Emeryville Mayor Kurt Brinkman

Emeryville Mayor Kurt Brinkman

Welcome to summer in Emeryville on the Bay, where we invite you to dock, stay, dine and play.  We are only ten minutes from San Francisco, host city of the 34th America’s Cup challenge. Emeryville is home to 2 marinas, 850 slips, 4 major hotels, over 30 restaurants and cafes and lots of shopping – worldwide and boutique brands. Plus, there are unlimited ways to play here this summer – from windsurfing, sailing, kiteboarding and kayaking to hiking the Bay Trail & Emeryville ArtWalk.

Summer in Emeryville is full of fun activities you have wanted to take on, but could not find the time. Days are longer now and we have a summer activity guide that highlights some great classes. Besides adult sports programs and youth summer camps, we offer Ukulele lessons, Yoga classes, Kajukenbo Kung Fu, Acoustic Guitar lessons and Blues Guitar, plus much more. You can download the activity guide from the City’s website or pick up a copy at City Hall or the Senior Center.

Emery Cove Yacht Harbor celebrates National Marina Day this month with an exhibit of safety and boat resources, along with free mobile pump-outs and fires extinguisher services. It’s a time where the community can learn the important role marinas play for family boating getaways, as well as the marinas’ role in protecting our environment. Also, down at the Emeryville Marina Park, KGB Kiteboarding is offering kiteboard and paddleboard lessons for those of you who want to take up a new sport, which seem like fun alternatives to surfing.  During the America’s Cup Summer of Racing, the organizers of the Bay Bridge re-opening celebration are planning a paddleboard race that starts in the Emeryville Marina and ends at the Bridge. Stay tuned for details.

You know one of my main interests in the America’s Cup Summer of Racing is the fact that for the first time, there is a platform for younger sailors to compete and have a chance to be part of an America’s Cup team one day.  I am happy to relay the great news that the Germans are allowing their young sailors to re-enter and compete in this first ever Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. The German team lobbied for new partners, raised the needed money and will now compete with Australia, New Zealand, Portugal and Switzerland teams that were selected in February. The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup will be held Sept. 1-4 on San Francisco Bay. An exciting time for all of our Cities on the Bay, watching these young sailors (most in their 20s) master the AC45s.

Enjoy your summer and hope to see you around Emeryville on the Bay.

Kurt Brinkman, Mayor of Emeryville