It’s Going To Be a Busy Weekend on the Bay
Sure, it’s only Monday, and we’re already talking about the weekend, but with good reason: There’s lots going on and we want you to take part. Firstly, although last on our weekend calendar, is PICYA’s Opening Day on the Bay, and on Saturday, April 26, we have Call of the Sea Tall Ship Celebration, a Cal Sailing Club Open House, and a Dockwalker Refresher training.
The Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA) has been hosting Opening Day on the Bay since 1917 with a parade of boats that runs off the shore of Crissy Field, along the Cityfront, and down to the Marina Green. In 1963 they added the “Blessing of the Fleet,” back then introduced as the “Blessing of the Pleasure Craft,” a ritual they say was “modeled on the age-old traditional blessings of vessels of working fishermen.” We don’t know of many, if any, Bay sailors who fish while sailing, but the sentiment of a blessing is always appreciated and taken up by many.
Anybody can enter a vessel in the parade free of charge as long they register beforehand and have a marine radio. Parade skippers click to register here.
This year’s theme, “Generations on the Bay,” celebrates and honors the vivid historical generations of the San Francisco Bay! From the gold rush era and building of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Summer of Love, music mecca, the Go-Go ’90s, Golden Decade of Sports and Tech Explosion — pick your favorite “generation” to represent! The theme is open to many interpretations, and skippers are encouraged to be creative. Some boats will fly flags and streamers or just join in the parade without decoration.
All are welcome. If you do not have a boat, join us on the official committee boat to get the most up-close view of the boats. Details here.
This event is not limited to PICYA but is picked up by various clubs around the Bay. Check your local club for details.
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On Saturday, April 26, Call of the Sea is hosting the Tall Ship Celebration from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito. The day will include free tours of the brigantine Matthew Turner, Bay Model tours, traditional rope-making demonstrations, fun marine science exploration, educational activities by the Sailing Science Center, old-time tunes by local musicians the Waterfront Pickers, and a community sail on the Matthew Turner (ticket required). Info and tickets here.
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The Cal Sailing Club (CSC) at the Berkeley Marina, 124 University Avenue, is hosting its monthly Open House on Saturday, April 26. This month’s event coincides with the Berkeley Bay Festival and is a great opportunity to take that first (or second, or third) ride on a sailboat — the one that will often get people hooked. It’s “zero” cost, and “limitless” fun.
“The Cal Sailing Club (offers sailing to the public aboard our fleet of keelboats (large and stable) and dinghies (fast and zippy, but kinda tippy) 10 times a year. Whether you are new at sailing or an “old salt,” you can enjoy a spectacular voyage within sight of the University of California, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate!” Details here.
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California State Parks is hosting a Dockwalker Refresher training on Saturday, April 26. This is a virtual session, from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., so you’ll still be able to get out and do other boaty things that day!
Dockwalkers are partners who inspire and educate recreational boaters to be safe and environmentally sound while boating in California. These partners distribute boater kits with educational materials anywhere boaters are, while visiting marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows, and boating events.
You can find information about Dockwalkers here, and the trainings here.