Sailing season officially starts in the South Bay this Saturday at the Port of Redwood City, with a celebration and a competition between rival yacht clubs.
The yacht club that has the most boats on the water that day will claim a trophy currently held by the Peninsula Yacht Club, said Judy McDowell, Peninsula Yacht Club member and co organizer of the event.
“We’ve had it for about two years,” McDowell told Patch with glee, describing the friendly rivalry between her club and the Sequoia Yacht Club.
Last year, the Peninsula Yacht club had about 50 members on the water, she said. About 200 boats participated, said Dan Lockwood, Sequoia Yacht Club Rear Commodore.
This is the 75th time the South Bay commemorated sailing season with opening day festivities. This year, activities will include a decorated boat parade, a blessing of the fleet, and feasts. Sailors from all over the South Bay will be traveling to Redwood City for the event, with most coming from the Coyote Point, Peninsula, Sequoia, San Leandro, and Oyster Point yacht clubs.
“It’s a great thing to do with the kids, a way to spend time with them that’s not a video game,” Lockwood said.
The Sequoia Yacht Club will be hosting a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage and juice from 1-10a.m. for $5. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers will be served for lunch, starting at noon, for $10.
In the parking lot area of the Sequoia Yacht club, exhibits from the Marine Science Institute will be on display. Local police and fire departments, The Coast Guard Auxiliary, and The Power Squadron will also be engaging with landlubbers.
The event is open to the public.
To participate in the boat parade, register via this website, which also contains contact information for the person who monitors slip availability.
Here is a Schedule of South Bay Opening Day Activities:
Friday, May 17th
5:30 pm. Cocktails and packet pick-ups for parade participants
7:30 p.m. Dinner at the San Leandro Yacht Club (Reservations made during registration.)
Saturday, May 18th
8-10a.m. Breakfast by the Sequoia Yacht Club
10:30 a.m. Decorated Boat Parade participants assemble in Redwood Creek
11 a.m. Decorated Boat Parade begins with Blessing of the Fleet
11a.m.-1p.m. Bands play
1 p.m. Decorated Boat Parade Awards
2:30-4:30p.m. Creek clean up meeting at the Sequoia Yacht Club
5 p.m. Cocktails at the Peninsula Yacht Club
7 p.m. Dinner by the Peninsula Yacht Club (Reservations made during registration.)
Sunday May 19th
8:30-10:30a.m. Gin Fizz Brunch at the South Bay Yacht Club
11 a.m. Photo taken for the memory books
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
