Islander 36 Association

'Round Alameda Parade
Friday, January 1, 2021



Though New Year's Day usually brings the 'Round Alameda Parade day with visits to the yacht clubs of Alameda, this year the clubs themselves will not likely to be open to crowds.

HOWEVER, this year the tide could not be more perfect. The tide is at 3.2 feet at 6:11 am, rises to 6.6 feet at 12:07, perfect for using the Bay Farm bridge for getting out into SF Bay. Don't stay out too long as the tide will fall to a -0.9 feet at 7:03 pm. It is a great opportunity for an I-36 Rally to cruise around Alameda in company and exchange New Year's greetings.

This is a fun day on the water if the weather is good (really is a "fair weather" event!) There is something special about our ability to get out on the water on the first day of a new year - something many of our members are envious of! With COVID-19 limitations, 2021 might be just sailing around Alameda without socializing along the way. But we'll lay out the past options in case there is good news.

For those that would like to know more, here are some basics. Alameda, CA is actually an island, just west of Oakland, separated by the Oakland Estuary. While the Estuary, particularly at its entrance, is wide and deep enough for 1000' container ships, when it narrows at its eastern end where three bridges connect it to Oakland, it's quite narrow and getting shallow fast. At the southeastern end, at San Leandro Bay, it is connected to Bay Farm Island - where Oakland Airport is located - by a 4th bridge. Going west from there into San Francisco Bay, there is an unmarked tidal slough that has 6-8 feet of water in a very narrow band and then a stretch of 2-4' of water to cross into the Bay itself. It's about 15.5 miles around the Island. Here's what it looks like on the chart:

[Click to enlarge]
Alameda - Overview		 [Click to enlarge]
Alameda - Bay Farm		 [Click to enlarge]
Alameda -Little channel


Here is a link to Aeolian's navigation page with a dramatic picture of the "channel" at low tide: http://www.aeolianyc.org/aeolian-navigation.html

We will probably miss the usual Yacht Club offerings, but typically (pre COVID) it has been:

Aeolian YC - chili & corn bread, Bloody Marys and Gin Fizzes.
Alameda YC - TBD
Ballena Bay YC - "Popular annual events include New Year's Day "Around the Island," usually some BBQ."
Encinal YC - Clam chowder offered.
Island YC - (nothing posted.)
Oakland YC - It's on their calendar.

To join the fun, assemble at Encinal YC, or just out in the Estuary off Encinal at 1100 hours. You can use the form below as "sign up" sheet for members who would like to partiicipate folloowing local COVID guidelines for family or living unit restrictions. Everyone should always have a face mask with them, and wear them on public docks and parking lots where you can't maintain 6' social distances.

We typically stand watch on channel 72 to stay in touch. This is great fun if the weather cooperates (or stay home, play Groundhog, and watch football if it's bad!)

Welcome aboard for a great 2021 season with the most vital "grand old fleet" on the Bay! Here's a link to 2020's fun : 'Round Alameda 2020.)

For additional details or questions, contact Rick Van Mell.


'Round Alameda 1/1/2021 Sign Up Form

THIS IS ALL "WEATHER PERMITTING!"

Owner Name: Email Address:

Boat Name:         Cell Phone:  

'Round Alameda Participation Level:
Count Me & My Boat In!    Maybe    Sorry - not this time   

Other Comments:

For more information about cruising, E-Mail Cruise Chair Liz Munnelly
.

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