RICHMOND-ANGEL ISLAND Tune-up Weekend
Join the Potter Yachters for the first sail of the year at Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond. We will try for a 10 AM launch on Saturday, Feb. 7th. If this is your first sail of the year or your first sail ever, bring your boat and your questions—there will be enough "old salts" there to help you rig and launch. New for 2026, we're set to overnight on Saturday at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club https://www.pspyc.org located at the end of the Santa Fe Channel. We'll use their docks, clubhouse and bar. Members with campers or vans are welcome to park overnight in the club's lot should they prefer not to sleep aboard (or even bring) their boats.
Marina Bay is a great place to build "tiller time" as you can stay within the harbor itself or head down the Potrero Reach. Both are generally protected waters with nearly flat sailing. Depending on who shows up, we may split into two groups—those who opt to stay in the Reach and those who'd rather head out onto the Bay, possibly to circumnavigate Angel Island. Either way, plan to carry a charged VHF radio, and wear your PFD.
The tides look generally favorable for Angel Island. Low tide will be at 10:09 AM and high tide at 4:07 on Saturday. You should only attempt this sail if you have good skills, a reliable motor, and a reliable VHF radio. Find the full safety guidelines here.
Those making this a day trip will return to Marina Bay. Everyone else will sail to the PSPYC, arriving by late afternoon. Our plan is to hang out in the clubhouse for a low-key evening of pizza and beverages. The PSPYC is a non-profit outfit run by volunteers. We've been asked for for a donation of $25 per boat for the visit.
It costs $12.50 to park and launch for the day at Marina Bay, and $25 to launch and park for two days. You will need a credit card for the iron ranger.
Some Potters may plan to arrive on Friday and make a long weekend of it, spending Friday night at Marina Bay. To reserve a slip, contact Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. You will need to tell them the nights you plan to stay and provide your vessel registration information and proof of insurance. You can also do this by requesting a transient slip from Dockwa (https://dockwa.com/explore/destination/g9cm15-marina-bay-marina). Please make your reservation before arriving at the harbor. There are limited staff available, and they vastly prefer that people handle the paperwork before arriving.
Marina Bay's number is (510) 236-1013.
There are two restaurants nearby the Marina. The group will probably get together for dinner Friday evening.