Islander 36 Association

'Round Alameda Parade
Monday, January 1, 2024



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.

Weather permitting, there is a "low" tide at about 3' around 0900, and it rises to about 5' a little after 1400 - and then heads quickly down to .6' by 2100. We will fine tune as we get closer to the date and see what various clubs are offering, but an I-36 rendezvous off Encinal at 1030 gets us to Aeolian on rising tide for a wonderful lunch. Those that are bold and brave enough to try the San Leandro Channel at barely 5' can then head west under the Bay Farm Bridge to actually circumnavigate Alameda Island. Less bold skippers may enjoy the thicker water heading back under the 3 bridges to Encinal.

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 good description of the route and 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,($5) Bloody Marys and Gin Fizzes ($7) Cash or checks only. Bar opens at 1100, food service at 1200.
Island YC - ??? for 2024 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 1030 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 2023's fun : 'Round Alameda 2023.)

For additional details or questions, contact Rick Van Mell.


'Round Alameda 1/1/2024 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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