Before Twitter and Western Union Telegrams, naval signal flags were used get brief but important messages across. Brightly colored signal flags now adorn the Bluewater Boathouse, spelling out messages in support of our troops. Photo by Joe Ditler.
BLUEWATER BOATHOUSE SENDS
MESSAGE TO OUR MILITARY
CORONADO In the Great Age of Sail, signal flags were crucial in communicating between one ship and another, or from the Admiral to his fleet. The technique dates back to the year 1530.
Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse & Grill has just sent a signal from the restaurant to our local military to express support for our troops both here and abroad.
Traditional maritime signal flags now reach from the north and south corners of the historic Boathouse roof, high up to the cupola tower, whipping in the prevailing breeze, and broadcasting a message for those able to read the age-old language of signals.
Steve Ewing, general manager of Bluewater Boathouse, secures one string of signal flags with a special knot he practiced tying all day long. Photo by Joe Ditler.
The flag chains read: “GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS,” “NAVY A GLOBAL FORCE FOR GOOD,” “BLUEWATER BOATHOUSE,” and “EAT FISH BE HEALTHY.”
“Many of the owners, managers and staff at the Bluewater family of restaurants are veterans or have military history throughout their families,” said Jimmy Ulcickus, co-owner of the Bluewater franchise. “We always support our troops, and the flags are just to let them know how very much we appreciate their sacrifice.”
Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse opened in June and is currently serving lunch, brunch and dinner. Bluewater is about to open an eighth restaurant (in Temecula) and currently has restaurants in Orange County (two), Newport Beach, Tustin, Redondo Beach and Catalina Island. They also operate a restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona.
In the staunchest maritime tradition, colorful signal flags, ensigns, burgees and bunting are routine at yacht clubs and aboard yachts. “The Boathouse has had a long history of flying vibrant bunting for special occasions,” said Ulcickas. “We wanted our flags to deliver a message. That message is simply that we are very proud of our troops.”
Beginning November 1, Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse will offer a 10% discount on all menu items for active duty military with Military ID or in uniform.
Colonel Dick Kenney, an Army Air Force P-38 pilot in the North African Campaign, and distinguished resident of Hitler’s Stalag Luft III prisoner of war camp. Dick has a particular fetish for the Bluewater Boathouse crab cakes. Photo by Joe Ditler.
Stanley Abele survived a double Kamikaze attack on board the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill during WWII. He is just one of many WWII veterans who enjoy Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse. Photo by Joe Ditler.
Two World War II heroes with extensive military histories have recently been spotted at Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse. One is Stan Abele (93), who was on the aircraft carrier Bunker Hill and survived a deadly Kamikaze attack off Okinawa. The other is Colonel Dick Kenney (94), who flew P-38s out of North Africa and spent much of the war in Stalag Luft III the German POW camp made famous by the movie “The Great Escape.”
The Boathouse was built a year before the Hotel del Coronado, in 1887, and is one of the most historic buildings in San Diego County. It sits over the water on Glorietta Bay offering a plethora of exciting views and taking in the breeze off the ocean and bay. It was the original home to Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the San Diego and Coronado Yacht Clubs. It became one of the first Chart House restaurants (1969) and has been a restaurant for 45 years.
Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse is located at 1701 Strand Way, across from the historic Hotel Del. For more information call (619) 435-0155, or visit www.bluewatergrill.com. You can also follow Bluewater Grill on Facebook. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (winter hours), serving lunch, brunch and dinner.
This release prepared by Joe Ditler and Part-Time PR, serving all of Coronado’s public relations needs. To find out how your business can reach a larger audience, call or write (619) 435-0767 or [email protected].
