Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
JANUARY
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.
18 – 21 • 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 2024 at www.sportsexpos.com.
19 • 33rd Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at Pier 39, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA. Visitors will see, hear & enjoy hundreds of sea lions in close proximity. 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.
26 – 27 • 17th Annual Diamond Classic Catch & Release Sturgeon Derby, (Make sure to check with the marina on the latest updates and schedule of event) Hosted by the Pittsburg Marina in Pittsburg Ca., 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Entry fee includes derby and seminar. For more info call Olivia Ortega 925-439-4958 or visit www.diamondclassic.org
27 • 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
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.
2 – 10 • Seattle Boat Show, the boat show is an indoors and outdoors event, with boats on display inside Lumen Field Event Center and afloat at Bell Harbor Marina at the Port of Seattle., Seattle, WA. One ticket lets you view both venues by taking the 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.
14 – 18 • 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 is new for 2024, and VIP experiences. Visit www.miamiboatshow.com for more information on times, locations and special ticket pricing.
14 – 18 • Superyacht 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.
15 – 18 • 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.
24 – Singlehanded Sailing Society Corinthian Race, a race to one of the most decorated yacht clubs in the Bay. You can visit www.sfbaysss.org for more information about the race and participating.
MARCH
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.
7 – 10 • 49th Annual Sacramento Boat Show & Off-Road Extravaganza, Sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Marine Association, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA (Just off 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.
9 • Boaters Safety Card Course, Oakland Yacht Club is hosting a California Boater Safety Card Course on Saturday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM at the Oakland Yacht Club in Alameda, CA. By 2025, all boaters in California will be required to have their California Boater Safety Card. This course will be run by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. The cost of the class is $45.00 – and will include course materials and lunch. Register by calling OYC at 510-522-6868 or emailing vicecommodore@oaklandyachtclub.com
10 • Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to Spring Forward an hour and keep in mind it is one day closer to Summer!
12 – 13 • 8th Annual California Boating Congress, Hyatt Regency Sacramento. The welcome reception will be the evening of March 12, 2024, with the main event starting the morning of March 13, 2024. Registration began January 1st. More information can be found by visiting www.mra.org or for complete information on the Marina Recreation Association or contacting Allie Stewart at 916-849-0690. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=SkKOwtMSxU8 for a short informative video on the event.
23 – 26 • 41st Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, this is one of the top ten 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.
DELTA
JANUARY
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.
18 – 21 • 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 2024 at www.sportsexpos.com.
26 – 27 • 17th Annual Diamond Classic Catch & Release Sturgeon Derby, (Make sure to check with the marina on the latest updates and schedule of event) Hosted by the Pittsburg Marina in Pittsburg Ca., 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Entry fee includes derby and seminar. For more info call Olivia Ortega 925-439-4958 or visit www.diamondclassic.org
FEBRUARY
14 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come celebrate Valentines and enjoy the Chamber’s Mixer at the Ryde Hotel. Make an evening and book a room at this historic and iconic Delta Favorite. 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.
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
1 – 3 • 44th Annual Jazz Bash by the Bay, Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey Conference Center with seven venues and six dance floors, this marks the return of the annual event with this year featuring some of the country’s best jazz artists. List of performers to be updated as the event gets nearer. For more information, visit www.jazzbashmonterey.com or call 888-349-6879.
7 – 10 • 49th Annual Sacramento Boat Show & Off-Road Extravaganza, Sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Marine Association, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA (Just off 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.
10 • Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to Spring Forward an hour and keep in mind it is one day closer to Summer!
12 – 13 • 8th Annual California Boating Congress, Hyatt Regency Sacramento. The welcome reception will be the evening of March 12, 2024, with the main event starting the morning of March 13, 2024. Registration began January 1st. More information can be found by visiting www.mra.org or for complete information on the Marina Recreation Association or contacting Allie Stewart at 916-849-0690. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=SkKOwtMSxU8 for a short informative video on the event.
13 • Delta Chambers Mixer, Al the Wops 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come out and network with local chamber members as Chris and his staff show their hospitality in traditional Al the Wops style. 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.
17 • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at The Rusty Porthole, Boyd’s Harbor, Bethel Island. Come out, wear your green and enjoy all the traditional events of the day with Rob and Kim. For more info contact Rob at the Rusty Porthole 925-684-3607.
17 • Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 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, visit www.pointrestaurant.com or call 707-374-5400.
17 • St. Patrick’s Day at Windmill Cove, One of the most popular by boat destinations in the Delta. Wear your green and come out for traditional holiday eats and drink. For more info or other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.
17 • St. Patrick’s Day at Lighthouse Sports Bar & Island Pizza, enjoy all the festivities while overlooking one of the best on-water locations in the Delta. Drive or shake off the winter storage and boat-in. For more info or other events at the Lighthouse call 916-777-4007.
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 visit www.redandwhite.com or call 415-673-2900.
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. The 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!
