It’s Time to Sail
Source: Pacific Inter-Yacht Club Association
Published: April, 2007
OAKLAND — Opening Day on the Bay, on the last Sunday in April each year, is the official opening day of the Northern Californian sailing season, and sees over 150 boats, beautifully decorated and adorned, heading across San Francisco Bay in parade formation.
Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the parade sails from the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge to just past Pier 39. Any vessels can take part as long as they register beforehand. The procession regularly sees all kinds of vessels in the flotilla: tug boats, clean-up boats and tour boats, with visitors and spectators wanting an insider’s perspective.
One to watch for is the Indonesian Tall Ship, Dena Ruci. The 165-foot, barquentine ship, with a 120-foot sail height, was commissioned by the Indonesian Navy in 1952, but now tours the seas as an ambassador of goodwill on behalf of the Indonesian people.
Judges are on hand to dish out prizes for imaginative décor, with prizes in separate categories according to the type of boat. It is undoubtedly a sight to behold, unless the fog closes in, of course...
Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association www.picya.org
