Islander 36 Association

'Round Alameda Parade
Saturday, January 1, 2022



Though New Year's Day usually brings the 'Round Alameda Parade day with visits to the yacht clubs of Alameda, let's wait and see what happens for 2022.

The tide this year has some pluses and minuses. (No pun intended.) There is a 7.1' high tide at 0921. That's great, but a little early. The following low tide is a -1.6' at 1625. That will result in a max 4.5 knot ebb current out the Gate at 1357. At noon there will be about 4' over chart datum, but will be falling fast and going aground sneaking out past Bay Farm Island could mean being stuck there with only 2-3 feet of water by 1625! Not a pleasant thought.

There should be enough water to reach Aeolian for an early chili and either risk going outside, or play it safe and retreat back into the Estuary to visit other clubs. But, at 1625, even some club docks might have shallow water with the -1.6' low.

This can be a really 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. Reportedly open from 0900 to 1300 for 1/1/22
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.
Oakland YC - It's on their calendar.

To join the fun, assemble at Encinal YC, or just out in the Estuary off Encinal at 1030 hours. You can use the form below as "sign up" sheet for members who would like to partiicipate following 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 2022 season with the most vital "grand old fleet" on the Bay! Here's a link to 2021's fun : 'Round Alameda 2021.)

For additional details or questions, contact Rick Van Mell.


'Round Alameda 1/1/2022 Sign Up Form

THIS IS ALL "WEATHER PERMITTING!"

Owner Name: Email Address:

Boat Name:         Cell Phone:  

'Round Alameda Participation Level:
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