2026 “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 26, 2026
– Blessing of the fleet – 10:30 am
– Boat parade – Noon to 2 pm (approx.)
View from Crissy Field to PIER 39, SF
FREE to watch from the shore

Decorated Boat Parade Starts at Noon

There is a category for everyone and prizes for:

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

2026 Info:

Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, Opening Day on the Bay marks the official start of the boating season on San Francisco Bay. For 109 years, according to the Yachting Registry, PICYA has opened the season with a parade of boats large and small.

Opening Day on the Bay will be Sunday, April 26, 2026. The Decorated Boat Parade, a signature highlight of Opening Day, begins at Noon and runs just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, following along the city front to the first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green.

Each year a theme is selected, and many boats are decorated accordingly. This year’s theme, “Myths and Legends,” celebrates the folklore, mythology, and storytelling of maritime history. The theme is open to many interpretations, and skippers are encouraged to be creative. Some boats will fly flags and streamers or join in the parade not decorated.

Prior to the parade is the Blessing of the Fleet at 10:30 AM in Raccoon Strait, hosted by Corinthian Yacht Club. The blessing tradition was added in 1963 as the “Blessing of the Pleasure Craft,” modeled on traditional blessings of working fishing vessels.

Any vessel may take part, yacht club membership is not required, provided they register in advance and have a marine radio. Boat parade registration is free.

There are prize bags and trophies awarded in multiple categories.

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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.