Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott

Calendar - Down The Rode

BAY & BEYOND

MARCH

Mar ‘21 • USS Potomac Cruises (Canceled Until Further Notice Due to Covid Restrictions). This letter is from the volunteers and representatives of the USS Potomac to all visitors to our website. Whether you are a Friend of The Potomac, a supporter, a lover of history, or just a visitor we hope you will read our message, below:
First and foremost, we cannot lose sight of the terrible loss of life from this pandemic and the debt we all owe to the front-line responders for their bravery and seemingly endless effort.
We hope that you are well during these difficult and unprecedented times. All of us at the Potomac would like to thank our amazing Friends, donors, and volunteers who have demonstrated their support over the years, and especially during the past several months, doing maintenance and making donations.
Like many nonprofits across the country, the past few months have been the most difficult we have experienced in our 25+ years serving the community. The ship has maintenance and upkeep expenses which must be paid for in order to have an operational vessel when we return. We are having great difficulty covering these expenses because all events and cruises have been cancelled until further notice. This has resulted the loss of all revenue to cover our continuing expenses.
At this point we are working extremely hard to find ways to bring the Potomac back. We are optimistic that we will re-open to serve the students and residents of the Bay area as well as our visitors for the 2021 sailing season.
However, we need your help now, more than ever.
We are reaching out to you, our beloved friends and supporters, and asking for your help. If you can find it in your heart and means to make a donation, we will be forever grateful. You can make the re-opening of this national treasure possible.
Please mail donations to: Potomac Association, 540 Water Street, Oakland, CA. 94607
Or to donate online: http://usspotomac.org/give/donate.php
Thank you so much for supporting us over the years, and we hope to continue to be around for years to come. Sincerely, The Potomac Association Volunteers

Saturdays – Dockwalker Training, As California continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, free three-hour virtual Dockwalker trainings (Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. starting March 6th to June12th) will be offered through the Zoom video conferencing system. This is a great alternative to an in-person training and in the best interest of everyone considering the current situation. Through the Zoom video conferencing system, you will be able to see the instructor live and ask questions. Do not worry it is a quite simple system and they are there to help walk you through it! Remember if you were trained 3 years ago, it is time to get recertified. Learn more here: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230
Training sessions will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021 (1000 – 1245), Saturday, May 8, 2021 (1000 – 1245) and Saturday, June 12, 2021 (1000 – 1245).

25 – 28 • 36th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, as of now the show is still scheduled. Check often for Covid updates. This is one of the top 10 boat shows in the country featuring more than $1.4 Billion worth of boats, superyachts and accessories from every major marine manufacturer worldwide. For more info on times, cost and how to get tickets call 800-940-7642.

APRIL

Local Events, in hopes of the yearlong mandated restrictions being further lifted, check often with your favorite local Delta establishments for updated information as often as possible. Look forward to getting out and enjoying our San Francisco Bay life in the normal fashion as soon as possible.

16 – 30 • 18th Annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival, Yes, we hear you and we miss you too! While 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us and our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected, we are continuously amazed at the resiliency of those around us and those who are continuing in their fight to protect our oceans. With that in mind, we are moving forward and planning a hybrid presentation of the 18th Annual IOFF, scheduled for April 16-30, 2021. Our goal is to host an in-person presentation at Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco, while meeting all the safety requirements issued by our local health officials in place. Concurrently, we are planning to present a virtual edition of the film festival as well. We will keep you updated, and in the meantime, please stay safe. Come out to celebrate and enjoy all things Ocean. Info at www.oceanfilmfest.org

25 • 104th Annual Opening Day on the Bay, Opening Day on the Bay is an annual celebration of the maritime community on the San Francisco Bay” From the blessing of the fleet in Racoon Straights to the parade of decorated boats this is a great reason to get out on the bay. This year’s theme is “Back to the Future in celebration of 125 years”. The event dates back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association which began its existence in 1896, the parade sails from the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge to just past Pier 39. Any vessels can take part as long as they register beforehand and the procession regularly features tugboats, clean-up boats and tour boats, with visitors and spectators onboard. Judges are on hand to dish out prizes for the décor and imagination of the colorful vessels. So besides getting out and sailing you will have fun things to look at and celebrate the official beginning to the San Francisco Bay sailing season with fellow sailing enthusiasts! Due to many of the past year’s events, restrictions still in place if any, will determine the event. Make sure to check the PICYA site regularly at www.picya.org or of course check directly with your club and their intentions for 2021.

MAY

Friday & Saturday Beginning May 14th • Sunset Cruises, Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry. View the Bay & the SF skyline. Wine, soda & a variety of snacks for purchase onboard. Fri – Sat evening cruises continue through mid-Oct. Adults and seniors: $30, Children 6-12: $15. For information regarding times of departure and to make reservations call 415-435-2131 or visit http://angelislandferry.com/bay-cruises/#b1

1 – 2 • 122nd Annual Vallejo Race, Vallejo Yacht Club hosts the 122nd running of the Vallejo Race, kicking off another Yacht Racing Association (YRA) season of racing on the Bay for 2021. Make sure to check with the club for the latest information regarding the lifting of restrictions. For more info contact the Vallejo Yacht Club at 707-643-1254 or the YRA at 451-771-9500 or visit www.vallejoyachtclub.com

9 • Mother’s Day, Take Mom out for a boat ride. Can you think of any better way to spend Mom’s special Day? Cruise the Bay and remind her of how great she is! Enjoy the day and be safe on the water.

DELTA

MARCH

Thursday – Saturday • Steak & Lobster Night at Orwood, Orwood Resort, 4451 Orwood Road, Brentwood, CA 94513. Come out and enjoy a 12-oz. New York steak or rib-eye and lobster, Brentwood corn, baked potato and roll for only $25.99. Beautiful Delta setting on the water and a great meal to boot. Call 925-634-2550 for more info.

Saturdays – Dockwalker Training, As California continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, free three-hour virtual Dockwalker trainings (Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. starting March 6th to June12th) will be offered through the Zoom video conferencing system. This is a great alternative to an in-person training and in the best interest of everyone considering the current situation. Through the Zoom video conferencing system, you will be able to see the instructor live and ask questions. Do not worry it is a quite simple system and they are there to help walk you through it! Remember if you were trained 3 years ago, it is time to get recertified. Learn more here: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230
Training sessions will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021 (1000 – 1245), Saturday, May 8, 2021 (1000 – 1245) and Saturday, June 12, 2021 (1000 – 1245)

APRIL

Local Events, in hopes of the yearlong mandated restrictions being further lifted, check often with your favorite local Delta establishments for updated information as often as possible. Look forward to getting out and enjoying our Delta life in the normal fashion as soon as possible.

Thursday – Saturday • Steak & Lobster Night at Orwood, Orwood Resort, 4451 Orwood Road, Brentwood, CA 94513. Come out and enjoy a 12-oz. New York steak or rib-eye and lobster, Brentwood corn, baked potato and roll for only $25.99. Beautiful Delta setting on the water and a great meal to boot. Call 925-634-2550 for more info.

10 • Stockton Yacht Club Opening Day on the Delta, Opening Day on the Delta parade starts at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Disney on the Delta” and will be a great way to start our delta life’s return to normal. Fun event to participate in or view from the parade route along the banks or participating venues. You can register by sending your request to stocktonyc@clubexpress.com or you can contact Colleen Waterhouse or Jill Stevenson at 209-946-9259 to sign up and participate. Upon returning to the SYC clubhouse dinner will be presented by Chef Chris Kelly. Get out and support the event but more so enjoy the day with friends on the Delta. Tracie Glaves, who founded the San Joaquin Delta Neighborhood watch organization, Is this year’s Grand Marshall.

14 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6 – 7:30 p.m. The Ryde Hotel off the west levee side of Hi-Way 160 between Walnut Grove and Isleton. Great location with easy access, even by boat weather permitting. Come out for the evening and check out what the new owners have in store for you. If you have questions on this event, how your business can host a mixer or to become a member of the Delta Chambers, visit www.californiadelta.com or call 916-777-4041.

23 • San Joaquin Yacht Club Opening Day Parade, Opening Day festivities start at the SJYC clubhouse and the parade proceeds clockwise around the island taking a couple of hours to make the journey around Bethel Island. Passing island residents along the way this is always a treat from participant and spectator alike. Once back at the clubhouse dinner and drinks to follow. Contact the SJYC for more info on how to participate.

MAY

Thursday – Saturday • Steak & Lobster Night at Orwood, Orwood Resort, 4451 Orwood Road, Brentwood, CA 94513. Come out and enjoy a 12-oz. New York steak or rib-eye and lobster, Brentwood corn, baked potato and roll for only $25.99. Beautiful Delta setting on the water and a great meal to boot. Call 925-634-2550 for more info.

4 • Taco Tuesday at Windmill Cove, First Tuesday of May starts the long-standing tradition and one of the most popular Taco Tuesdays in the Delta but now with a twist ~ Live Music! Come out by Car or Boat to enjoy! Taco Tuesday every Tuesday throughout the summer and on into early fall. Enjoy. For more info on taco Tuesdays or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.

8 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, Christine Webber Band. For more info or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.

9 • Mother’s Day, Take Mom out for a boat ride. Can you think of any better way to spend Mom’s special Day? Cruise the Delta and remind her of how great she is! Enjoy the day and be safe on the water.

12 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Sugar Barge on Bethel Island. Great location with easy access, to come by car or boat. Come out for the evening and check out what Tracy and the Sugar Barge crew have in store for you. If you have questions on this event, how your business can host a mixer or to become a member of the Delta Chambers, visit www.californiadelta.com or call 916-777-4041.

15 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, Riff Raff (An AC/DC tribute band). For more info or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.

22 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, Gwen in Doubt (A Gwen Stefani tribute band). For more info or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.

30 • Windmill Cove Memorial Weekend Summer Kick Off, scheduled to perform live, is the ever-popular band ‘After Dark Pine Grove.’ 3 p.m. start. Make plans to get there early as this band will surely pack them in! One of the most popular boat in destinations on the Delta. Come out by Car or Boat to enjoy! Enjoy all the festivities of the day with drink and dining specials. For more info or for other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300 or like their Facebook page and follow along.

JULY

Not to get too ahead of ourselves, but there is plenty of talk about 4th of July Fireworks at Mandeville this year. We will update as more information becomes available. Keep a look out for it on our Facebook page also. www.facebook.com/BDY1965

Tuesdays • Taco Tuesday at Windmill Cove, The long-standing tradition and one of the most popular Taco Tuesdays in the Delta but now with a twist ~ Live Music! Come out by Car or Boat to enjoy! Taco Tuesday every Tuesday throughout the summer and on into early fall. Enjoy. For more info on taco Tuesdays or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.

ONGOING

Due to Covid-19 make sure to call ahead on any normal ongoing event… at the time of print many exhibits and activities remain closed or operating on limited schedules.

Bay Model Tours, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA. 415-332-3871. Hours Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Sun.-Mon. & holidays.

Adventures at Sea, Imagine Life Aboard a 19th-Century Sailing Ship, Program presented at 2:15 p.m. daily. Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco. For information on this or any other program offered, call 415-561-7006.

Red & White Fleet San Francisco Cruises, for info call 415-673-2900 or visit www.redandwhite.com

USS Pampanito, Open daily at Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf. Fee: Adults, $9; 6-12, $4; under 6 free with adults; family ticket $20. More info at 415-561-6662. Admission includes a self-guided tour.

USS Potomac Year-Round Tours, Jack London Square, the museum dedicated to “Remembering Roosevelt and his Era” features FDR’s famed “Floating White House,” now a National Historic Landmark. Guided dockside tours are available year-round on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Special programs for students. Call 510-627-1215.

USS Hornet Tours, Sea, Air and Space Museum, Alameda CA. The Ship is open for daily visits and offers several specialty tours including a 9 p.m-6 a.m. overnighter. If you wish to visit and need more info regarding general admission, specialty tours or group events, www.uss-hornet.org

USS Potomac History Cruise, enjoy a 2-hour narrated history cruise on S.F. Bay with knowledgeable docents. Complimentary coffee, tea and water will be available. Call 510-627-1215 for actual dates and reservations.

SS Jeremiah O’Brien WW II Liberty Ship, National Historic Landmark and Museum. Open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf. Fee is $8 adults, under 6 free with adult. Visit www.ssjeremiahobrien.org for cruise schedule, volunteer opportunities and overnight programs or call 415-544-0100.

Vessel Safety Checks, for a courtesy examination of your vessel to verify the presence and condition of your safety equipment required by State and Federal regulations, please visit the site www.safetyseal.net or e-mail sumfun@juno.com

Delta Fishing Reports, Weekly every Wed. at www.californiadelta.org

Safe Boating Courses, for information and closest place to attend a boating course please call the United States Power Squadron at 925-377-2628

Send YOUR event info to:
DownTheRode@YachtsmanMagazine.com
The Earlier the BETTER!