Down The Rode – by Ty Mellott
BAY & BEYOND
FEBRUARY
Jan ‘21 • 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
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!
17 • 6th Annual California Boating Congress, sponsored by the Marina Recreation Association and the theme is Twenty Thirty and Beyond. This year’s Congress will be held as a virtual meeting. Additional information will be posted soon online at www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0061.
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 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
25 • 104th 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. Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the parade sails from the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge to just past Pier 39. Any vessels can take part as long as they register beforehand and the procession regularly features tugboats, clean-up boats and tour boats, with visitors and spectators onboard. Judges are on hand to dish out prizes for the décor and imagination of the colorful vessels. So besides getting out and sailing you will have fun things to look at and celebrate the official beginning to the San Francisco Bay sailing season with fellow sailing enthusiasts! Due to many of the past year’s events, restrictions still in place if any, will determine the event. Make sure to check the PICYA site regularly at www.picya.org or of course check directly with your club and their intentions for 2021.
MAY
Friday & Saturday Beginning May 14th • Sunset Cruises, Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry. View the Bay & the SF skyline. Wine, soda & a variety of snacks for purchase onboard. Fri – Sat evening cruises continue through mid-Oct. Adults and seniors: $30, Children 6-12: $15. For information regarding times of departure and to make reservations call 415-435-2131 or visit http://angelislandferry.com/bay-cruises/#b1
1 – 2 • 122nd Annual Vallejo Race, Vallejo Yacht Club hosts the 122nd running of the Vallejo Race, kicking off another Yacht Racing Association (YRA) season of racing on the Bay for 2021. Make sure to check with the club for the latest information regarding the lifting of restrictions. For more info contact the Vallejo Yacht Club at 707-643-1254 or the YRA at 451-771-9500 or visit www.vallejoyachtclub.com
9 • Mother’s Day, Take Mom out for a boat ride. Can you think of any better way to spend Mom’s special Day? Cruise the Bay and remind her of how great she is! Enjoy the day and be safe on the water.
DELTA
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. The First Mixer of 2021 is scheduled to be held at the Ryde Hotel. Please stay up to date by visiting the website for last minute details regarding any restrictions still in place. Great location with easy access, even by boat weather permitting. Come out for the evening and check out what the new owners have in store for you. 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 has been canceled for 2021. For the latest information 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 • 6th Annual California Boating Congress, sponsored by the Marina Recreation Association and the theme is Twenty Thirty and Beyond. This year’s Congress will be held as a virtual meeting. Additional information will be posted soon online at www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0061.
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.
APRIL
Local Events, in hopes of the yearlong mandated restrictions being lifted, check often with your favorite local Delta establishments for updated information as often as possible. Look forward to getting out and enjoying our Delta life in the normal fashion as soon as possible.
10 • Delta Chambers Mixer, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Location TBD and will update in the April issue. 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.
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.
MAY
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.
9 • Mother’s Day, Take Mom out for a boat ride. Can you think of any better way to spend Mom’s special Day? Cruise the Delta and remind her of how great she is! Enjoy the day and be safe on the water.
30 • Windmill Cove Memorial Weekend Summer Kick Off, scheduled to perform live, is the ever-popular band ‘After Dark Pine Grove.’ 3PM start. Make plans to get there early as this band will surely pack them in! 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 or like their Facebook page and follow along.
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.redandwhite.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!
