Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott

Calendar - Down The Rode

BAY & BEYOND

NOVEMBER

21 – Jan 7 • Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Holidays at the Pier, Pier 39 is spreading Holiday cheer on San Francisco’s Waterfront! The Pier is unwrapping a new nightly tree lighting experience on its 60-foot Christmas tree which will come to life at the top of each hour from 5-10 p.m., November 21, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Synchronized to Holiday music, the tree will become a kaleidoscope of swirling color, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments. These dazzling tree lighting moments take center stage all season long. Get into the spirit of the season at Pier 39 while shopping, dining, and sipping on a Holiday cocktail or a cup of hot cocoa. Visitors will also enjoy local community performances, writing letters to Santa, fun social sharing activities and receiving a “thank you” gift for bringing a toy for those less fortunate.

24 • Thanksgiving, make new traditions by spending the day with family on a boat. Make plans accordingly If you are looking to guest dock as this is the time of year that many are moving locations from the Delta to the Bay. Call on your friends and make it even better ~ Do a Raft Out. Send us a note about your experiences should you decide to make this a family tradition, as we would love to share your story.

25 • Santa’s Arrival on the Petaluma River, Santa and Mrs. Clause make a uniquely Petaluma arrival when they sail up the Petaluma River on a tugboat and dock at the River Plaza Shopping Center. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. check out visitpetaluma.com for more information.

DECEMBER

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 • Lighted Boat Parade in Santa Cruz, spend the day at the Beach Boardwalk and end the evening watching the holiday lighted boat parade in the Santa Cruz harbor. For more information visit www.scyc.org

2 • 47th Annual Oakland – Alameda Estuary Lighted Yacht Parade, 5:30 p.m. start. Hosted by the Oakland Yacht Club and the Encinal Yacht Club. Funds raised help benefit the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts and the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Come out and participate or spectate from the many vantage points along the estuary. More information at www.lightedyachtparade.com or call either host yacht club.

4 – 7 • MRAA 2023 Annual Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Tampa, FL. For additional information and a list of this year’s speakers and scheduled events call the Marine Retailers Association of America at 708-763-9210 or visit www.mraa.com

7 • National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II.

9 • Annual Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks Display, Sausalito Waterfront – Gabrielson Park. 5 p.m. reserved seating opens, 6 p.m. Lighted-Boat Parade begins and at 7:15 p.m. the fireworks start. Make plans to attend this favorite if you are in the Bay Area this year. Contact the Sausalito Yacht Club for all the information on this holiday tradition.

9 • 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.

15 • 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.

21 • Winter Equinox, marking the start of winter and yet there is still plenty of perfect boating weather days in store. This time of year, makes an enjoyable 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 about your favorite hot spot and as always party responsibly, so we can enjoy 2024 together!

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.

1 • Happy New Year, Your Bay & Delta Yachtsman staff wish you a Happy and Safe 2024! 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, 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/

13 • California Yacht Brokers Association Annual Dinner, Southwestern Yacht Club, San Diego, CA. For more information visit www.cyba.info or contact Ty Mellott via email ty@cyba.info or call 925-588-8929.

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

DELTA

NOVEMBER

24 • Thanksgiving, make new traditions by spending the day with family on a boat. Make plans accordingly If you are looking to guest dock as this is the time of year that many are moving locations from Delta to the Bay. Call on your friends and make it even better ~ Do a Raft Out. Send us a note about your experiences should you decide to make this a family tradition, as we would love to share your story.

DECEMBER

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.

2 • Delta Marina Lighted Boat Parade, (weather permitting ~ check often) the Delta Marina in Rio Vista provides great vantage points if you wish to view by land. For more information on how to attend or be a part of this event, call the Delta Marina at 707-374-2315. If wishing to view the parade while at The Point Restaurant, you may want to call ahead for reservations.

2 • Stockton Yacht Club’s Lynn Hahn Memorial 42nd Annual Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade, come out and participate in this year’s event and show your support for those who have worked so extremely hard every year to make this fund-raising parade a success. $25 entry fee with all entry donations going to local charity. The parade starts at Sundown and starts in the Stockton Deep Water channel near Windmill Cove. For information view facebook.com/stocktonlightedboatparade or stocktonyachtclub.org to register. Help make 2023 the biggest one yet.

7 • National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II.

9 • Marina West Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade, decorated boats will meet at the Ox Bow 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.

9 • 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.

13 • 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 what its facilities has to 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 of winter and yet there is still plenty of perfect boating weather days in store. This time of year, makes an enjoyable 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.

31 • New Year’s Party at Windmill Cove, come early and stay late as this is sure to be a Huge Party.

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 about your favorite hot spot and as always party responsibly so we can enjoy 2024 together!

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.

1 • Happy New Year, Your Bay & Delta Yachtsman staff wish you a Happy and Safe 2024! 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, this is the year to mark this off your to do list and freeze your buns. Any questions, call Rob at the Rusty Porthole 925-684-3607 or visit www.bethelisland-chamber.com

10 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6-7:30 p.m. Foster’s Big Horn in Rio Vista. Come out and enjoy the hospitality of one of the Delta’s most popular and iconic restaurants. 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.

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

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!