Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
JANUARY
Jan • 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 cannot 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 extremely 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
540 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
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, Canceled for 2021 due to Covid restrictions. For more info call 925-229-9420 or visit www.diamondclassic.org
28 – 31 • 74th Annual Seattle Digital Boat Show, Covid restrictions take an in person show to digital only. (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.
30 • 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
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 2022, and VIP experiences. For more info and special ticket packages that are available call 954-441-3231 or visit www.miamiboatshow.com
Canceled for 2021 • Miami Yacht Show, formally known as the Yacht & Brokerage Show in its 32nd Year in Miami Beach, Fl. The Superyacht Show is moving the location to Biscayne Bay is a multi-million-dollar presentation of yachts including the world’s most extraordinary and uniquely designed superyachts from the foremost custom boat builders nationally and internationally. For more info 800-940-7642 or visit www.miamiyachtshow.com
27 • Singlehanded Sailing Society Corinthian Race, Details at www.sfbaysss.org
MARCH
March • Berkeley Yacht Club Swap Meet, Due to Covid this event may or may not happen or be delayed / postponed for ‘21, for details on attending or exhibiting your own nautical wares contact the club, www.berkeleyyc.org
March • Martinez Marina Swap Meet, Due to Covid this event may or may not happen or be delayed / postponed for ‘21. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you have items to sell or wish to check out other sailor’s items to buy, come out to this free event held in front of the yacht club. For info call, 925-313-0942.
Canceled • 41st Annual Jazz Bash by the Bay, See you March 4-6, 2022. Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey Conference Center and Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the 41st annual event with this year’s featuring some of the country’s best Jazz artists. List of performers to be updated as event gets nearer. For more information 888-349-6879 or www.jazzbashmonterey.com
11 – 14 • 48th Annual Sacramento Boat Show & Off-Road Extravaganza, Due to Covid, this event may be pushed back or canceled for 2021. Check Website often for details. 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 contact 916-372-4239 or visit www.sacramentoboatshow.com
14 • Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to Spring Forward and one day closer to Summer!
25 – 28 • 36th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, as of now the show is still scheduled. Check often for Covid updates. This is one of the top 10 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 call 800-940-7642.
APRIL
16 – 30 • 18th Annual San Francisco Ocean Film Festival, Yes, we hear you and we miss you too! While 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us and our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected, we are continuously amazed at the resiliency of those around us and those who are continuing in their fight to protect our oceans. With that in mind, we are moving forward and planning a hybrid presentation of the 18th Annual IOFF, scheduled for April 16-30, 2021. Our goal is to host an in-person presentation at Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco, while meeting all of the safety requirements issued by our local health officials in place. Concurrently, we are planning to present a virtual edition of the film festival as well. We will keep you updated, and in the meantime, please stay safe.
Come out to celebrate and enjoy all things Ocean. Info at www.oceanfilmfest.org
DELTA
JANUARY
13 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CANCELED. visit www.californiadelta.org or call 916-777-4041.
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
FEBRUARY
Thursday – Saturday • Steak & Lobster Night at Orwood, Outside Dining, 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.
10 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6 – 7:30 p.m. CANCELED. 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.
MARCH
March • Martinez Marina Swap Meet, Due to Covid this event may or may not happen or be delayed / postponed in ‘21. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you have items to sell or wish to check out other sailor’s items to buy, come out to this free event held in front of the yacht club. For info call, 925-313-0942.
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.
10 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location to Be Determined… 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.
11 – 14 • 48th Annual Sacramento Boat Show & Off-Road Extravaganza, Due to Covid, this event may be pushed back or canceled for 2021. Check Website often for details. 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 contact 916-372-4239 or visit www.sacramentoboatshow.com
14 • Daylight Savings Time Begins, Remember to Spring Forward and one day closer to Summer!
17 • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at The Rusty Porthole, depending upon Covid updates, this event may or may not happen. Check for info regularly if interested. 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, depending upon Covid updates, this event may or may not happen. Check for info regularly if interested. 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.pointrestaurant.com/events.html
17 • Windmill Cove St Patrick’s Day Celebration, depending upon Covid updates, this event may or may not happen. Check for info regularly if interested. One of the most popular boat in destinations on the Delta. Come out by Car or Boat to enjoy! Enjoy all the festivities of the day with drink and dining specials. For more info or for other events at Windmill Cove call 209-469-9300.
17 • St. Patrick’s Day at Moore’s Riverboat, depending upon Covid updates, this event may or may not happen. Check for info regularly if interested. On the Delta Loop. Come by car or boat. 916-292-8490.
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!
