Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
NOVEMBER
27 – Jan 3 • Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremonies, (Make Sure to Check Website prior to planning for this event) 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 5-10pm, November 21, 2018 through January 1, 2019. 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.
28 • Petaluma Santa’s Riverboat Arrival, With the recent dredging of Petaluma’s Turning Basin, should the even not be canceled due to Covid restrictions, it is sure to be a stunning tribute to the area. Turning Basin and the Historic Downtown of Petaluma at 11:30 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Petaluma Riverfront onboard a boat, to greet the children and distribute candy canes. Call 707-769-0429 for more info.
DECEMBER
Dec 20 • USS Potomac Cruises (Canceled Until Further Notice Due to Covid Restrictions). This letter is from the volunteers and representatives of the USS Potomac to all visitors to our website. Whether you are a Friend of The Potomac, a supporter, a lover of history, or just a visitor we hope you will read our message, below:
First and foremost, we can’t lose sight of the terrible loss of life from this pandemic and the debt we all owe to the front-line responders for their bravery and seemingly endless effort.
We hope that you are well during these difficult and unprecedented times. All of us at the Potomac would like to thank our amazing Friends, donors, and volunteers who have demonstrated their support over the years, and especially during the past several months, doing maintenance and making donations.
Like many nonprofits across the country, the past few months have been the most difficult we have experienced in our 25+ years serving the community. The ship has maintenance and upkeep expenses which must be paid for in order to have an operational vessel when we return. We are having great difficulty covering these expenses because all events and cruises have been cancelled until further notice. This has resulted the loss of all revenue to cover our continuing expenses.
At this point we are working very hard to find ways to bring the Potomac back. We are optimistic that we will re-open to serve the students and residents of the Bay area as well as our visitors for the 2021 sailing season.
However, we need your help now, more than ever.
We are reaching out to you, our beloved friends and supporters, and asking for your help. If you can find it in your heart and means to make a donation, we will be forever grateful. You can make the re-opening of this national treasure possible.
Please mail donations to: Potomac Association, 40 Water Street, Oakland, CA. 94607
Or to donate online: http://usspotomac.org/give/donate.php
Thank you so much for supporting us over the years, and we hope to continue to be around for years to come.
Sincerely, The Potomac Association Volunteers
8 – 11 • 44th Annual MRAA 2020 Annual Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Due to Covid, this year’s event will be held virtual and online. 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
TBD • Bay and Beyond Annual Lighted Boat Parades, At the time of print most if not all parades have been canceled due to Covid restrictions. Make sure to check the organizers of your local and favorite Holiday Parades for their status.
12 • 33rd Annual Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks Display, Sadly, like most events, the parade has been canceled this year. See you in 2021. For more info visit www.syconline.org or www.oursausalito.com/calendar-of-events/sausalito-lighted-boat-parade.html
21 • Winter Equinox, marking the start to winter and yet there is still plenty of perfect boating weather in store. Great 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 with your favorite hot spot and as always party responsibly as we put All of 2020 behind us, so we can enjoy 2021 together!
JANUARY
Jan 21 • 65th Annual Los Angeles Boat Show, At the time of print the dates have not been published. Make sure to check their website for the most updated information. Fairplex, Pomona, CA. The Los Angeles Boat Show is the ultimate destination for boating and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts, featuring sport fishing boats, performance boats, ski boats, cruisers, jet skis, pontoons, motorboats, catamarans, cabin cruisers, dinghies/inflatables, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and more! For more info losangelesboatshow.com
Canceled • 34th Annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition Sacramento, The Exposition has been canceled and rescheduled for January 20-23, 2022. Call 916-364-7545 for more info. Visit the website for more information on all the new events and features added for the 2021 show at www.sportsexpos.com
1 • Happy New Year, Your Bay & Delta Yachtsman staff wishing our boating friends and family, not only a better year ahead but also a Happy and Safe 2021! 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, (Note, at this time there is no confirmation of this traditional New Year’s Day event being held ~ 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.mastermariners.org
13 – 17 • 61st Annual Portland Boat Show, At the time of print the show is still scheduled. Make sure to check the website for up to date information. Portland Expo Center, Portland, OR. Visit www.otshows.com for more info.
14 – 17 • 43rd Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, (Check website often for any Covid changes) St. Petersburg, FL. The Gulf Coast’s largest boat show is set to cruise into the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, FL. For more info 954-764-7642 or visit www.showmanagement.com
15 – 18 • 31st Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at Pier 39, (The Sea Lions are coming back regardless of Covid. Check the Website frequently for events planned or not.) 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.
23 • 15th Annual Diamond Classic Catch & Release Sturgeon Derby, (Make sure to check with the marina on the latest Covid updates and schedule of event) Hosted by the Martinez Marina Bait & Tackle. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., $25 entry fee includes derby and seminar. For more info call 925-229-9420 or visit www.diamondclassic.org
28 – 31 • San Diego Sunroad Boat Show, (Check website often for any Covid changes) Sunroad Resort Marina on Harbor Island, San Diego. Over 100 new and pre-cruised sailboats and powerboats will be on display in the water. Dozens of marine-related vendors with the latest in nautical products and gear. Special boating events and boat rides. Food and drink sponsored by the local restaurants. Call 619-497-5254 or visit www.bigbayboatshow.com
28 – 31 • 74th Annual Seattle Boat Show, (Check website often for any Covid changes) Lake Union & CenturyLink Field Event Center, Seattle, WA. One ticket lets you view both venues by taking 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.
FEBRUARY
Canceled for 2021 • Progressive Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail, (Rescheduled for Jan 17- 21, 2022. Miami, Fl. Miami Marine Stadium. 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 2019, and VIP experiences. For more info and special ticket packages that are available call 954-441-3231 or visit www.miamiboatshow.com
DELTA
NOVEMBER
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.
13 – 15 • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Veteran’s Day Discount, Enjoy 50% off your stay with promo code HERO. Visit Towerparkresort.com or call 209-369-1041 to book or more information.
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.
TBD • Delta and Beyond Annual Lighted Boat Parades, At the time of print most if not all parades have been canceled due to Covid restrictions. Make sure to check the organizers of your local and favorite Holiday Parades for their status.
5 • (Ad Hoc) Stockton’s 39th Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade. Due to Covid this year’s official event has not been scheduled. However, there are many who just plan on getting together for the evening and do their own parade. Check with your friends in the know and enjoy the evening.
9 • 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 facilities 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 to winter and yet there is still plenty of perfect boating weather in store. Great 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. Make sure to contact The Rusty Porthole regarding any and all Covid restrictions if any at that time.
31 • Spindrift Restaurant New Year’s Eve Celebration, On the Delta Loop. Contact 777-4944 for all the details and dinner specials. Make sure to The Spindrift Restaurant contact regarding any and all Covid restrictions if any at that time.
31 • New Year’s Party at Windmill Cove, come early and stay late as this is sure to be a Huge Party. Make sure to contact Windmill Cove regarding any and all Covid restrictions if any at that time.
31 • New Year’s Eve Party at The Point, The Point Restaurant in Rio Vista, come out and enjoy the music while overlooking the water. For more info call 707-374-5400 or visit www.thepointrestaurant.com Make sure to contact The Point Restaurant regarding any and all Covid restrictions if any at that time.
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 with your favorite hot spot and as always party responsibly as we put All of 2020 behind us, so we can enjoy 2021 together!
JANUARY
1 • Happy New Year, Your Bay & Delta Yachtsman staff wishing our boating friends and family, not only a better year ahead but also a Happy and Safe 2021! Get out and use your boat and make it a personal goal to introduce someone new to boating this year.
1 • 41st Annual Frozen Bun Run at The Rusty Porthole, Canceled for 2021… See you next year in 2022. Any question call Rob at the Rusty Porthole 925-684-3607 or visit www.bethelisland-chamber.com
Canceled • 34th Annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition Sacramento, The Exposition has been canceled and rescheduled for January 20-23, 2022. Call 916-364-7545 for more info. Visit the website for more information on all the new events and features added for the 2021 show at www.sportsexpos.com
ONGOING
Due to Covid-19 make sure to call ahead on any normal ongoing event… at the time of print many exhibits and activities remain closed or operating on limited schedules.
Bay Model Tours, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA. 415-332-3871. Hours Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Sun.-Mon. & holidays.
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.
Red & White Fleet San Francisco Cruises, for info call 415-673-2900 or visit www.redand white.com
USS Pampanito, Open daily at Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf. Fee: Adults, $9; 6-12, $4; under 6 free with adults; family ticket $20. More info at 415-561-6662. Admission includes a self-guided tour.
USS Potomac Year-Round 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. Guided dockside tours are available year-round on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Special programs for students. Call 510-627-1215.
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 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. Call 510-627-1215 for actual dates and reservations.
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 6 free with adult. Visit www.ssjeremiahobrien.org for cruise schedule, volunteer opportunities and overnight programs or call 415-544-0100.
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
Delta Fishing Reports, Weekly every Wed. at www.californiadelta.org
Safe Boating Courses, for information and closest place to attend a boating course please call the United States Power Squadron at 925-377-2628.
Send YOUR event info to:
DownTheRode@YachtsmanMagazine.com
The Earlier the BETTER!
