Clinton Harbor Boat Parade To Honor Local Captain

CLINTON, CT — The 2026 Clinton Harbor Boat Parade will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, with organizers dedicating this year's event to the memory of Captain Doug Pogany.

According to event organizers, Pogany was a longtime commercial fisherman and a familiar presence in Clinton Harbor. Organizers said he was known for his work aboard the fishing vessel Kestrel and for sharing his knowledge of harbor and maritime information with others. Pogany died Jan. 25, 2026, at age 53 after battling cancer.

The parade will begin with boaters assembling at 12:30 p.m. at the beginning of the Clinton Harbor Federal Channel in Long Island Sound. The parade is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

Participating vessels will travel in line into Clinton Harbor through the outer federal channel, navigate around the eastern point of Cedar Island, enter the inner harbor federal channel and conclude at the west end of Cedar Island Marina before returning to Long Island Sound through the federal channel.

Boat owners interested in participating are asked to register by emailing the Clinton harbormaster with their name, Connecticut vessel registration number, boat name, boat length, and email address and contact information.

Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated boats. The top prize is a $500 gift certificate to Cedar Island Marina. Additional $100 gift certificates will be awarded from Lobster Landing, Aqua, Shanks, J&M's Dockside and Grand Apizza.

For more information, contact Clinton Harbormaster Rob Derry at rderry@clintonct.gov or 860-790-2528.

Organizers noted that all boaters participate at their own risk and said event organizers are not responsible for injuries or damages during the event.