Fleet Week — The Show Must Go On

The government shutdown is forcing some changes to this year’s Fleet Week, but it won’t stop the sunshine and a chance for a beautiful day on the Bay. In addition, there will be some new players replacing the Blue Angels to offer frequent Fleet Week flyers a fresh look at ways to skim just over your masthead light.

The show started at noon today, and runs through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The event takes place between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz with the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show presented by United Airlines. It’s typically the busiest weekend on the Bay all year. This year, with the absence of the Blue Angels, the event is being headlined by the Canadian Snowbirds, and it is the only air show in the United States with a commercial airliner, the United 777, performing a fully choreographed act. Put your seat belts on, put your laptops away, and put your cockpit tables up.

Most of the Canadian snowbirds we know are in Puerto Vallarta.

While there will be plenty of action in the air, due to the government shutdown the usual parade of ships will not happen. This was to include the Colombian tall ship ARC Gloria, which will also not be parading, but is open for tours at Piers 15/17 next to the Exploratorium, today through Monday.

The weather looks perfect for spectating, with clear skies and light breezes. That could make it slow going in the BVBC Champion of Champions, the CYC Fall Series #2 or the BYC Chowder Series #2, but the air show will add entertainment as you focus on keeping the sail telltales fluttering.

We are actually not at the Annapolis Boat Show for the first time in over 30 years since we’re home recovering from rotator cuff surgery. It’s also the second time in all those years we were going to see the Blue Angels. Regardless, it’s going to be a beautiful weekend in the Bay Area. Keep a good eye out and have fun out there. If you get some good shots upload them to our Sailagram page here. Or email them to [email protected].