Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
Check often with your favorite local Bay establishments for updated information as often as possible. New restrictions are impacting several events and activities. We all look forward to getting out and enjoying our San Francisco Bay life in normal fashion.
MARCH
13 • Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to Spring Forward an hour and keep in mind it is one more day closer to Summer!
24 – 27 • 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 visit www.pbboatshow.com or call 954-463-6762.
26 – 27 • Mubadala United States Sail Grand Prix San Francisco, Tickets avail and plenty of prime Bay area locations to watch all the action as San Francisco plays host to the Grand Finals. Visit www.sailgp.com for more information or tickets.
APRIL
Chartered Events Only • USS Potomac Cruises, from Oakland’s Jack London Square. At present time and until further notice, the USS Potomac will be doing pre-arranged charter curies and tours. For more info on how you can charter this classic and historic presidential yacht, visit www.usspotomac.org and start planning your cruise into history.
7 – 10 • 19th International Ocean Film Festival, Cowell Theater Fort Mason on the beautiful San Francisco waterfront. Come out and enjoy the films that celebrate the sea and films that increase awareness. Visit www.oceanfilmfest.org for more info on single program and full event film passes. Come out to celebrate and enjoy all things Ocean.
18 -19 • 6th Annual California Boating Congress, Sacramento, CA. The time is rapidly approaching for the annual “California Boating Congress.” This is an annual event where the marine industry and boating community come to Sacramento to advocate on issues affecting this important part of the State’s economy and culture regarding recreational boating. Because of the success of the first 4 years in person event and last year’s online event, the positive feedback from participants, and the participation of the co-hosts, there are plans of a hybrid event to include additional industry participation for 2022. Mark your calendar for April 19, 2022 and plan to register early. There will be government and industry speakers in the morning and for those who attend in person, a chance to meet with those legislatures that impact our industry in the afternoon. Opportunities to meet with state representatives will be scheduled by organizers, and early registrants will get priority for scheduling with their State Legislators, so it is important to register early! Planning is still underway for the event and additional information will be posted as it becomes available online, at www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0061. If you can join this event in person, there will be a cocktail reception the evening before the event on April 18, 2022.
23 – Annual Golden Gate Bullship Races, hosted by the Golden Gate Yacht Club is an annual event which takes place using the famed El Toro sailboats. Stating point is the Sausalito Yacht Club and finishes at the Golden Gate YC. Come spectate as the bay waters are filled with competition and tiny sales. Visit www.ggyc.org or call the Golden Gate YC for more info at 415-346-2628.
24 – PICYA’s 105th 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. Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, 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. Visit www.picya.org/ for all Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association events including Opening Day on the Bay as more information is provided. We hope to see one of the largest turnouts in years.
30 – May 1 • Annual Vallejo Race, Vallejo Yacht Club hosts the Great Vallejo Race, kicking off another Yacht Racing Association (YRA) season of racing on the Bay for 2022. For more info visit www.vallejoyachtclub.com or contact the Vallejo Yacht Club at 707-643-1254 or the YRA at 451-771-9500.
MAY
1 • Sacramento YC Opening Day Parade, nothing beats the excitement of a new boating season and the SYC does their part in helping share that excitement. Join the club for this opening day on the river event by calling 916-371-5058 for info on participation, overnight berthing for the event or even viewing.
8 • 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 special she is! Enjoy the day and be safe on the water.
21 – 27 • National Safe Boating Week, The National Safe Boating Council continues to educate the boating community about wearing life jackets and the options that are available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight life jackets. Visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org for more info on this important week and how you as an individual or your marina can get involved.
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.
13 • Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to Spring Forward an hour and keep in mind it is one more day closer to Summer!
APRIL
TBA Soon • Sunset Sweet’s Grand Opening, New location at Village West Marina & Resort, Stockton. Once the date has been announced of the Grand Reopening, we will announce it on several social media outlets. Like us on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BDY1965 for updated info or check at www.villagewestmarina.com for the latest word.
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.
9 • Stockton YC Opening Day, View from the banks of the Deep-Water Channel or bring your boat out and participate in this well-attended opening day parade. The Stockton Yacht Club Opening Day 2022 is scheduled for Saturday, April 9th, 2022. This year’s theme will be “Mardi Gras on the Delta!” All delta boaters are invited to decorate their boats for prizes and join the parade which starts at Windmill Cove at 1300 hours on Saturday, April 9th and will travel through downtown Stockton. Stockton Yacht Club will be hosting the parade as well as several fun events over the weekend. Activities include a TGIF dinner on Friday night as well as a theme dinner with music and raffle prizes on Saturday following the parade. Bring your boat and join the fun all weekend! Guest docking with full hookups available for $25 per night at SYC. The weekend events will be a great way to kick off the 2022 boating season! Contact the Stockton Yacht Club at 209-946-9259 or visit www.stocktonyc.clubexpress.com/if you have any questions! Or you can contact the Opening Day 2022 Chairpersons, Jill Stevenson at 916-847-8959 or Colleen Waterhouse at 209-479-1981.
9 • Discovery Bay Yacht Club Opening Day Parade, Discovery Bay Yacht Club invites you to their parade on April 9th. If you have a boat, assemble your crew and join them on this exciting opening day weekend. This year there is no theme and you are not required to decorate your boat, but there will be prizes for the most enthusiastic boat. This parade is open to the general public to sign up and take part in. Event participants will assemble in their boats on Kellogg creek just off the point of Newport Lane. The parade will begin at 1230 hours after the Blessing of the Fleet. Once under way it will wind around through every other bay of Discovery Bay and conclude in Marina Bay just beyond “F” dock near the marina. Participants and their guests are invited to assemble at the Yacht Club following the parade for awards, drink and food. Anyone wishing to dock their boat following the parade at the Yacht Club will need to contact the DBYC Port Captain Mike McNamee 925-382-8598 for their slip assignments.
13 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Art and Music Center, 219 Montezuma St. Rio Vista CA. Come out with your fellow Chamber Members and guests as Kelli and her staff are sure to make the evening a memorable one at her art gallery. 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.org or call 916-777-4041.
18 -19 • 6th Annual California Boating Congress, Sacramento, CA. The time is rapidly approaching for the annual “California Boating Congress.” This is an annual event where the marine industry and boating community come to Sacramento to advocate on issues affecting this important part of the State’s economy and culture regarding recreational boating. Because of the success of the first 4 years in person event and last year’s online event, the positive feedback from participants, and the participation of the co-hosts, there are plans of a hybrid event to include additional industry participation for 2022. Mark your calendar for April 19, 2022 and plan to register early. There will be government and industry speakers in the morning and for those who attend in person, a chance to meet with those legislatures that impact our industry in the afternoon. Opportunities to meet with state representatives will be scheduled by organizers, and early registrants will get priority for scheduling with their State Legislators, so it is important to register early! Planning is still underway for the event and additional information will be posted as it becomes available online, at www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0061. If you can join this event in person, there will be a cocktail reception the evening before the event on April 18, 2022.
23 • San Joaquin Yacht Club, Opening Day on the Delta, San Joaquin Yacht Club, Bethel Island, CA. All Floating Craft Welcome ~ no registration fee, Includes classics, small craft, personal watercraft & dinghies. The parade starts at 1200 hours at the Yacht Club docks located at 550 Riverview Road, Bethel Island. There are cash prizes for decorated boats. Bring your boat for the Blessing. For more information or to enter your boat contact, Fleet Captain Sherry Hoctor at s_hocter@yahoo.com or 925-766-0690.
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.
1 • Sacramento YC Opening Day Parade, nothing beats the excitement of a new boating season and the SYC does their part in helping share that excitement. Join the club for this opening day on the river event by calling 916-371-5058 for info on participation, overnight berthing for the event or even viewing.
5 • Cinco de Mayo at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat for this well attended tradition. Modelos on the Deck and don’t miss the debut of their Don Julio margaritas. For info on this May 5th event or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
7 • Windmill Cove Chili Cook-Off, come by car or boat and enjoy the day as Windmill Cove, Village West Yacht Club and Freedom Boat Club host this year’s event. Enjoy the many varieties of chili, drink specials and Live Music by the Poison Okies. For more info on the chili cook-off or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
8 • 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 special she is! Enjoy the day and be safe on the water.
10 • Taco Tuesday Returns to Windmill Cove, One of the most popular Taco Tuesdays in the Delta. Come out by Car or Boat to enjoy this season’s Grand Opener! 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 209-938-9192.
11 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Marina West Yacht Club located at Ox Bow Marina. Stop by and meet other local Delta Business owners while enjoying the hospitality of the yacht club’s members and their wonderful clubhouse. 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.
14 • Cajun Shrimp Boil at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day as Windmill Cove brings the taste of the Bayou to the Delta. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
21 • Live Music Returns Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day as Windmill Cove starts their summer live music line ups. On Saturday the 21st, enjoy two favorites, Journey Revisited and Def Leppard Revisited as they rock the 80’s! For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
21 – 27 • National Safe Boating Week, The National Safe Boating Council continues to educate the boating community about wearing life jackets and the options that are available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight life jackets. Visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org for more info on this important week and how you as an individual or your marina can get involved.
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.
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.
Bay Model Tours, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA. 415-332-3871. Hours Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Sun.-Mon. & holidays.
Delta Fishing Reports, Weekly every Wed. at www.californiadelta.org
Red & White Fleet San Francisco Cruises, for info call 415-673-2900 or visit www.redandwhite.com
Safe Boating Courses, for information and closest place to attend a boating course please call the United States Power Squadron at 925-377-2628.
Sea Valor, A non-profit organization based upon the idea of using a sailboat, the Bay waters, and companionship to give those that may suffer from physical wounds or PTSD a chance to leave their struggles behind, if even just for the day. The goal that Eric Jones and his crew of Valor stive to achieve is not just the one day but rather the foundation, to further assist those in need to recover fully and return to a way of life prior to the individual’s stressful or traumatic event. Their ocean-themed programs and activities aim to help veterans, firefighters, health care workers, law enforcement, under-privileged youth, families of those affected by suicide and anyone else struggling with physical or emotional wounds. If you or anyone you know that might benefit from such a program, view www.seavalor.org for more information.
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.
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 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 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.
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
Send YOUR event info to:
DownTheRode@YachtsmanMagazine.com
The Earlier the BETTER!
