Opening Day
Parade 2003 on SF Bay
Grand Marshal to Founder of Boat U.S. Richard
Schwartz
Richard
Schwartz started Boat U.S. in 1966. He has graciously agreed to be
the Grand Marshal of the 2003 Opening Day on The Bay Parade. In a
patriotic affirmation and determination to stand tall and strong, up
to 250 recreational boats from Northern California Yacht Clubs are
expected to enter a decorated boat competition to the theme
"The American Spirit-Stars & Stripes Forever." In
addition, various classic vessels, both motor and sail powered, are
being invited, some of which are over 100 years old. The occasion
will be a unique opportunity to see these special boats, all at the
same time, sailing close to shore where land-based spectators can
enjoy the event from Crissy Field to PIER 39 starting at 12 noon.
The parade will be led by one of
the City of San Francisco’s popular fireboats. To promote a safe
and enjoyable day, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary,
and U.S. Power Squadron and other designated craft will patrol the
parade route. A leading boat will be the 90’ Brigantine, Irving
Johnson.
As founder of Boat Owners
Association of the United States, Richard Schwartz has directed the
growth of his association into the largest organization of
recreational boat owners in the country with a membership which now
exceeds 535,000. He is also Chairman of the Board of the 501(c)(3)
Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and the Boat U.S. Legal
Defense Fund.
PICYA Commodore Linda Newland
said, "I am very pleased that our Opening Day Committee named
Richard Schwartz their unanimous choice for this prestigious honor.
The PICYA has always bestowed the honor of Grand Marshal to
individuals of great humanity. Richard certainly is such a
person."
"Boat U.S. is very excited to again sponsor
one of the West Coast’s premier boating events," said Boat
U.S. Chairman and Founder Richard Schwartz. We want boaters to know
that our recent sale of Boat U.S. stores to West Marine has created
a new partnership that will increase our ranks working to encourage
new memberships. We continue to be the strongest advocate on Capital
Hill for boaters’ rights, and provide the best benefits and
services to our members on both coasts and every waterway in
between. Boat U.S. is here to stay as clear evidence of our
commitment to making boating safer," he continued.