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The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pike, an 87-foot patrol boat, is coming to the Port of Redwood City for 77th annual South Bay Opening Day of sailing season festivities Saturday, May 2. The public can view it for free.
The Pike is based at Yerba Buena Island. Its crew conducts search and rescue, law enforcement,marine fishery law enforcement, and Homeland Security endeavors in the San Francisco Bay, the Sacramento River Delta, and offshore. The Pike is one of the newer CG vessels and is equipped with newly redesigned communications systems and more environmentally friendly operating equipment.
Festivities feature a decorated boat parade and free public activities. This year’s theme is “Pirates of the South Bay.”
The decorated boat parade and blessing of the fleet starts at 11 a.m. and is best viewed from the observation deck at the Port of Redwood City. Spectators can vote for their favorite decorated boat to determine which one will receive the coveted “Spectators Choice Award.”
The public viewing experience will be enhanced in wake of last month’s completion of improvements to the public access and landscape areas between Seaport Center and the Fishing Pier. Improvements include:
- Reconstruction of the sidewalks, parking areas, benches, and ADA access long the waterfront promenade to improve views and connectivity.
- New landscaping with palm trees, reduced-size lawn, and plantings that discourage Canadian geese.
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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pike (photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sabrina Arrayan)
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The public can enjoy the many exhibits in the Sequoia Yacht Club parking lot area from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., including booths by Marine Science Institute, police and fire departments, West Marine, Dock-walkers, Power Squadron, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Water activities also include: Coast Guard cutter Friday evening and Saturday, rowing club and kayaking demonstrations, and the Sea and Mariner Scouts vessels.
Parade grand marshal will be Captain Gregory Stump, Commander Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, which is comprised of nearly 800 active, reserve and civilian personnel whose area of responsibility spans from the Oregon border south to San Luis Obispo and includes over 2,500 miles of shoreline. Stump was a Coast Guard waterborne operations officer during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Lunch will be available for purchase at the Sequoia Yacht Club. A band will perform from noon to 2 p.m.
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