California Mac/Ven 2005: Call for ideas

[HERNDON]

Norm:

Where are you thinking of anchoring off Alameda and where will you
be launching from? Do you have dates for April ?

Rob H.

[Frank C]

.... Frank's point about the Macs wild swing circle at anchor and bridge noise is enough to nix my Treasure Island idea. And Richmond is too exposed. Ahhh, making sailing plans in the dead of winter! Spring seems so far away!

I dunno Norm, the cove at TI is quite nice, and I recommend it, at least for lunch - maybe you'll decide to stay. It nestles behind a road berm (~20 ft high) that blocks the prevailing Westerlies. But, I honestly don't remember how loud the traffic was - moderate? - lessening after 7 pm. If you'll be there during the work week, you'll probably find few neighbors are overnighting. It's lots more comfortable than Alameda, absent the cityscape, of course. BTW, the Cove was used as the first commercial base for the flying boats - hence its name today, Clipper Cove.

There's another little cove along YBI's east shore, definitely a rock 'n roll lunch stop with traffic noise in spades. It has a tiny, rocky beach just under the Bay Bridge. The Coasties have a major buoy repair station just adjacent to the south.

If you are firm on the City views, Alameda's west side marina, Balena Bay, has a large, shallow bay just at its south entrance. I've cruised through that Bay to amazement of homeowners along its shores (they never saw a sailboat in there before). If your tide book is not showing lowest of lows, you could probably anchor there with lots better shelter. Finally, if you don't have it yet, I emphatically recommend securing a copy of the Cruising Guide to SF Bay by Mehaffy, about $25 on Amazon. There's no substitute.

[Norm]

Okay so TI is not out of the question as long as it's not crowded. It's right on the way anyhow, certainly worth checking out. I'm going to go ahead and get the cruising guide too. Thanks for the info:)

I'm planning to launch at Brannon Island State Park near Rio Vista. From there to China Camp is 40 NM. There are several possible departure dates in April that have favorable currents. April;4th,5th,6th,7th,19th,20th,21st,22nd.

The 22nd has the added benifit of a full moon. I'm thinking a 3 day 2 night adventure. One day out, one day there, and one day back. If anyone else wants to go, or meet up, that much better!

There is a large general anchorage off Alameda, shallow, mud bottom. About a mile out. Looks like it has potential. Nice view anyway.

[Roy B. Highland]

Of course you know that the 22nd is the start of " Mead Madness.
Roy 'Salty Dog"

[Norm]

Of course you know that the 22nd is the start of " Mead Madness.
Roy 'Salty Dog"

DOHHHHH! It's a bit warmer down there isn't it?:)