Anchoring off Alcatraz/Fleet Week

L124C · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011

The Blue Angels are flying in SF this weekend. Someone told me he anchors off the South East corner of Alcatraz (keeping the required distance, of course!), and finds it a great place to view the show. In a Westerly, this would be the Lee side of the island and it's very close to the central action, so I can see his logic. However according to the charts, depths are around 100 feet. Seems like a lot of scope to anchor for a couple of hours. Has anyone done it? How did it work out? Here's a shot from last year. They are about 100 feet off the water!

L124C · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

Hmmmm. Upon closer review of the charts (always a good idea before dropping a hook), this seems like a bad idea! There are some shallower areas (depth goes from 120 to 35 in a very short distance!). However, there are also several ferry routes, restrictions and most importantly - a "cable area" in the vicinity. I may go there and Heave To or drift, and see how it goes, but I think I'll leave the hook on the boat!
One year I sailed into the middle of the spectator boats and Hove To, thinking it would last about 5 minutes before I had to either set sail again, or drop the sails. Conditions were perfect and we watched the whole show Hove To with boats within 50 feet, all around us. I couldn't believe it!

kwaltersmi · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

I lived and boated in the Bay Area for several years and wouldn't evern consider anchoring near Alcatraz due to depths, crazy traffic and rippin' tidal currents. You might have better luck in Richardson Bay, Belvadere Cove or around Angel Island.

imagine2frolic · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

Just to the west is a tiny cove of Aquatic Park. Get there early for a spot. The farther out too the edge of the cove. The better the view. I have docked at Angel Island, and biked over for a view. I have sailed the bay while the show was on. Sail out too the gate, and drift back if current is allowing so, or do the opposite. Drift from Alcatraz to the gate, and sail back. Make sure you're out of the pack at the end of the show. Many of these knuckleheads have no idea what they're doing......i2f

GeorgeB · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

I have anchored both on the south side of Alcatraz and to the west of the shoal for the air show. The tour operators will stop running their boats to Alcatraz during the show and the Marin/Vallejo ferries keep a wide berth. Your main concern will be all the clowns who only go out once or twice a year. You are right, the water is very deep and you are letting out all 300’ of your scope. The currents scour the bottom here, leaving it “hard packed”. You will probably will not get a good bite. Think of your anchor more as a brake to check your drift. The currents around the island run a couple of knots so if you are planning on doing a “set and drift” keep your engine running and watch out for all the other boats that are anchored. When I’ve done this, I’ve kept to the back of the others so my maneuvering wasn’t so anxiety ridden. The big problem with this is the driver hardly sees the show at all as you are too busy playing dodge boats. Have fun and monitor Ch 16, the message traffic is positively hilarious.

L124C · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwaltersmi

I lived and boated in the Bay Area for several years and wouldn't even consider anchoring near Alcatraz due to depths, crazy traffic and rippin' tidal currents. You might have better luck in Richardson Bay, Belvedere Cove or around Angel Island.

The problem with these areas is that they are not good vantage points for the air show. The Angels start the show by flying over Belvedere and Angel, but then pretty much commute between the GG Bridge and San Jose.

L124C · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

Just to the west is a tiny cove of Aquatic Park. Get there early for a spot. The farther out too the edge of the cove. The better the view. I have docked at Angel Island, and biked over for a view. I have sailed the bay while the show was on. Sail out too the gate, and drift back if current is allowing so, or do the opposite. Drift from Alcatraz to the gate, and sail back. Make sure you're out of the pack at the end of the show. Many of these knuckleheads have no idea what they're doing......i2f

I know people who swear by Aquatic. I simply can't imagine having a boat and cramming it into a congested space for a view I could get from land!