99th Opening Day on the Bay Is Sunday

According to the PICYA, an organization representing 105 Northern California yacht and boating clubs, this Sunday will mark the 99th time that they’ve sponsored an Opening Day Boat Parade on San Francisco Bay.

Although many diehard sailors enjoy Bay sailing even in the dead of winter, the primary goal of Opening Day is to get boaters of all stripes revved up about using their boats during the prime spring and summer sailing (and powerboating) season. 

This year’s parade theme is Heroes on the Bay, says the PICYA’s Opening Day Chair Linda Blue, the idea being to salute "heroes of all kinds," including teachers, innovators, historical heroes, military heroes and other inspirational figures. Linda invites all local boaters to "Come on out and decorate your boat for this traditional event." The annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Raccoon Strait off the Corinthian YC, and the parade itself will begin off the San Francisco waterfront at noon, led by the fireboat Phoenix. 

If you’ve never participated before, why not give it a go? After all, if you’re like us, you’re probably always looking for an excuse to get out on the water. And this is a particularly good one. Afterward, we’d love to receive a few of your favorite Opening Day photos.