Getting the Boating Blues? Looking for a race, show, or seminar to start the new year? Masters, Dinghies, Single-Doubles, Sweethearts, Crews and more. Here are ways to loose those blues.

JANUARY 2004

1st New Year’s Day Race & Chili Potluck put on by the Master Mariners at Richmond YC. Bob Rogers, (415) 381-3498.

1st Annual Around the Island sail sponsored by Encinal, Aeolian, and Ballena Yacht Clubs will be especially challenged this year with low tide occurring during the sail around the shallow channels of the island of Alameda. If you have a powerboat or a friend with one ,you are in luck. Sailboats may be in a bit of mud. www.eyc.org.

10th, Feb 22nd, Mar 20th Tiburon YC MidWinters, a three-race series. (415) 789-5241.

15-18th Atlantic Sail Expo, Atlantic City Convention Center www.sailamerica.com.

17-18th Little Daddy Regatta, one of the newer winter traditions that is on catching fire. For information on the 2004 dinghyfest at Richmond YC, call (510) 237-2821.

17-18th & Feb 14-15th Corinthian MidWinters is a funfilled series of races. The Regatta is a two-weekend series of four races.The Corinthian Yacht Club hosts the live band, Bay City Blues, and puts on a buffet and dance party following the Saturday races. Prizes are awarded each day of racing, and a regatta awards cocktail party finishes off the weekend. See www.cyc.org or arrrr@cyc.org, or call CYC at (415) 435-4771.

21-25th Fred Hall’s Fishing and Boating Show, formerly the Cow Palace Sports and Boat Show, has exhibits of everything an angler needs for fishing.

30th-Feb 8th Northern California Boat Show, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, is an indoor show for inland boaters. A short distance from the Bay and a fun way to spend the day hanging out around boats. www.ncma.com.

31st SSS Three Bridge Fiasco is a race where all participants choose the best way to cross the finish line, and do so crossing it in different directions at the same time. Since the race is timed to ensure that the first over the line is the actual winner, the starting line can be mayhem. Definitely an entertaining race to participate in. www.sfbaysss.org.

FEBRUARY 2004

7-8th North U’s Tactics Seminar, hosted by Tiburon Yacht Club, costs $135 for one day or $245 for the weekend. Among the four guest instructors are Peter Isler, a renowned sailor and racer who co-authored Sailing for Dummies with his wife JJ, and John Rousmaniere, author of Annapolis Book of Seamanship. (See March) www.tyc.org. (415) 789-5241.