Get Out Your Boat for Opening Day This Sunday, April 27

This Sunday is the traditional great unfurling, when sailboats (and other boats) that have been idle all winter (and those that never stopped sailing) congregate on the water for the blessing of the fleet. On Raccoon Strait the “God Squad” — a minister, a priest, and a rabbi — will bless your boat as you pass by the Aurora V, a 1969 John Trumpy & Sons coastal cruiser, anchored near the Corinthian’s clubhouse in Tiburon. Pass from east to west at around 4 knots, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 27, to participate.

You can make it a “twofer” by continuing on counterclockwise across the Bay to watch or join (if you’ve preregistered) the PICYA Opening Day Parade. The PICYA parade starts at noon as registered boats gather to the west of Anita Rock before parading east toward Pier 39. This year’s theme is “Generations on the Bay,” with prizes awarded to decorated boats in various categories. With max flood at 10:30 it will likely be flat water, but stay west toward the bridge so you reach Crissy Field to the west of Anita Rock.

After a few gray days it looks as if Sunday is the day the sun will return to the Bay, making it an even better day for you to get your boat out of the slip and hoist your sails or at least the flags you recently picked up at the dry cleaner.

If there is one day not to leave your boat tied up, this is it — along with all the other great days to get out there. It’s actually a good time to go check on the boat and make sure it’s still in its slip, say hi to the dock neighbors, head out for a blessing, and return for a dock party.

It your sails have been flaked or furled all winter it’s a good time to get the wrinkles out, or if your engine oil has been sitting cold for months, it’s a great time to warm it up so it’s reliable when you invite friends, kids, and neighbors. Too many of them only see the Bay while sitting in traffic on a bridge, and too many boats sit in slips for lack of crew. There are many folks who’d love to get onto the Bay with you. This is your chance to show them why we sail here. And have them keep an eye out for the many whales that have been spotted on the Bay.

PICYA’s Opening Day has been a celebration of the Bay’s unique sailing culture for over 100 years. It’s a day that racers, cruisers, and recreational daysailors can practice their sailing, navigation, and rules of the road. We’ve found that even on the most crowded days on the Bay, there’s always plenty of room to sail and the marinas remain way too full.

It only comes once a year, and is a great day to unfurl your sails with the next generation aboard. See you out there.