The annual summer solstice kicks off the summer season with lots of daylight and numerous ways to enjoy one of the Bay Area's best features-the Bay itself! Renowned worldwide as a sailing mecca, the Bay draws new sailors from its shores on a regular basis.
One of the most popular events for Summer Sailstice attendees is the cardboard boat building contest at Alameda’s Encinal Yacht Club.
Published: June, 2018
The annual summer solstice kicks off the summer season with lots of daylight and numerous ways to enjoy one of the Bay Area’s best features—the Bay itself! Renowned worldwide as a sailing mecca, the Bay draws new sailors from its shores on a regular basis. Many give sailing a try at one of the numerous schools and community sailing centers.
Sailing is nothing if not eclectic. Some take to racing, some to cruising, some just do it for afternoon relaxation. The best way to enjoy sailing is often in dispute; all sailors would agree, however, that it’s a unique pleasure to be able to get on the water under sail. On Summer Sailstice, the global celebration of sailing held closest to the solstice, this year Saturday, June 23, all types of sailors will use the summer’s long daylight hours to get the wrinkles out of flaked mainsails, hoist sails and hit the water. Race or cruise, tall ship or small ship, it’s the way to start the summer right.
Your first sail may have got you hooked, but what keeps you going may be an entirely different type of sailing. Summer Sailstice is one way sailors open the doors to everyone, invite them sailing and help them discover what best suits their style.
This year, Alameda Mayor Trish Herrara Spencer has given recognition to Summer Sailstice and all water sports by declaring June “Water Sports Month.” Her declaration recognizes that “the worldwide Summer Sailstice celebration celebrates water sports and the Encinal Yacht Club is hosting an Alameda Summer Sailstice celebration on June 23rd.”
The mayor also noted that the celebration “is open to the entire community and introduces non-boaters and boaters to a wide variety of sailing and other water activities.” At the Encinal Yacht Club event, attendees can compete in the cardboard boat building contest, try a free sailboat ride, watch a small boat regatta, or just stop by in the afternoon for some live music and libations.
The Encinal Yacht Club event is not alone. If you check out the map of events on the Summer Sailstice website, you’ll find many ways to celebrate locally. Club Nautique is hosting another event in Alameda at Ballena Isle Marina or, across the Bay, you can celebrate with Modern Sailing.
For more information and to find other Summer Sailstice events, visit summersailstice.com.
