The fabled (and secret) annual Barcelona Boat Party happened last week and attracted a relatively modest number of boats compared to years past (around 200, which is about half the number that showed up in 2010). The barge party originally took place off of Barcelona Point in East Hampton, but has been bouncing around the Hamptons for the past twenty years "due to complaints from neighbors, as well as eventual permit requirements by the towns of East Hampton and Shelter Island." This year (like last), the party took place in Sag Harbor's Inner Cove and everything seemed to go pretty smoothly (not a single "boating while intoxicated" charge or speeding ticket was given out), although neighbors still want the Village and Town to be more involved with the party planning and are insisting on new legislation to require the party to get a mass gathering permit (right now, there are currently no regulations that require it). Organizers say they are "hoping to hash something out before next year.” [Sag Harbor Express]
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