Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
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.
Dec – Jan 5 • 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 19, 2024, through January 5, 2025. 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.
13 • 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.
14 • 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.
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. Make sure to inquire about your favorite hot spot and as always, party responsibly so we can all enjoy boating together in 2025.
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 2025! 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 will 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/
11 • California Yacht Brokers Association Annual Dinner, the Queen Mary in Long Beach CA. Members and non-members alike are welcome to join in the weekend fun. The CYBA will be celebrating the 50th year anniversary of the association in 2025 and what better way to do so than with a party. An overnight stay at the Queen Mary is available both Friday and Saturday. For more info call 925-588-8929 or visit www.cyba.info
17 • 34th Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at Pier 39, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA. Visitors will see, hear & enjoy hundreds of sea lions up close and personal. 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.
25 – 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
31 – Feb 1 • 18th 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 Friday’s seminar. For more info call Olivia Ortega 925-439-4958 or visit www.diamondclassic.org
31 – Feb 8 • 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. Tickets and time information can be found at www.seattleboatshow.com or by calling 206-634-0911.
FEBRUARY
1 • Boating Safety Seminar at the Oakland Yacht Club, Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., USCG Auxiliary Flotilla, 12-01, East Bay at the OYC. $25 per person and is limited to thirty people. Suddenly in Command is a Boat Safety seminar that will cover crucial boating safety, navigation, and emergency response techniques, providing valuable skills for both new and experienced boaters. When the Captain Can’t Command–Could You? Prepare for emergencies with essentials like vessel basics, Man Overboard (MOB) procedures, distress radio tips, and more. What You will Learn: Basics of boat operation and familiarization with equipment, Anchoring and docking techniques, Emergency responses for MOB and distress communication and how to complete a USCG Float Plan for safe trips. Given its educational value and the Coast Guard’s involvement, this will be a wonderful addition to your magazine’s event calendar. For more information or to register, email commodore@oaklandyachtclub.com or call 510-522-6868.
12 – 16 • Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, Miami, Fl. The show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. 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 2025, and VIP experiences. Visit www.miamiboatshow.com
15 – 23 • 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. For more info you can call 415-705-5500.
22- 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.
DELTA
DECEMBER
11 • 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. Make sure to inquire about your favorite hot spot and as always, party responsibly so we can all enjoy boating together in 2025.
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 2025! 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
8 • NO California Delta Chambers Mixer for January, always the 2nd Wednesday of the month; However there will be NO Mixer in January in lieu of the California Delta Chambers & Visitors Bureau Annual Dinner being held at the Ryde Hotel on Friday evening the 24th of January.
16 – 19 • 37th 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 can be purchased online or at the door. Visit the website for more information on all the new events and features for 2025 at www.SportsExpos.com
24 • California Delta Chambers Annual Dinner, Ryde Hotel, food, music and special guest speaker. 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.
31 – Feb 1 • 18th 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 Friday’s seminar. For more info call Olivia Ortega 925-439-4958 or visit www.diamondclassic.org
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.
12 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Hood Supply Co. at 10761 Hood Franklin Road, Hood, CA. Come out and enjoy the evening with fellow chambers members, meet new members and experience all that this local establishment has to offer. 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
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!
