Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott

Calendar - Down The Rode

BAY & BEYOND

DECEMBER

TBA • Bay and Beyond Annual Lighted Boat Parades, make sure to check the organizers of your local and favorite Holiday Parades for their planned dates and starting times.

Chartered Events • USS Potomac Cruises, from Oakland’s Jack London Square. Even though the historical ship has started scheduled once again, you can charter the ship for your own private events. 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.

10 • Annual Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks Display, come out and enjoy or participate in one of the brightest Bay area’s holiday boat parades while enjoying the sponsored fireworks. Contact the Sausalito Yacht Club for all the information on this holiday tradition.

10 • Petaluma River Lighted Boat Parade, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come out and spectate as the turning basin comes to life with holiday lights on the water. www.visitpetaluma.com for more information.

16 • St. Francis Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade, plenty of areas to view some of the Bay’s most beautifully decorated yachts along the San Francisco City Front. Visit www.stfyc.com for more information.

17 • Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at Coyote Point, come out and support the South Bay’s holiday boat parade or view from the marina’s many vantage points. www.cpyc.com for more information.

21 • Winter Equinox, marking the start to winter and yet there is still plenty of perfect boating weather days in store. Great Time to cruise the Bay and start thinking of summer and warmer months to come.

31 • Bay Area New Year’s Eve Parties, Most Bay Area restaurants and clubs stage their own New Year’s Eve parties, usually with live music and party favors. There may be a fee for some places, and most will require reservations. Make sure to inquire with your favorite hot spot and as always party responsibly, so we can enjoy 2023 together!

JANUARY

1 • Happy New Year, Your Bay & Delta Yachtsman staff wish you a Happy and Safe 2023! Get out and use your boat and make it a personal goal to introduce someone new to boating this year.

1 • Master Mariner’s New Year’s Day Race, (Note, at this time there is no confirmation of this traditional New Year’s Day event being held ~ Check their website often for updates) Point San Pablo Yacht Club, Point Richmond, CA. New Year’s Day Race, Chili Potluck and Tacky Trophy Exchange. Chili to be served when the boats arrive. Gaffers bring chili and bread, Marconis bring salad and dessert. Boats are welcome to stay the night. For information call 510-531-1195 or visit www.sfmastermariners.org/

7 • United States Power Squadron Boat America Class, Benicia Yacht Club, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Certificate of completion satisfies the California Boater Card requirements. Bring your own lunch or purchase one there on site. $40 fee covers all materials and testing. Test or call Margie at 925-768-1608 for more information on this class or others that may be held in your area. Visit www.americasboatingclub.org or other club news or www.usps.org/localusps/sds-D25 for district 25 news.

13 – 16 • 33rd Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at Pier 39, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA. Visitors will see, hear & enjoy hundreds of sea lions close up. K-Dock has been declared a “Watchable Wildlife” viewing area. Pier 39 continues to offer free sea lion info talks at K-Dock on the weekends. 12 noon-5 p.m., 415-705-5500.

19 – 22 • 36th Annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition Sacramento, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA. Come check out the latest in fly fishing equipment, fly tying demonstrations, hunting gear, RVs, etc., and get information from the multiple guides and resort vendors vying for your patronage. Call 916-364-7545 for more info. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the website for more information on all the new events and features for the show’s return for 2023 at show at www.sportsexpos.com

28 – Singlehanded Sailing Society Three Bridge Fiasco, one of the oddest and most entertaining races in the Bay Area if not anywhere, ever devised. Sail the course any which way you want. Details at www.sfbaysss.org

FEBRUARY

3 – 11 • Seattle Boat Show, Lake Union & CenturyLink Field Event Center, Seattle, WA. One ticket lets you view both venues by taking free shuttle that is provided to transport you between the two locations. This extremely popular Northwest boat show features more than 1,000 new boats and a variety of accessories that the seasoned boater along with newcomers alike will appreciate. Tickets and time information can be found at www.seattleboatshow.com or by calling 206-634-0911.

11 – 19 • Pier 39’s Tulipmania, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA. Tulipmania returns in full bloom at Pier 39 with guided tours daily at 10 a.m. This year’s collection will feature flowers of every color combination conceivable including Apricot Beauties, Texas Flames, Purple Princes, Flaming Parrots, Swan Wings, Burgundy Lace and more. The tulips will be topped with winter vegetables including lettuce, parsley, celery and red chard. For more info you can call 415-705-5500.

15 – 19 • Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Miami, Fl. Miami Marine Stadium. The on-land portion of the event will take place at the newly reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park. The in-water components of the show will take place at Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza, Museum Park Marina, and IGY Yacht Haven Grande at Island Gardens. This will kick off the busiest weekend in South Florida with a celebration of the boating lifestyle. The show will feature the latest powerboats, engines, electronics & marine accessories. Includes Boats in the water, product displays, demo docks, latest info on what’s new for 2022, and VIP experiences. Visit www.miamiboatshow.com for more information on times, locations and special ticket pricing.

15 – 19 • Yachts Miami, is now an official part of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. Visit www.miamiyachtshow.com for more information including locations and times.

MARCH

9 – 12 • 48th Annual Sacramento Boat Show & Off-Road Extravaganza, Sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Marine Association, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA (Just off of Bus. 80). This early year show brings in people from all over the Nor Cal area to experience the area’s only “All-Boat” show featuring boats from the entire Sacramento area. You will see the latest in boats and marine gear. You can also experience the Off-Road area featuring ATV, motorcycles and toy haulers. For information on tickets, hours, dealers and parking you can visit www.sacramentoboatshow.com or call 916-372-4239.

DELTA

DECEMBER

10 • San Joaquin Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade, Bethel Island. Santa & Mrs. Clause arrive at 4:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 5 p.m. on a tour around the island. Plenty of areas to view the parade on the island. Contact the club at 925-766-0690 if you wish to participate.

10 • Marina West Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade, decorated boats will meet at the Oxbow Marina guest dock at 5 p.m. for a skipper’s meeting before venturing out into Georgiana Slough and heading upstream past the homes. For more information you can contact the club or the marina directly.

14 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Stockton Yacht Club, Stockton, CA. Do not miss this one as the SYC always goes full out to make sure everyone has a great evening. Come out and enjoy the evening with fellow chambers members, meet new members and experience all the club and facilities offer. Come by car or boat. 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.

21 • Winter Equinox, marking the start to winter and yet there is still plenty of perfect boating weather days in store. Great Time to cruise the Bay and start thinking of summer and warmer months to come.

31 • New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Rusty Porthole, Boyd’s Harbor, Bethel Island. Come out and ring in the New Year with Rob and Kim. For more info contact Rob at the Rusty Porthole 925-684-3607. Make sure to contact The Rusty Porthole regarding any Covid restrictions if any at that time.

31 • New Year’s Party at Windmill Cove, come early and stay late as this is sure to be a Huge Party. Make sure to contact Windmill Cove regarding any Covid restrictions if any at that time.

31 • Delta’s New Year’s Eve Parties, Most Delta restaurants and clubs stage their own New Year’s Eve parties, usually with live music and party favors. There may be a fee for some places, and most will require reservations. Make sure to inquire with your favorite hot spot and as always party responsibly so we can enjoy 2023 together!

JANUARY

1 • Happy New Year, Your Bay & Delta Yachtsman staff wish you a Happy and Safe 2023! Get out and use your boat and make it a personal goal to introduce someone new to boating this year.

1 • Annual Frozen Bun Run at The Rusty Porthole, after being canceled in 2021 & 2022 due to covid… IT’S BACK for 2023!!!!! Any questions, call Rob at the Rusty Porthole 925-684-3607 or visit www.bethelisland-chamber.com

11 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6-7:30 p.m. Al the Wops in historic Locke. Come out of the cold and enjoy the hospitality of this iconic Delta hangout and eatery. Come see what’s new if you have not been there in a while. 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.

19 – 22 • 36th Annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition Sacramento, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA. Come check out the latest in fly fishing equipment, fly tying demonstrations, hunting gear, RVs, etc., and get information from the multiple guides and resort vendors vying for your patronage. Call 916-364-7545 for more info. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the website for more information on all the new events and features for the show’s return for 2023 at show at www.sportsexpos.com

FEBRUARY

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.

3 – 4 • 16th Annual Diamond Classic Catch & Release Sturgeon Derby, Now hosted by the Pittsburg Marina. Workshop on the 3rd held at the Pittsburg Yacht Club. With the event sponsored by Flash Sport Fishing and the new location in Pittsburg, this year’s catch and release derby is slated to be one of the best yet. For more information on entry fees, prizes offered and starting times you can call the Pittsburg Marina 925-439-4958.

8 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6-7:30 p.m. Location yet to be determined. 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 • Valentine’s Day Celebration at The Rusty Porthole, Boyd’s Harbor, Bethel Island. Come out with your sweetheart and celebrate with Rob and Kim. For more info contact Rob at the Rusty Porthole 925-684-3607.

14 • Valentine’s Dinner at The Point, The Point Restaurant in Rio Vista, come out and enjoy the food and drink specials while overlooking the water at this famous Rio Vista restaurant. For more info call 707-374-5400 or visit www.thepointrestaurant.com

MARCH

9 – 12 • 48th Annual Sacramento Boat Show & Off-Road Extravaganza, Sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Marine Association, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA (Just off of Bus. 80). This early year show brings in people from all over the Nor Cal area to experience the area’s only “All-Boat” show featuring boats from the entire Sacramento area. You will see the latest in boats and marine gear. You can also experience the Off-Road area featuring ATV, motorcycles and toy haulers. For information on tickets, hours, dealers and parking you can visit www.sacramentoboatshow.com or call 916-372-4239.

ONGOING

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 six 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 six free with adults; family ticket $20. More info at 415-561-6662. Admission includes a self-guided tour.

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. Visit eventbrite.com or call 510-627-1215 for actual dates and reservations.

USS Potomac Year-Round Chartered 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. Until further notice there is no more open seating or scheduled cruises. Events currently are on a charted basis only. Call 510-627-1215 for more information.

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 for more information on having your vessel’s safety checked or to have representatives visit your club for group checks. 

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DownTheRode@YachtsmanMagazine.com
The Earlier the BETTER!