California Mac/Ven 2005: Call for ideas

[mgg4]

We all had a great time out on the Delta in June 2004. Now it's time to start thinking about where and when we want to gather in 2005. There are some ideas for doing a trip to Catalina, and Tahoe has also been suggested. And I'm always open to anything in the San Francisco Bay or the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta.

If you have any ideas for great places in California for us Mac/Ven owners to meet, please post them to this thread. Once we have some idea of where, we can pick our dates and get everyone thinking towards another successful outing.

--
Mark Galbraith
"Offline" 2002 26X

[Kevin]

The Delta trip was my first group gathering and it was great!

I'd like to hit Tahoe with someone that knew the area. I've read the tourist pages and it sounds like lots to do.

What about Clearlake for sailing?

[Frank C]

I've heard that Clear Lake winds are poor, but that's purely hearsay. Berryessa is a very nice lake with sometimes strong winds, kinda flukey due to surrounding hills. The nice thing about both of these lower altitude lakes is they offer a nice opportunity for anchoring out and swimming . . . not true for Tahoe or SF Bay. Both are large enough for plenty of scenery change, both offer plenty of marinas and restaurants for those who prefer the more genteel side of roughing it.

[Chip Hindes]

This year I won't be coming from NY though I'm hoping I can some day.

Not to go off subject, but doesn't Tahoe preclude the attendance of anyone with a carbureted two stroke?

[Kevin]

Good point Chip. Seems that all carbureted 2-strokes are banned now.

This brochure explains the details:

http://dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Blt/

Just for myself, I like the idea of large lake sailing with lots of anchorage, swiming and restaurants. At the same time, I think this engine restriction makes Tahoe too restricted for this gathering.

[richandlori]

Dave Clark and about 10 MACs are planning on a July 10th 10 day or so Cruse from Longbeach-Oxnard-Santa Barbara-Santa Cruz-Anacapa-Catilina. It should be great!. Check out the post thread.


http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1432

Rich

[Frank C]

. . . Just for myself, I like the idea of large lake sailing with lots of anchorage, swiming and restaurants. At the same time, I think this engine restriction makes Tahoe too restricted for this gathering.

I was not very explicit in first post. Though Tahoe is perhaps the most beautiful lake for sailing, it has some other constraints besides the ban on 2-smokes. Launches are a bit tough to find, parking is expensive and anchorages are not plentiful ... rapid shelving makes it too deep. Beyond this, for swimming, it's not the average person's cup of tea. I think average water temps are around 62F. Then too, if you don't already live there, you'll tow over a pass that's 6000+ ft. elevation.

Nonetheless, I plan to sail there too, someday. The lower level lakes are just a little easier to comtemplate as vacations.

[Tahoe Jack]

Tahoe Tahoe.....unmatched scenery....good winds most days...and unbelievably clear water...looks better than out of the tap...however, the lake is currently over five feet below normal levels...even stopped flowing to the outlet a couple months ago. We are about 3 years into a drought...reportedly a couple more dry years to come. Only a third or less of the ramps are in service due to low water. It could improve over the winter...but it would take a 200% season to reach normal...unlikely. Good news...can launch at Cave Rock State Park (SE corner of lake..Nev.), and on the South Shore...Camp Richardson and Tahoe Keys Marina are both open. Also, some of the commercial marinas in the NW corner are open...e.g. Tahoe City vicinity. The in-out $ at Tahoe Keys is about $30 round trip. Cave Rock is only about $12, but day-use parking only. Frank C is right about the anchorages...however, the popular Emerald Bay has a small boat only campground, some open anchorage OK west of Camp Richardson, and a few coves on the east shore (Nevada side) can accomodate a few boats but these are mostly in primitive areas where you couldn't guarantee someone else may beat you there.
Bottom line, not really suitable for gathering of more than a half-dozen at best with the current lake level. Swimming temps are OK in July-Aug in shallow waters...most use shorty wet suits otherwise. I haven't sailed Folsum Reservoir....however I kayak there occasionally...looks like it may make a short list. I expect you could attract a dozen boats or more if you can pick a good location in the north-central area...

[Roy B. Highland]

I didn't make the bay cruise last year but wanted to. I think there are enough places on the Delta or the Bay that we could go back there this year. I personally would love to sail on either. I am signed up for the Channel Islands tour though, and hope this will not interfere with those dates. (July 10th)
Roy "Salty Dog"

[Norm]

SF Bay or the Delta sounds good to me too. We haven't made it to any Mac rendevous in Ca yet, but would like to attend this one. We've always launched at Brannon Island State Park when sailing the Delta. I think you guys did that before, but it is pretty sweet! Maybe we could sail off in a differant direction this time or something.

Or SF Bay. I think Angel Island has a day use area with several temporary (daytime only) slips. I could be wrong about the day use/picnic area, but we have docked at one of the slips after a night on a mooring bouy long enough to use the bathroon facilitys. I can't remember the name of the cove off hand, but it's on the Northern side of the island. "Alaya Cove"?

[Frank C]

It's Ayala Cove. Slips are available for day-use only, but there are lots of moorings. I recall that overnighting on a mooring costs 5 bucks, maybe the same charge for the slip during days. Cautionary note ... dogs are NOT permitted on Angel Is., even for a 5 minute comfort walk. However, there is a small beach east of the Cove. You can dinghy to that beach as a canine comfort station.

[Norm]

I Just checked www.Angelisland.org I see the prices have gone up. When we were there in March 2003 the mooring bouy was $7. Now the bouys are $20 and slips $10 for the day.

Frank, I see your from Alameda. Maybe you can help me out. I'm planning a trip to the Bay in April and plan on anchoring out a couple nights. Looking at my charts and bay wind patterns, I'm thinking either the cove at Treasure Island, the general anchorage off Alameda, the general anchorage off Richmond, or possibly the general anchorage off China Camp in San Pablo Bay. Any pros/cons to these? Or any other suggestions?

[Frank C]

I Just checked www.Angelisland.org I see the prices have gone up. When we were there in March 2003 the mooring bouy was $7. Now the bouys are $20 and slips $10 for the day.

Frank, I see your from Alameda. Maybe you can help me out. I'm planning a trip to the Bay in April and plan on anchoring out a couple nights. Looking at my charts and bay wind patterns, I'm thinking either the cove at Treasure Island, the general anchorage off Alameda, the general anchorage off Richmond, or possibly the general anchorage off China Camp in San Pablo Bay. Any pros/cons to these? Or any other suggestions?

Hi Norm.
Yep! I'd choose a mooring at Ayala Cove first. It's fairly well sheltered and scenic too. Second choice would be the Cove at TI. It's also well-sheltered, free of charges and big enough to get a spot if you arrive early afternoon. However, I recall considerable traffic noise from the Bay Bridge (very nearby) and the Mac seems to swing to her own whims and contrary to everyone else therein. I've run onto that beach to prevent worry of contacting others. In spite of the shelter provided you'll find some serious chop from time to time.

Otherwise, I'd probably get a slip at any of numerous marinas around the Bay. There are numerous shallows available (e.g. Richardson Bay, Richmond, Alameda) where you can be safe from the tugboats, ferries and ships, but they're very exposed to the prevailing winds, waves and fetch across the Bay. I've never sailed north to San Pablo Bay, but China Camp might be okay. I recall reading of it in Mehaffy. The Crusing Guide by Mehaffy probably mentions a dozen possibilities for anchoring out, but considering marine traffic, winds and exposures, I wouldn't want to anchor overnight on SF Bay, at least nowhere that I've come across, except for those two mentioned above.

Since you're planning for April, you'll be missing the Madness at Lake Mead. It'll be much warmer, appropriate for swimming, still lots of wind, thousands of acres for anchorage potential, and LV slots instead of Fisherman's Wharf ... Best winds, whatever the choice!

[mgg4]

Although I've not been their personally, I've heard that China Camp is a good anchorage. I have been to presentations on cruising the Bay, and I have close family friends who have anchored with their 30' Hunter at China Camp. They enjoy it. Just be careful about the weather. In some weather conditions, China Camp is exposed, and would put you on a lee shore. For the prevailing conditions, China Camp should be fine.

--Mark

[Norm]

Thanks for the responses guys. I've been studying the SF wind patterns archives for Apr 2003 and 2004. It looks like the shallows off Alameda has less wind at night than any of the other spots I mentioned. Plus a nice view of the city. Ayala Cove is nice, but I've been there and want to try something new. I still think it would be a good spot for a rendevous. Right now I'm leaning towards being a bit brave on my April trip and anchoring off Alameda one night and China Camp the other. China Camp is only slightly more windy than Alameda, and is close to Arena Yacht Sales in San Rafael (my Mac dealer) which is a scheduled stop on my little adventure. If it looks like I'll be in a lee shore situation I can always pull into Loch Lommond Marina 5 miles away instead. Frank's point about the Macs wild swing circle at anchor and bridge noise is enough to nix my Treasure Island idea. And Richmond is too exposed. Ahhh, making sailing plans in the dead of winter! Spring seems so far away!