There are age old traditions worldwide when it comes to the boating world. Superstitions like never saying goodbye, tattoos to save your soul, and It is unlucky to set off at the start of the fishing season without having first shed some blood in a fight or in an accident.

Present day – we carry on a few of these traditions unconsciously and many purposefully. On today’s show we share Opening Day on the Bay – San Francisco Bay – where the boaters have gathered for hundreds of years to start the boating season with a blessing from the local clergy, an escort from the US Coast Guard and a proud parade of sailboats, fire boats, powerboats and classics – showing off their best colors, flags and spirit.

Every April Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA) produces the phenomenal boat parade along the San Francisco waterfront – inviting 100+ member yacht clubs in Northern California to gather and compete for prestigious and storied trophies. Shout out to PICYA Vice Commodore David Jackson of Sequoia Yacht Club for chairing the event this year!

Today we enjoy an interview with Frances Larose and Kate Molitor of South Beach Yacht Club – multi-year winners in the youth division – decorated to theme. The 2024 PICYA theme was Rockin’ the Bay. Paper Boy (a Grandbanks 42) with a crew of twelve with ages running from 4 -74, emulating School of Rock, came in second.

The Opening Day on the Bay Parade is held under all conditions – so hang on tight for the choppier days. The entries are judged by a panel of distinguished guests on a “committee boat” (think multi-deck cruise ship) filled with cheerleaders from 60+ yacht clubs.

South Beach has placed first, second and third each year for 10+ years under the delightful curation of Wendy Hanrahan – South Beach YC Youth Sailing Director in San Francisco next to Oracle Park – home of the SF Giants.