When/How to cross the golden gate

[cal40john]

Someone that chose poorly.

https://www.latitude38.com/Lectronic...pr04/Apr4.html

There were a lot more pictures but I can't find them anymore.

[DEAN2140]

Peter, you probably know that Sir Francis Drake is persona non grata in Marin County. As for the guy who capsized, he came inside the South Tower which everyone has warned against. The depth drops to 35 feet or so.

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by DEAN2140

Peter, you probably know that Sir Francis Drake is persona non grata in Marin County. As for the guy who capsized, he came inside the South Tower which everyone has warned against. The depth drops to 35 feet or so.

I didn't know that. How come? Now, back then, there was a fine line between a military/kings commission and piracy, so no surprise he rubbed some the wrong way (or rubbed then out entirely).

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by cal40john

Someone that chose poorly.

https://www.latitude38.com/Lectronic...pr04/Apr4.html

There were a lot more pictures but I can't find them anymore.

As someone said above, it was a poor choice; but also one everyone had recommended against. There are also outlying rocks between shore and the south tower (boat I was on once struck one, but survivedd), as well as many swirling eddies. Scary pictures, good clarity.

Do not go between Ft. Point and the south tower. Not worth risking the boat for on a nice day's sail.

Also, I agree with the statements above about being able to get out when you get there. Used to race MORA (midget ocean racing assoc.), raced every weekend during summer. One went out when one got there, and went out often uncomfortably. Understand in big sea conditions, it isn't all that hard to ground on the potato patch, more betta go around. Once outside, occasionally the onshore set - combined with inattention - off Ocean Beach has grounded boats, as well.

Don't make too much of it: people have been sailing in and out the Golden Gate for over 150 yrs. now, much of that time without auxiliary engines.

Ann

[waterman46]

It totally depends on the season- and of course the predicted swell height in the ocean outside. My rule is never go out the gate from November to March. I never did and won't.

But I have been through the gate at least 50 times in the other months, mostly in a Cal29, and always prefer the ebb. Avoid the stongest parts of the flood. I don't worry about a strong ebb when going out. Uncomfortable for a while but its over that much sooner. Just get the ocean buoy reports and if the swell plus wind waves are in your comfort zone then you'll be fine.
If you go out in a flood you'll be fighting wind, waves and current. Sometimes the flood is up to 4 knots. Fighting that is just no fun at all.

If you are super cautious, wait for a calm day on the ocean and time your departure from the bridge about 1 hour before the slack before ebb. then you'll run into the weak ebb after you are out past Mile Rock. Assume you are going South? Stay close to the channel and turn a little south gradually once you are over 30' depth. If you have turned left and then see the waves peaking even a little, head back West until the seas flatten.

Schedule: We raced ocean races crewed and singlehanded for many years, we never had a choice, just had to go by the schedule. Cruising, we always scheduled for a Saturday departure (before I retired) that was not in the flood. Happens every other weekend, no problem. As I said, I like the ebb in summer and it's actually fun to see the shoreline shoot by. Be prepared for bit of chop from weird directions, gusty winds, and a wet deck. Not unlike any normal summer day on the Bay.

Coming back in if you run into an ebb, keep far to the south, you can safely go between Mile Rock and the shore (only in daylight) if you look out for the one unmarked rock and know that the slack and then flood starts there before it floods in the middle. Inside of that there are no dangers until you get to the South Tower. Go north of the Tower, but not too close if it's windy - there is a known South Tower Devil who lurks there to catch the unwary boat flying a spinnaker. He likes to make you knockdown and broach very close to the footing of the tower. BTDT

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by waterman46

It totally depends on the season- and of course the predicted swell height in the ocean outside. My rule is never go out the gate from November to March.
BTDT

Why? Some of the calmest conditions of the year are during winter. When it storms, it storms. But otherwise, there may be swells, but they are often rollers af long periods.

[waterman46]

Originally Posted by DEAN2140

Lots of good advice here. One thing not mentioned is Potato Patch Shoals (or Four Fathom Shoals) which are on your chart. This area should be avoided but especially in the winter and in an ebb. The shoals got their name from a ship that went down carrying a cargo of potatoes. I would recommend doing the trip when the winds are moderate, like in the Spring or Fall. At those times, the wind outside the Gate can be much less than in the Bay.

Actually Spring and Fall are seasons when you can get a front through or one that passed a little north, that can create big swell. Just get the buoy reports and the weather forecast.

Mid-summer the ocean in the immediate area outside the Gate is generally pretty calm compared to inside the Bay in the afternoons!

[waterman46]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

Why? Some of the calmest conditions of the year are during winter. When it storms, it storms. But otherwise, there may be swells, but they are often rollers af long periods.

Winter swell is usually bigger than in summer, and can come up suddenly. Yes it can be very very calm and nice on the ocean some winter days, but my rule was just a general thing. Summer we get wind waves but they are just oversize chop.

[steveberl]

For those wondering if the Bay Model is still operating, their web site says yes.

https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missi...isitor-Center/

Haven't been there in years myself, but it is really cool and educational for people who boat in the bay and delta.