Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
APRIL
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.
27 – 30 • Seattle Boats Afloat Spring Boat Show, presented by the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association the Boats Afloat Show is the destination to Explore, Dream, and Discover. Enjoy stunning city views from South Lake Union while you tour vessels of all brands and styles, experience the latest innovations in boating technology with industry professionals, and enjoy a full line-up of thoughtfully curated events like live music, delicious food, boat rides, and more. Visit www.boatsafloat.com for more info.
27 – 30 • Newport International Boat Show, The Newport Beach International Boat Show (NBIBS) is back to bring a new and reimagined vision to the yachting world. Incorporating live entertainment, immersive activations and beautiful yachts from top builders and brokerages, the event offers attendees a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the essence of Newport Beach’s elevated lifestyle. With both on-land and on-water areas to explore, the footprint will immerse your senses as you browse, shop and dine the trendy boutiques, sponsored lounges and beautiful restaurants in the area. From recreational watercrafts to large luxury yachts and everything in between we look forward to welcoming you this April to NBIBS 2023. Visit for more info.
30 – PICYA’s 106th 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. Judges are on hand to dish out prizes for the décor and imagination of the colorful vessels as this year’s theme is “Broadway on the Bay.” Get your sail or powerboat ready but whether you participate or view from the banks, you are sure to enjoy this time honored and traditional spring event celebrating the official beginning to the San Francisco Bay boating season with fellow boating enthusiasts! 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.
MAY
Friday & Saturday Beginning May 20th • 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
4 – 7 • Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show, Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City, CA. The Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show, produced by the California Yacht Brokers Association in partnership with Sail America, moves to a new venue, Westpoint Harbor on May 4 – 7, 2023. The premier boat show on the West Coast will feature an impressive lineup of exhibitors showcasing a wide range of sailboats, powerboats, and boating accessories. With exhibitors that span the gamut of the boating industry scheduled to attend, the Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show offers a one-stop-shop for boating enthusiasts where attendees can explore the latest boats and new nautical equipment on the market, speak with industry experts, and learn about the latest trends in boating. Boating enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy a wide range of activities and events throughout the four-day event including hands-on workshops, educational seminars by industry experts providing valuable information on boating safety, maintenance, and performance, as well as live demonstrations. In addition, attendees can enjoy hands-on activities. Thursday & Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets: Adults – $15 Daily, Kids under 12 Free, & Active-Duty Military free Thursday & Friday. Visit the website www.cyba.info or www.pacificboatshow.com or by calling the CYBA at 925-588-8829. Bay & Delta Yachtsman will have a booth displaying the May 2023 issue of Bay & Delta Yachtsman, June 2023 issue of Yachts for Sale, along with the Annual Marina Guide and West Coast Chartbooks.
6 – 7 • Sail GP Season 3 Grand Final – 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.
6 – 7 • 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 2023. For more info visit www.vallejoyachtclub.com or contact the Vallejo Yacht Club at 707-643-1254 or the YRA at 451-771-9500.
7 • 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.
14 • 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.
20 • Opening Day on the Strait, come out and participate in the boat parade or view from the miles of Benicia shoreline that offer ideal viewing locations. From 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. this all day event will provide; vendor booths, a decorated boat parade, blessing of the fleet, live music, food & Drink at the Benicia Yacht Club, kid games and the BRÜEHUL Bear Booth. For the full day’s events schedule, reach out to this year’s sponsors Benicia Yacht Club or the Benicia Marina. Open to the public and welcomed to stop by, 400 East 2nd Street, Benicia, CA.
20 – 26 • 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.
21 • Delta Doo Dah Kickoff Meeting, Richmond Yacht Club 12 – 3 p.m. Delta Doo Dah 15 is a Do-It-Yourself rally that includes opportunities to meet, sail and/or socialize with fellow fleet members. Registration can be found at www.latitude38.com/delta-doo-dah
27 • USS Potomac 2-Hour Cruise on the San Francisco Bay, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. from Oakland’s Jack London Square. $60 per person. Join the crew of the Presidential Yacht USS Potomac for a 2-hour cruise on San Francisco Bay while areas of interests in the Bay are pointed out. Tickets may be purchased by visiting eventbrite.com or www.usspotomac.org where reservations are highly recommended.
JUNE
Friday & Saturday • 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
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.
3 • Delta Doo Dah Delta Ditch Run, Delta Doo Dah 15 is a Do-It-Yourself rally that includes opportunities to meet, sail and/or socialize with fellow fleet members. Registration can be found at www.latitude38.com/delta-doo-dah
3 • Sacramento YC Jazz Festival, open to the public. Drive and park or if you are wishing to cruise out to the event make sure and get your berthing reservations in early. You are sure to enjoy this All Day well attended and much looked forward to festival. Call 916-371-5058 or 916-865-8797 for more information.
18 • Father’s Day, what better way to make Dad happy then an invite him to spend the day on the boat on the Bay. Make this year Dad’s favorite one yet.
18 • USS Potomac Father’s Day Cruise on the San Francisco Bay, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. from Oakland’s Jack London Square. $125 per person. Join the crew of the Presidential Yacht USS Potomac for a 3-hour cruise on San Francisco Bay while celebrating the dad in your life. Tickets may be purchased by visiting eventbrite.com or www.usspotomac.org where reservations are highly recommended.
24 • Summer Sailstice, Sailors are invited to join this popular Bay Area sailing event. For more info on times, pre-event raft-ups and event locations visit www.summersailstice.com
JULY
1 • California’s Free Fishing Day, all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. For more info on free fishing days in California, fishing license requirements or any other information pertaining to fishing in the state go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing/Free-Fishing-Days
DELTA
APRIL
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.
22 • San Joaquin Yacht Club Opening Day Parade on the Delta, San Joaquin Yacht Club, Bethel Island, CA. All Floating Craft Welcome ~ no registration fee, Includes classics, small craft, personal watercraft & dinghies. This year’s theme is “Board Games.” The parade starts at 1200 hours at the Yacht Club docks located at 550 Riverview Road, Bethel Island. Bring your boat for the Blessing. There are cash prizes and awards for decorated boats with dinner and dancing after the parade. For more information or to enter your boat contact Fleet Captain Sherry Hoctor at s_hocter@yahoo.com or 925-766-0690.
MAY
TBA • Taco Tuesday Returns to Windmill Cove, get ready for 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.
TBA • Live Music at the Sugar Barge Bar & Grill Over Memorial Day Weekend. Come by car or boat, enjoy great food, scenic on water views and live music. Call 925-684-9075 or visit sugarbarge.com for more info.
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 – 7 • Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show, Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City, CA. The Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show, produced by the California Yacht Brokers Association in partnership with Sail America, moves to a new venue, Westpoint Harbor on May 4 – 7, 2023. The premier boat show on the West Coast will feature an impressive lineup of exhibitors showcasing a wide range of sailboats, powerboats, and boating accessories. With exhibitors that span the gamut of the boating industry scheduled to attend, the Pacific Sail and Power Boat Show offers a one-stop-shop for boating enthusiasts where attendees can explore the latest boats and new nautical equipment on the market, speak with industry experts, and learn about the latest trends in boating. Boating enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy a wide range of activities and events throughout the four-day event including hands-on workshops, educational seminars by industry experts providing valuable information on boating safety, maintenance, and performance, as well as live demonstrations. In addition, attendees can enjoy hands-on activities. Thursday & Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets: Adults – $15 Daily, Kids under 12 Free, & Active-Duty Military free Thursday & Friday. Visit the website www.cyba.info or www.pacificboatshow.com or by calling the CYBA at (925) 588-8829. Bay & Delta Yachtsman will have a booth displaying the May 2023 issue of Bay & Delta Yachtsman, June 2023 issue of Yachts for Sale, along with the Annual Marina Guide and West Coast Chartbooks.
5 • Cinco de Mayo at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat for this well attended tradition. For info on this May 5th event or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
7 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day with live music on the big stage. Outlaw Mariachis performing. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
10 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6-7:30 p.m. Rusty Porthole, Bethel Island. Come out to the Porthole and enjoy the hospitality of Rob, Kim and their amazing staff as they welcome the CA Delta Chamber members. Come by car or boat to this popular Delta hangout to network with your fellow Delta businesses. 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.
13 • Locke Asian Pacific Spring Festival, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., 13916 Main St. Walnut Grove, CA. This is a gala event featuring lion dance, martial arts, cultural entertainment, arts & crafts, vendor booths, food, and raffle prizes. Come and visit the only surviving rural Chinese town in the U.S. Free admission and free parking, sponsored by the Locke Foundation www.locke-foundation.org or call 916-776-1684.
14 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day with live music on the big stage. Journey Revisited performing. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
14 • 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.
19 – 21 • Stockton Flavor Fest, Visit Stockton, with the support of the City of Stockton, is bringing back downtown Stockton’s largest family festival. Held downtown at the Weber Point Events Center, Flavor Fest is a celebration of the food, music, and cultures that make up the diverse communities in Stockton. Highlights of the festival include regional cuisine, food trucks, local makers, and merchants highlighting the creative diversity and global food offerings available in the Stockton area. Three days of entertainment programming, including strolling cultural performances, singer-songwriters at the Craft Beverage Experience Tent and over 20 musical performances on the main stage. Free family entertainment, including a STEM focused family activity tent, free arts workshops, and live art demonstrations. Visit www.stocktonflavorfest.com for more information. If you are coming by boat, feel free to call the Stockton Downtown Marina at 209-462-4200 for special entrance passes to the festival.
20 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day with live music on the big stage. “Grohl” tribute to Foo Fighters and Nirvana plus a tribute to Green Day. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
20 – 26 • 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.
27 • Music in the Park at Village West Marina Resort, 7 – 9 p.m., come out and enjoy an evening of live music of The Network Band by the water. For more information visit www.villagewestmarina.com/vwm-events or call 209-951-1551.
27 – 29 • Memorial Day Weekend Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the holiday weekend live music line ups. For more info as to who is performing or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
JUNE
TBA • Live Music at the Sugar Barge Bar & Grill. Come by car or boat, enjoy great food, scenic on water views and live music. Call 925-684-9075 or visit sugarbarge.com for more info.
Tuesdays • Taco Tuesday at Windmill Cove, come out and enjoy this long-standing Delta 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 209-938-9192.
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 • Sacramento YC Jazz Festival, open to the public. Drive and park or if you are wishing to cruise out to the event make sure and get your berthing reservations in early. You are sure to enjoy this All Day well attended and much looked forward to festival. Call 916-371-5058 or 916-865-8797 for more information.
10 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day with live music on the big stage. “Longtime”, tribute to Boston performing. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
14 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6-7:30 p.m. King Island Marina Resort Bar & Grill, 11530 W Eight Mile Rd, Stockton, CA 95219. Come by car or boat to enjoy one of the Delta’s most talked about places to dine. If you have not been out to King Island in a while you owe it to yourself to see all the changes. Mixers are a great way to meet your fellow Delta Chamber members, network and catch up on the latest announcements that involve your Delta. 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.
17 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day with live music as Rewind “That 80’s Band performs on the big stage. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
18 • Father’s Day, what better way to make Dad happy then an invite him to spend the day on the boat on the Delta. Make this year Dad’s favorite one yet.
24 • Summer Sailstice, Sailors are invited to join this popular Bay Area sailing event. For more info on times, pre-event raft-ups and event locations visit www.summersailstice.com
24 • Music in the Park at Village West Marina Resort, 7 – 9 p.m., come out and enjoy an evening of live music of Valley Groove Band, by the water. For more information visit www.villagewestmarina.com/vwm-events or call 209-951-1551.
24 – 25 • Live Music at Windmill Cove, come by car or boat and enjoy the day with live music as Unchained, “tribute to Van Halen” and Whytesnake, “tribute to Whitesnake both perform on the big stage Saturday and Brodie Stewart perform on Sunday. For more info or info on other events at Windmill Cove call 209-938-9192.
JULY
1 • California’s Free Fishing Day, all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. For more info on free fishing days in California, fishing license requirements or any other information pertaining to fishing in the state go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing/Free-Fishing-Days
4 • Annual Hilton Fireworks Celebration at Mandeville, posting this now as many readers call or write, long prior to the event and we wanted to pass on the information early this year. Word has been officially given! This year’s 4th of July Fireworks show will be held on Tuesday the 4th of July. Make your plans now to attend as the Patriots Jet Team will be performing a full air show once again over Delta waters. If you missed it, last year you will want to plan ahead and not miss it this year. The airshow start time TBD but the first firework to start shortly after sunset. Hope to see you all out there on the water.
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.
Send YOUR event info to:
DownTheRode@YachtsmanMagazine.com
The Earlier the BETTER!
