The SORMA excursions are a great opportunity for in-depth discussion and networking while you explore interesting aspects of the Bay Area. We take a break from the technical program on Wednesday afternoon so that you can enjoy an excursion without missing any presentations.
Choose either a cruise on the Bay aboard FDR’s Presidential yacht, USS Potomac; or an expertly guided tour of the Blackhawk Automotive Museum followed by a tasting at Wente Vineyards.
Excursion sign-up is an option during conference registration. You may go back into your registration and add an excursion even if you have already registered. Excursions involve the modest extra cost of $25, including gourmet box lunch, for each registered attendee, $75 per companion.
Wednesday evening is unscheduled after the return from the excursions. (We should be back by 6 p.m.) See the “Exploring On Your Own” tab for suggestions on the many things to see and do in this area.
Tour the Bay from the Vantage Point of FDR And… Elvis?
USS Potomac Cruise
Potomac has been restored to her Presidential splendor and is ready to offer you stunning views that include the San Francisco cityfront, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate. Bring a sense of history and a camera! (Details and itinerary subject to weather and currents, of course.) Meanwhile, learn more about her from the USS Potomac Association and the National Park Service.
Excursion Weather: Temperatures on the Bay will generally be slightly cooler than in Berkeley. As of this writing, the extended forecast calls for sunshine with temperatures in the low to mid 60° F (15.5-16° C) range, so you may want to bring a lightweight jacket.
The USS Potomac excursion is limited to the first 100 people who sign up at the conference registration site.
Vintage Cars and Wines:
Blackhawk Museums and Wente Vineyards
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This excursion will take us first to one of the destination collections of the motoring world: the Blackhawk Automotive Museum. There we’ll have a docent-guided tour of a 90-car celebration of the automobile as art across more than 100 years of high style and high technology. |
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Before the century of the automobile, there was a century of transformation for the American West. The Blackhawk museums have a new exhibit on the settlement of the frontier, The Spirit of the Old West, where you can explore the 19th Century from both Native and pioneer perspectives. |
After the Blackhawk Museums, we’ll move to Livermore and explore a famous Northern California specialty with a tour and tasting at Wente Vineyards.
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Five generations of “California’s First Family of Chardonnay” have been growing grapes and making wines in the area since 1883, and the Wentes’ Livermore winery is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Besides chardonnay, they are also known for pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc, and reisling.
Excursion Weather: Temperatures in this inland location will generally be slightly warmer than in Berkeley. As of this writing, the extended forecast calls for sunshine with temperatures in the 70° F (21° C) range. The Blackhawk Museums / Wente Vineyards tour is limited to the first 50 SORMA attendees who sign up, so don’t delay. |
Tesla, Presidio Tours Cancelled
Unfortunately the excursion option involving a tour of Tesla Motors had to be cancelled for reasons beyond our control, and the Presidio Heritage Center / Disney Family Museum excursion has been cancelled due to low interest. Those who signed up for these excursions may select one of the others through the conference registration site, or a refund. We apologize for this inconvenience.