Bay Area Sailors Cast Off Into the Holiday Spirit

The holiday season is making itself present (get it?) in the Bay Area as the sailing community opens its door for everything from movies to art shows to live music and lighted boat parades.

First up, to start the Thanksgiving week, is a screening of the Sausalito Working Waterfront Coalition’s film Tour of Sausalito’s Marinship: A Working Waterfront at Risk on November 20 at 6:00 p.m. The film gives you a glimpse into the treasure of innovation and creativity that is hidden in plain sight in Sausalito’s working waterfront, and, introduces many of the craftspeople who are making it all happen. This group is very active in supporting its community, so we encourage you to go along and show your support, too!

Oakland and Encinal Yacht Clubs are delighted to announce the 47th Annual Lighted Yacht Parade on December 2, at 5:30 p.m. In addition to creating a magical evening of lights, the parade organizers partner with the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness and the Alameda County Community Food Bank to generate donations of food, unwrapped toys, or money at designated drop sites. These donations go a long way toward providing food and toys to deserving kids and families during the holiday season. Last year’s event generated over $2000 in cash donations and in toy and food donations.

Skippers who would like to participate in the parade, or anyone who wants to donate, please visit www.lightedyachtparade.com.

Spaulding Marine Center in Sausalito is hosting its second annual Holiday Open House on December 7, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.

“After last year’s successful attendance, we’re eagerly anticipating a vibrant gathering with local artists selling their curated and hand-crafted art, music by the Hot Clams, delicious food, and an abundance of enthusiastic attendees. Join us for another unforgettable and festive celebration for the Holidays!”

And for those who missed it last time around, J.R. Roessl, whose story we shared in our September issue, “A Boat and Life Launched on S.F. Bay,” will be speaking tonight at Sausalito Books by the Bay. Roessl’s memoir, Unmoored, tells the story of growing up in the Bay Area boating community, while her parents spent nearly three years building the boat that would take Roessl and her sisters on a life-changing adventure. You can meet the author and hear some of her personal story tonight at 5:00 p.m.

We hope you can get to one or more of these fun holiday events. And if your club or organization is hosting a holiday event, let us know!