Any other San Francisco Bay sailors out there that have any thoughts on bay sailing in your C30? What size jib do you sail with, and if you have roller furling, where do you usually end up rolling it in in strong wind? When do you reef? Any special formula for your boat regarding reducing weather helm? Do you have a favorite route you generally sail when you are out? Favorite destination(s)? What conditions do you enjopy more, lighter winds or the typical summer 20+ knots with that 3' chop? Do you have a favortie bay sailing story/experience?c Do you have a website? (I am working on one, myself) I thought it might be fun to find out how many SF bay sailors frequent this site and to hear from them and get a discussion going! Chris C30 TRBS "Cg2" #1408
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gary jensen
Sailinf S F Bay
Chris, I use to sail out of Richmond (BRICKYARD COVE) in my Catalina 36 Tall Rig #631, 1986. I use to frequent Racoon Straight, Sausalito, City Front, the Slot, and the North Bay (including San Pablo Bay). I really enjoyed winds between 18 and 25 unreefed with a 110% jib. My Admiral imposed sanctions against me if I did not reef after 27-28. The boat performed well under almost all conditions. I did get weather helm when hiked over too far...I now sail a 380, standard rig, (1998), out of Alameda. My new boat has an in-mast furling system with a 135% jib. I had Hogan sails put in a foam luff which I use at about 110% most of the time. Reefing is infinite and easy..I imagine you will see alot of bay sailors in this forum....Where in Richmond are you berthed??
Chris, I use to sail out of Richmond (BRICKYARD COVE) in my Catalina 36 Tall Rig #631, 1986. I use to frequent Racoon Straight, Sausalito, City Front, the Slot, and the North Bay (including San Pablo Bay). I really enjoyed winds between 18 and 25 unreefed with a 110% jib. My Admiral imposed sanctions against me if I did not reef after 27-28. The boat performed well under almost all conditions. I did get weather helm when hiked over too far...I now sail a 380, standard rig, (1998), out of Alameda. My new boat has an in-mast furling system with a 135% jib. I had Hogan sails put in a foam luff which I use at about 110% most of the time. Reefing is infinite and easy..I imagine you will see alot of bay sailors in this forum....Where in Richmond are you berthed??
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Chris Gonzales
Richmond Marina Bay
Gary, Thanks for the response. I am in Marina Bay, "D" dock. Had a C25 before in the same spot. We also love to sail around Angel Island from Richmond. Is a nice 1/3 day sail and the change in conditions after entering the straight and rounding AI heading east is always interesting. I bought this boat around 3/1 and have yet to really sail her as I have been waiting for the chainplate upgrade from Catalina as well as doing other interior upgrades. After reading a couple of stories about the lower shrouds failing and the people loosing their mast or entire rig, I figured I could wait a little longer before heading out for some serious sailing. By the way, many have said how wonderful Catalina is service-wise. Even though everyone there is courteous and seems helpful on the phone it has been over two weeks since I oredered the parts and they still haven't arrived. I called them this morning (third time in two weeks) and the parts were still sitting there on the shelf in a box. I hope I will have them installed next week and be sailing right after that. Meanwhile I have replaced all the standing/running rigging, changed out the "ball valves on pipes", installed a new furler and both sails, new stove/head/cushions/head port and misc. plumbing. I am ready! Chris
Gary, Thanks for the response. I am in Marina Bay, "D" dock. Had a C25 before in the same spot. We also love to sail around Angel Island from Richmond. Is a nice 1/3 day sail and the change in conditions after entering the straight and rounding AI heading east is always interesting. I bought this boat around 3/1 and have yet to really sail her as I have been waiting for the chainplate upgrade from Catalina as well as doing other interior upgrades. After reading a couple of stories about the lower shrouds failing and the people loosing their mast or entire rig, I figured I could wait a little longer before heading out for some serious sailing. By the way, many have said how wonderful Catalina is service-wise. Even though everyone there is courteous and seems helpful on the phone it has been over two weeks since I oredered the parts and they still haven't arrived. I called them this morning (third time in two weeks) and the parts were still sitting there on the shelf in a box. I hope I will have them installed next week and be sailing right after that. Meanwhile I have replaced all the standing/running rigging, changed out the "ball valves on pipes", installed a new furler and both sails, new stove/head/cushions/head port and misc. plumbing. I am ready! Chris
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Bob Camarena
From the Delta
I have a C-30 that we keep at the Stockton Sailing Club in the Delta. Every other year or so we move it to the bay for 2-3 months. We used to go to Marina Village in Alameda, but recently went to the Richmond Yacht Club. We enjoy the grand circle, through Racoon Straits, across the Gate to City Front, etc. A favorite of ours is overnight at Clipper Cove (Treasure Island). The view of the Bay Bridge, Berkeley and Oakland is beautiful at night. We like Angel Island, especially midweek when you can tie up to a single bouy and swing with the wind and current. Since we usually sail in the Delta, I have a self-tending jib of the Soling Rig type (we tack constantly in the Delta). Therefore it is about 90% or so since it has to fit within the foretriangle. We find that it works fine in the Bay. I'm always amazed at the number of sailors I see in the Bay with badly trimmed roller furling jibs. Once I get mine trimmed for the wind, I never have to touch it when tacking. You should think about a trip to the Delta sometime.
I have a C-30 that we keep at the Stockton Sailing Club in the Delta. Every other year or so we move it to the bay for 2-3 months. We used to go to Marina Village in Alameda, but recently went to the Richmond Yacht Club. We enjoy the grand circle, through Racoon Straits, across the Gate to City Front, etc. A favorite of ours is overnight at Clipper Cove (Treasure Island). The view of the Bay Bridge, Berkeley and Oakland is beautiful at night. We like Angel Island, especially midweek when you can tie up to a single bouy and swing with the wind and current. Since we usually sail in the Delta, I have a self-tending jib of the Soling Rig type (we tack constantly in the Delta). Therefore it is about 90% or so since it has to fit within the foretriangle. We find that it works fine in the Bay. I'm always amazed at the number of sailors I see in the Bay with badly trimmed roller furling jibs. Once I get mine trimmed for the wind, I never have to touch it when tacking. You should think about a trip to the Delta sometime.
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Chris Gonzales
Bob, care to share with us...
Care to share with us a 3-5 night trip from SF bay up the delta and back? Where to go, where to tie up each night? Any bridges to avoid/plan for? I think you and I corresponded a while back via email and my interest has increased regarding a delta trip this summer. Chris
Care to share with us a 3-5 night trip from SF bay up the delta and back? Where to go, where to tie up each night? Any bridges to avoid/plan for? I think you and I corresponded a while back via email and my interest has increased regarding a delta trip this summer. Chris
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richard
small tough ones...
My main has two reef points and I have used them both. A normal day will have one reef in by the slot (gap from treasure to angel where the winds come under the golden gate). I have seldom used the second reef but when you need it you really need it. I have endured running downwind in gusts up to 40 knots with half of a jib and a single reef but really needed the second reef. The jib I use is likely somewhere around a 115%. It is really a 120 that I had modified to be cut a little higher to give me some visibility under the sail. It is also 7.5 ounces. I have an older 110 that I will put on if I know it is going to blow like hell and I don't care if I have to half furl it and manage to blow it out. You are bold to have a tall rig on the bay! Where do you sail out of?
My main has two reef points and I have used them both. A normal day will have one reef in by the slot (gap from treasure to angel where the winds come under the golden gate). I have seldom used the second reef but when you need it you really need it. I have endured running downwind in gusts up to 40 knots with half of a jib and a single reef but really needed the second reef. The jib I use is likely somewhere around a 115%. It is really a 120 that I had modified to be cut a little higher to give me some visibility under the sail. It is also 7.5 ounces. I have an older 110 that I will put on if I know it is going to blow like hell and I don't care if I have to half furl it and manage to blow it out. You are bold to have a tall rig on the bay! Where do you sail out of?
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Bob Camarena
So Many Options, So Little Time
There are so many options. First, let me suggest that you arrange to spread your trip out a little, maybe by finding a slip for your boat so you can spend a few weekends in the Delta. From where I keep my boat in Stockton, it's a good 12 hours each way to the Bay. You certainly don't need to come all the way to Stockton, but, in my opinion, some of the most interesting spots are off the San Joaquin River about an hour or so downstream from Stockton. A good first day from the Bay would be to plan on spending the night in Antioch. The Antioch Marina is nice with a good restaurant, Humphrey's (named after the whale that strayed into the Delta a number of years ago). There are interesting waters from here on in. After leaving Antioch, you can stay in the main shipping channel or cut the corner by turning off at False River and skirting the edge of Franks Tract. Franks Tract is primarily power boat country and not a good idea for sail boat unless you know the area well. If you stick to the main river, Potato Slough has several good anchorages. Proceeding on upstream, Mandeville Tip is a popular anchorage as is Three River Reach. Mandiville is famous for Hilton's fireworks on the 4th of July. It's a madhouse though, so I'd stay clear on the 4th, it's worse than City Front is when the Blue Angels are flying. The area around Tinsley Island, the St. Francis Yacht Club's Delta retreat abounds with anchorages. South of Tinsley is another flooded island, Mildred Island, which, in contrast to Franks Tract, is prime sailboat country. It's a little tricky to get into since there's only one break that is deep enough for sailboats. It's in the North East corner and is easily identifiable by its 55-65 foot depth. You need to watch for other boats entering or leaving. My GPS is on the boat, or I'd give you the coordinates. Throughout this whole area both north and south of the river there are innumerable spots to anchor. I'm pretty much skipping the marinas since I like to get out in the boonies. The trick to sailing the Delta is to set your depth alarm for 10' and pay attention to it. It's also generally deeper on the inside of a curve than the outside. If you do run aground, and we all do, it's pretty much soft mud and embarassing at worst. If you feel a bump, tack back the way you came immediately and you'll have a chance of not sticking it. Thirteen feet is usually what I look for in anchoring. Some people, mainly power boats, like to drop a stern anchor, nose in close to the bank, tie to a tree and pull back out. I prefer to find room to swing. Every year I see a sailboat or two that tied up too close to shore at high tide, only to be laid over in the morning, so be careful. The best map is the one put out by Hal Schell. Hal also has a Delta guide book. Latitude 38 usually does an annual Delta article. Oh, I almost forgot, it gets hot, so rig a sunshade. I've found that nursery shade cloth is an inexpensive way to go, either single layer or double. Aside from being inexpensive, it lets the wind through and doesn't flap noisely in the wind like a canvas shade. A dinghy is also an asset for exploring and trips to the beaches (yes, we have them). The big ships can be a little unnerving for a Bay sailor so get used to being close. The difference here is that they're all going either downstream or upstream. I usually start my engine and motor until a ship passes me, just to be safe since they can easily block your wind. Also, the destinations I sketched out above can all be reached without having to deal with a single bridge (other than the big ones like Carquinez, Antioch, etc.). I'd recommend Hal's guide book for advice on bridges, restaurants, marinas, etc., except to recommend The Breadfruit Tree at Paradise Point Marina. It's a great little Jamaican restaurant. I've never taken my boat there but only driven, so I couldn't advise you on the details by water. The beauty of the Delta is that you pretty much follow your nose and if you see an interesting spot, throw out the anchor. Just use common sense and don't anchor in a shipping channel or where a ski boat is likely to hit you. Stay clear of "Delta Destroyers", which is what we call rental houseboats. They don't know what they're doing and can be hazardous to a sailboat that needs to tack. Good luck.
There are so many options. First, let me suggest that you arrange to spread your trip out a little, maybe by finding a slip for your boat so you can spend a few weekends in the Delta. From where I keep my boat in Stockton, it's a good 12 hours each way to the Bay. You certainly don't need to come all the way to Stockton, but, in my opinion, some of the most interesting spots are off the San Joaquin River about an hour or so downstream from Stockton. A good first day from the Bay would be to plan on spending the night in Antioch. The Antioch Marina is nice with a good restaurant, Humphrey's (named after the whale that strayed into the Delta a number of years ago). There are interesting waters from here on in. After leaving Antioch, you can stay in the main shipping channel or cut the corner by turning off at False River and skirting the edge of Franks Tract. Franks Tract is primarily power boat country and not a good idea for sail boat unless you know the area well. If you stick to the main river, Potato Slough has several good anchorages. Proceeding on upstream, Mandeville Tip is a popular anchorage as is Three River Reach. Mandiville is famous for Hilton's fireworks on the 4th of July. It's a madhouse though, so I'd stay clear on the 4th, it's worse than City Front is when the Blue Angels are flying. The area around Tinsley Island, the St. Francis Yacht Club's Delta retreat abounds with anchorages. South of Tinsley is another flooded island, Mildred Island, which, in contrast to Franks Tract, is prime sailboat country. It's a little tricky to get into since there's only one break that is deep enough for sailboats. It's in the North East corner and is easily identifiable by its 55-65 foot depth. You need to watch for other boats entering or leaving. My GPS is on the boat, or I'd give you the coordinates. Throughout this whole area both north and south of the river there are innumerable spots to anchor. I'm pretty much skipping the marinas since I like to get out in the boonies. The trick to sailing the Delta is to set your depth alarm for 10' and pay attention to it. It's also generally deeper on the inside of a curve than the outside. If you do run aground, and we all do, it's pretty much soft mud and embarassing at worst. If you feel a bump, tack back the way you came immediately and you'll have a chance of not sticking it. Thirteen feet is usually what I look for in anchoring. Some people, mainly power boats, like to drop a stern anchor, nose in close to the bank, tie to a tree and pull back out. I prefer to find room to swing. Every year I see a sailboat or two that tied up too close to shore at high tide, only to be laid over in the morning, so be careful. The best map is the one put out by Hal Schell. Hal also has a Delta guide book. Latitude 38 usually does an annual Delta article. Oh, I almost forgot, it gets hot, so rig a sunshade. I've found that nursery shade cloth is an inexpensive way to go, either single layer or double. Aside from being inexpensive, it lets the wind through and doesn't flap noisely in the wind like a canvas shade. A dinghy is also an asset for exploring and trips to the beaches (yes, we have them). The big ships can be a little unnerving for a Bay sailor so get used to being close. The difference here is that they're all going either downstream or upstream. I usually start my engine and motor until a ship passes me, just to be safe since they can easily block your wind. Also, the destinations I sketched out above can all be reached without having to deal with a single bridge (other than the big ones like Carquinez, Antioch, etc.). I'd recommend Hal's guide book for advice on bridges, restaurants, marinas, etc., except to recommend The Breadfruit Tree at Paradise Point Marina. It's a great little Jamaican restaurant. I've never taken my boat there but only driven, so I couldn't advise you on the details by water. The beauty of the Delta is that you pretty much follow your nose and if you see an interesting spot, throw out the anchor. Just use common sense and don't anchor in a shipping channel or where a ski boat is likely to hit you. Stay clear of "Delta Destroyers", which is what we call rental houseboats. They don't know what they're doing and can be hazardous to a sailboat that needs to tack. Good luck.
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