Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott

Calendar - Down The Rode

BAY & BEYOND

FEBRUARY

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.

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.

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. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will instruct this course. 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, New Event Location: Capitol Events Center, 1020 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. The welcome reception is on the evening of March 12, 2024, at Brasserie Du Monde, 1201 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, 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 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.

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.

12 – 13 • Annual Svendsen’s Spring Fling, hosted by Svendsen’s Marine, 2900 Main Street #1900, Alameda, CA. Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This year the show has more exhibitors, great food and informative sailing/boating seminars. This event is free and open to the public! Meet top sailing/boating brand representatives and visit the 20,000 sq. ft. Svendsen’s Marine store for the best deals of the year on your boating and sailing gear. Raffle giveaways all day long. Visit www.springflingboatshow.com for more information.

12 – 14 • 21st 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 – 21 • 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 at the trendy boutiques, sponsored lounges and beautiful restaurants in the area. From recreational watercrafts to large luxury yachts and everything in between the NBIBS looks forward to welcoming you this April to NBIBS 2024. Visit www.nbibs.com for more info.

25 – 28 • 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.

28 – PICYA’s 107th 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 “Rockin’ 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 2024 as one of the largest turnouts in years.

DELTA

MARCH

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, ~ New Event Location: Capitol Events Center, 1020 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. The welcome reception is on the evening of March 12, 2024, at Brasserie Du Monde, 1201 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, 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 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.

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.

6 • 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. Opening Day 2024 will be on Saturday April 6th, 2024! This year’s theme is “Hollywood Glitz and Glam.” After the parade the club will follow the theme with a Western Hoedown and dinner. Bring your boat and join the fun all weekend and let’s make this a fantastic weekend to kick off the 2024 boating season! Contact the Stockton Yacht Club at 209-946-9259 or visit www.stocktonyc.org if you have any questions. Or you can contact Jill Stevenson at 916-847-8959 for more information.

10 • Delta Chambers Mixer, Freeport Bar & Grill, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come out and network with local chamber members as the staff of FBG show their hospitality in traditional Delta Wine Loving 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.

13 • Discovery Bay Yacht Club Opening Day Parade, Discovery Bay Yacht Club invites you to their parade on Saturday April 13th. If you have a boat, assemble your crew and join them on this exciting opening day weekend. Visit dbyc.com for more information.

20 • 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 to be announced soon. 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 visit www.sjyc.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!