2024 “Opening Day On The Bay” Boat Parade & “Blessing of the Fleet” (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

The annual Opening Day on the Bay typically shows off over 100 historic workboats, fireboats, towboats, and classic and contemporary craft.

This marks the official start of the San Francisco boating season.

Annual “Opening Day on the Bay” Boat Parade
Sunday, April 28, 2024
– Blessing of the fleet – 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (approx)
– Boat parade – Noon to 2pm (approx)
View from Crissy Field to PIER 39, SF
FREE to watch from the shore

OPENING DAY ON THE BAY APRIL 28, 2024

From the blessing of the fleet in Racoon Straits to the parade of decorated boats this is a great day to get out on the Bay.

Come on out and decorate your boat for this traditional event. Before the start of the parade is the Blessing of the Fleet, at 10:30 am in Raccoon Strait, hosted by Corinthian Yacht Club. The parade begins at Noon, led by the San Francisco fireboat St. Francis, so participating in the blessing and parade is possible. The “Blessing Boat” will be anchored in Raccoon Strait, come through from the backside, and then cruise on over to the San Francisco waterfront and join in on the fun.

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.

Any vessels can take part (you do not have to be a yacht club member) as long as they register beforehand and have a marine radio.
Some boats will be decorated to this year’s theme “Rockin’ on the Bay.” This theme is open to many interpretations of anything associated with music.
Some may choose to depict a popular musician, a band, music genres, musical eras, or music from musicals, movies or cartoons.
Your boat does not have to be wired for sound to participate. 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 STARTS AT NOON

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

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Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.