"USS Potomac" Hosts Election Night Party!

Ahoy! Dear "Friends of the Sea" -- I thought you would enjoy hearing about our at-sea party for Election Night!

very best,

David

And, more info here!

Dory - hope you're doing well. I thought y'all might get a kick out of this, or find it of interest.
best,
d

here you go !
best,
david

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Election Night Party aboard Franklin Roosevelt’s Presidential Yacht “Potomac”
Raises Funds for Historic Ships

100 People to View Presidential Coverage for Dinner & Wine Cruise on San Francisco Bay
www.usspotomac.org

16 October 2008 – San Francisco, CA: It’s the definition of bipartisanship – a real bipartisan ship. On Tuesday, November 4, 100 political partiers of both parties will board the National Historic Landmark presidential yacht Potomac to view the election from Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “floating White House.” The first-of-its kind election night fete will begin at 5pm when the Potomac sails from her home berth in Oakland’s Jack London Square just as the polls are closing on the East Coast. After crossing the Bay, the historic vessel will pick up additional political partiers at San Francisco’s Pier 40 in the City’s South Beach Marina at 5:45pm. During the three hour cruise, guests will be treated to fine wines courtesy of Foggy Bridge Winery, spirits courtesy of Brown-Forman and food provided by Kincaid’s Restaurant of Oakland and Palomino Restaurant of San Francisco. Also making a special onboard appearance that night will be four-time elected president, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt” joined by his faithful dog “Fala.” The cruise will debark passengers at 8:45pm in San Francisco, and 9:45pm in Oakland, just as the evening’s winner will be making his acceptance speech. Tickets are $195 per person, tax deductible and may be purchased by calling (510) 627-1667. Payments are also accepted by check payable to: “USS Potomac Foundation” / P.O. Box 2064 / Oakland, CA 94604. Proceeds from the evening benefit the preservation efforts of the Potomac and another vintage vessel, the WWII “Liberty Ship” Jeremiah O’Brien home-ported in San Francisco.

“What better place to enjoy an historic election than aboard FDR’s historic home-away-from home,” said maritime historian David Perry, 46, who conceived the idea for the benefit party. “No matter who wins, the wine will flow and the food will comfort our guests on both sides of the aisle, port or starboard.”

“Preserving our maritime heritage was a passion of President Roosevelt,” said Potomac Executive Director Marti Burchell. “This historic party is a way to raise awareness – and funds – for FDR’s own historic ship and that of another veteran vessel, the WWII Liberty Ship Jeremiah O’Brien moored in San Francisco.”

The USS Potomac was built in 1934 as the Coast Guard cutter Electra. The 165-foot vessel, weighing 376 gross tons and cruising at speeds of 10 to 13 knots, was commissioned as a U.S. Navy vessel in 1936, renamed the USS Potomac, and served as Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht until his death in 1945. As former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, FDR had a deep love of the sea and the Navy tradition. He hated to fly and preferred to travel by train or ship throughout his presidency.

During the sultry summer days in Washington, D.C., he preferred to cruise on the USS Potomac rather than stay in the White House. The USS Potomac gave the nation’s 32nd president much-needed respite from the cares of governing the United States throughout the Great Depression and World War II.

After FDR’s death in April 1945, the Potomac began a long and ignominious decline from her former role in world affairs. After many adventures and many owners – including Elvis Presley at one point – she was seized in 1980 in San Francisco by U.S. Customs for her role as a front for drug smugglers. Towed to Treasure Island, the proud vessel’s hull was pierced one night and she sank.
After several years, Potomac was re-floated by the Navy and sold to the Port of Oakland for just $15,000. The Port of Oakland spearheaded a cooperative effort with organized labor, maritime corporations and dedicated volunteers to complete a $5 million restoration. Opened to the public in 1995, the Association for the Preservation of the Presidential Yacht Potomac now operates this National Historic Landmark as an active memorial to Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the momentous times through which he led our nation.

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