Islander 36 Association

'Round Alameda Parade
Sunday, January 1, 2023



It's time for the really fun and unique way to start another year of sailing with the New Year's Day 'Round Alameda Parade with visits to the yacht clubs of Alameda.

The tide this year is really best for very Early Birds. There is a 6.5' high tide at 0742. That's great, but a little early. The following low tide is a 0.3' at 1504. At noon there will be about 2.5' 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 on the chart. Not a very good gamble.

Island Yacht Club is organizing a cruise starting at 0930 off Alameda and there should be enough water to easily reach Aeolian for an early Chili & Bloodies brunch, then, either risk going outside, or play it safe and retreat back into the Estuary to visit other clubs. Island YC is hosting their party on Laguna Verde docked at the end of Pier 6 in Alameda from 9 to 4 and we could stop there going back.

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!

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 - no update yet for 2023.
Island YC - 9-4 Coffee and Donuts aboard Laguna Verde on Dock 6
Ballena Bay YC - "Popular annual events include New Year's Day "Around the Island," usually some BBQ."
Encinal YC - Clam chowder typically 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 0915 hours. You can use the form below as "sign up" sheet.

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 2023 season with the most vital "grand old fleet" on the Bay! Here's a link to 2022's fun : 'Round Alameda 2022.)

For additional details or questions, contact Rick Van Mell.


'Round Alameda 1/1/2023 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
I (we) would like to sail with someone! Enter Comments below
Sorry - not this year.

Other Comments:

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