Clouds Clear for Opening Day

San Francisco Bay saw clear skies and a generous breeze for Opening Day 2017. Lengths of colorful, flapping signal flags and burgees decorated a line of boats snaking its way through the calm waters of Marin, waiting to be blessed by the Corinthian Yacht Club’s official Blessing Vessel. 

A stately and jovial ceremony in the modern era, the blessing of the fleet has its roots in maritime communities praying for a bountiful season, and the safety of seafarers making their way across oceans.

Once blessed, boats crossed the Bay — the breeze now kicking up in earnest — to Crissy Field, where a fireboat waited, waited … waited to blast its high-pressure hose, and lead the parade of boats past St. Francis Yacht Club and down the Cityfront.

We’d like to thank the owners and crew of Freda B for hosting us in style.