Where To Lay Over in San Francisco ?

[jb-one]

I will be leaving Olympia, WA May 18 for Hilo with a layover in SF. Looking for some advice on where to put in for a day or two to rest up, provision, repair if needed before making the passage to Hilo. My wife is also going to fly down to see us off from SF. Thanks.

[stacy]

Either marinas in Richardson Bay at Sausalito or down the oakland/ alameda estuary would be two good places. They are both close to a West Marine or other chandlery. There are also numerous boat yards and repair facilities close by

[jb-one]

Sent them emails. Thank You.

[Bash]

In Sausalito:

Best marina from which to provision and repair: Clipper Yacht Harbor
Most reliable place to get a transient slip: Schoonmaker Marina
Closest to downtown (restaurants, ferry station, etc.) Sausalito Yacht Harbor

[jb-one]

I will look them up too. My wife is flying into SFO.

[roverhi]

Oakland airport is a short taxi ride to Alameda. Ton of marinas in the Estuary and all chandlery and marine services available within walking distances if you stay at Fortman, Grand or Svensen's marina. I prep'd and provisioned my boat for the sail to Hilo via a bicycle, no car necessary.

Weather is a lot better in Alameda than most other places in the Bay. Light winds and no fog so it stays 5-10 degrees warmer. You don't have to wait till afternoon for it to get warm enough for resin to kick and paint/varnish will actually dry before the end of the millenium.

[sarafina]

If your wife is flying into SFO the South Beach Harbour is a nice facility, and near great restaurants and shops, as well as transit. She could get from the airport easily on BART and MUNI, and while you are in town you could get around with little trouble.

There is a whole foods within walking distance for fresh foods.

The SOMA West Marine closed years ago, so no chandler near by, but a day of car rental would get you to Alameda, the most logical option.

If you have work to do on the boat then Alameda makes tons of sense, but if you want to have fun for a few days I would go with South Beach. Nice Club facility there as well if you have a reciprocal membership from your own area!

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by roverhi

if you stay at Fortman, Grand or Svensen's marina.

"Svendsen's Marina" is actually Alameda Marina.

Alameda Boat Storage, RV Storage, Commercial Office Space, Alameda Oakland Estuary, California, San Francisco Bay Area - Alameda Marina

[AuroraGH]

Definitely opt for Sausalito unless you want to spend a couple hours cruising all the way across the bay - adds a couple hours to your time on the way in and out. Plus, Sausalito is pretty.

[jb-one]

Thank You for the replies. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Sounds like Alameda will be the place I will pursue.
Roverhi, I have been really focused on boat stuff I haven't thought much about what to do once I make it to Hilo. Any tips, ideas or suggestions?

[bobconnie]

Connie say's don't miss going to one of the orchid places in and about Hilo!! absolutley outragous !!

[jb-one]

Thanks Connie!!

[dofthesea]

Svendsen's Marina + 1 on Svendsens it's very old school. The city is more fun and accessible if you don't have a car. Alameda has a lot of options as far as marinas go. let me know if you want some advice on what to visit in either location. Lived in the bay area for 30 + years.

[MarkSF]

The Alameda estuary has to be hard to beat for availability of sailing-related services. The downtown area is nice but not as cute as Sausalito.

Svendsen's chandlery is cheaper than West Marine btw. They also have a rigging shop. Grand Marina is a short walk away. Alameda Marina is right there. Marina Village is about a mile and a half away.

Like others said, the Alameda climate is very conducive to repairs - warm, sunny, and protected from wind. I don't think you'll regret the two hour sail across the bay either - some good views on the way.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by dofthesea

Svendsen's Marina + 1

OK, once again, there is no "Svendsen's Marina". If you Google that, you will not find it. It is the Alameda Marina. Owned by the Svendsen family, but as per California law, a separate business entity.