April 27: Opening Day on the Bay

Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the parade runs just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, follows along the city front to first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green.

The blessing tradition was added to the festivities  in 1963 and known as the "Blessing of the Pleasure Craft". The ritual was modeled on the age-old traditional blessings of vessels of working fishermen. 

Anybody can enter a vessel in the parade free of charge (one does not have to be a yacht club member) as long they register beforehand and have a marine radio. Parade Skippers Click to register

Each year a theme is selected and many boats decorated to the year's theme. This year's theme "Generations on the Bay" celebrates and honors the vivid historical generations of the San Francisco Bay! From the Gold Rush Era & Building of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Summer of Love, Music Mecca, the GoGo 90's, Golden Decade of Sports and Tech Explosion - Pick Your Favorite "Generation" to Represent! The theme is open to many interpretations and skippers are encouraged to be creative.  Some boats will fly flags and streamers or just join in the parade not decorated.

All are welcome. If you do not have a boat, join us on the official committee boat to get the most up-close view of the boats.  

PARADE VESSEL INFORMATION

Parade Skippers Click to register 

OD Parade Route Map 2023.pdf

Opening Day Skipper Instructions 2025.pdf

All boats should register by April 23.  (to be included in the program). But registration is open until 10 am the day of the parade. 

Skippers Questions: S/C Linda Blue linda.a.blue@gmail.com 

Categories for Boats and Decor

There is a category for everyone and prizes for:

Classic and Historic Yachts

Powerboats Decorated to Theme

Sailboats Decorated to Theme

Power or Sail Decorated by Juniors

Flags & Streamers by Yacht Club

Decorated Not to Theme

Non-Decorated Boats 

CRUISE ON THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE BOAT 

Join the Officers and Directors of PICYA for the 107th Opening Day Official Cruise on the Luxe Cruises’ vessel, Cabernet Sauvignon. She provides spectacular views of the parade and beautiful San Francisco Bay. Enjoy a continental breakfast, a fabulous buffet lunch by the Luxe Cruises’ chefs, a no host/cash bar and the best front row view of the parade because the judges will be onboard.  

DEPARTURE: 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA 94501 

BOARDING/CHECK-IN:

On site registration will begin at 8:30 am

Boarding Begins at 8:45 am for VIPS and those needing Assistance, all other board at 9:00 am

Boat departs at 9:30 am sharp! 

CRUISE: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm 

The Cabernet Sauvignon bar service is cash only. An ATM is available onboard.

• Directions and Parking - We highly recommend using the Waze App, unless you already use Google Maps, Siri or another GPS application. Parking is free and plentiful. Drop off is easy for those individuals that have mobility issues. Be sure to follow signs for Luxe Cruises & Events or Commodore Cruises to get to the waterfront. The Pasta Pelican Restaurant is another landmark for your directions. Address is 2394 Mariner Square Dr, Alameda. 

REGISTER TO CRUISE ON THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE BOAT 

SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS

Donors and Sponsors, add your donation to your registration or CLICK HERE

Opening Day 2025 Sponsor Levels and Ad Prices.pdf

Questions? Please contact V/C Colleen Stauss at picya.org@gmail.com

Interesting Reads about Opening Day 2025 & 2024:

Check out this article by Carl Nolte about Pat Pending in 2011!

Check out this article on Latitude 38

Check out this article on the SF Chronicle