shakedown parade. Beginning at 5:45 p.m., the boats are expected to chug along the official route. However, they are not scheduled to dock outside Anthony’s for a public viewing.

Reporter Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455 or e-mail arathbun@heraldnet.com.