Angel Island Slips

[BrianM]

The family and I will be sailing to Angel Island for a day of picnicking on a Sunday morning. I understand getting a slip requires us to get there before noon or 1pm.

Is there anything else to watch out for at the little marina? What is the depth like?

Thanks

[Bob Cleek]

Brian, I'd call the ranger station and find out for sure. In my experience, and admittedly, I've stayed clear of Hospital (now "Ayala") Cove for years due to reasons discussed as follows, it depends greatly on the time of year. Obviously, when the weather is nice, they fill up FAST! Everybody and their brother wants to pull in there. Also, I'm not sure if the slips are on the State Park on-line reservation system now. They were for a while. There's plenty of water under them, but there's only maybe twenty slips, I'd guess.

On the other hand, if things remain the same, the "moorings" (using the term lightly) in the Cove are "catch as catch can." Unfortunately, although they reset them every year or so, in no time some drunk clown in a big powerboat takes off forgetting to let go and they get dragged all over the place, so you have to be creative to find a space to fit. Most people tie fore and aft to two bouys because that permits more boats in the space since they don't have to swing with the tide. Then somebody comes along and ties to your bouy, and somebody else to another, and another, and another, and by the middle of the day, it's a "cat's cradle" of boats and mooring lines. When somebody starts to try to move out, and can't find a way out of the labyrinth, it's "dodge em' car" time. In short, I swore I'd never get myself into that mess again years ago. On the other hand, it's a beautiful, peaceful, quiet place on a foggy winter weekday when nobody's around.

There used to be a day use fee for the slips, which the ranger collects, the same as driving your car into a state park. The moorings are free, or were, but you have to bring a dinghy to get to shore. Fortunately, the beach is perfect for landing a dink, as is the dock and it's not likely anybody is going to rip it off if you leave it unattended, since there isn't much of anywere they can take it without drowning themselves.

If you get a slip at the dock, try to put as much distance between yourself and the ferry landing as you can. The ferry kicks up quite a wake regularly coming and going.

Despite being a potential PIA for the skipper, it's a FANTASTIC outing for the family, and worth the hassle. The kids will love it.

[banjoman]

There are 20 or so slips. Hard to tell if they will be open. There is usually a lot of in/out traffic as folks stop to use the head or get a quick lunch. You cannot stay in the slip after sunset. $10 for day use. I forget what a mooring is....not much more. It seems like lunch time is among the busiest times but it is hard to say.

I do not think you can make reservations for a slip or mooring.

Moorings have been redone and are pretty well organized. They now have a color system to minimize the spider web that used to happen. You should do a bow-stern tie and both moorings should be the same color....green to green or red to red etc. Get as close the cliff/trees side rather than the more exposed area close to the dock. It will make for a more comfortable stay and it is nice to be able to have one side where there are no other boats.


Docking or catching a mooring can be a little tricky as there is a ton of current that moves through there. I don't know the depth but have seen some pretty big sailboats 40-50 ft go in and not have a problem.


There is a hamburger place and beer/wine bar, Segway rentals, and island tours.

Have fun!

http://www.angelisland.org/angelcam/cove.htm

Camera only works during daylight hours.

[BrianM]

Okay, thanks fellas,

The Ranger says we shouldn't have a problem getting a slip if we arrive before noon.

[Ted Hoppe]

what about careening on angel island? recommendations?

[banjoman]

Would not work in Ayala Cove as there just isn't enough beach. Around the corner there is enough beach and things would go fine until one of the ferries went by...

[BrianM]

Good luck with that careening. I haven't figured out how to touch the bottom paint without every kayaker on the bay "Sounding the Alarm" and reporting you to EPA.. maybe the dead of night?

Must be a nice gravel beach someplace up the Delta where people mind their own business....

[banjoman]

Tell the kayakers that your bottom paint is soy based.:rolleyes:

[meuritt]

Brian, I'd bring my kayak along side and help out!

Mike
San Rafael, CA

[meuritt]

RED ROCK!

I just paddled out there this past Sunday, the rather large beach on the north side would work for careening, I would guess. Quite scenic too, you'd get some great photos

Mike

[Thorne]

To answer Brian's question, bring a dinghy, then you can use either the moorings or anchor in the lee of the NE side of the island if the cove is full. Planning on getting dock / slip space seems like a recipe for unhappy crew...

[BrianM]

The crew contemplates the Picnic...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d901b3127ccec7fd1b2d3f8200000040O00FZsWrly3Yg9 vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Nice day on the Bay... Slips are easily had as long as you get there no later than 12:30 (at least on weekends).. full up by 2pm..

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d901b3127ccec7fc6632de4700000040O00FZsWrly3Yg9 vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/