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Islander 36 Association |
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Islander 36 Association |
Drakes Bay Cruise
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Drakes Bay conjures up images of exploration, courage, independence and resourcefulness when you reflect on early mariners who sheltered the vessels and crew in this great bay. Nestled behind Pt. Reyes, the curved beach provides protection from the typical northwest wind and swells. When the weather is nice, this is a slice of heaven, just like this:  Islanders Raft At Drakes Bay When it gets a bit breezy or foggy, you connect with the challenges of ocean passages, and enjoy being snug and secure on the hook, with friends below and perhaps a heater going in the cabin. Either way it's a great experience.  Chilly Going Those who have been there before know the wonderful feel of the ocean swell, the loping rhythm, the feeling of unlimited distance to weather. For those who would like to experience sailing outside the Gate, this is a great way to "get your feet wet". Traveling in company with other Islanders provides a frame of reference, easy radio communication, and a sense of companionship along the way. There are usually boats that tow inflatables, so getting around between boats for dinner or going ashore isn't a problem if you don't have one yourself. There are several ways to get there - a long beat out toward the Farallones and tack north if the wind is northwest, a reach if it's south of west, or a ride under power in light airs - we've had them all over the years. Tacking upwind the distance is around 37 - 40 miles, while in a straight line it's about 26. Your Cruise Coordinator will make the recommended call based on weather at the start - of course you're free to go any way you wish. If the forecast is for very unpleasant weather, a destination inside the Bay might be chosen. Here are the guidelines: Departure - Saturday, May 24 PROMPTLY at 0930 Assemble at either the north or south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge - whichever is easiest for you. Listen on Channel 72 and check in with the Coordinator when you are in sight of the bridge and when you arrive. We will be catching the end of the ebb, with about 2.5 knots of ebb still flowing. Boats who are quite a distance from the GG may want to come up to the main bay on Friday evening, though there is a maximum 4.1 knot ebb at 0732 which will help boats get to the bridge in the morning. Please do not be late - we'd like to have our fleet together, and we don't want to wait for late arrivals. The Coordinator will discuss and recommend the route for the day on Channel 72. Drakes Bay - Arrival & Evening Plan If the weather is light and settled we may choose to anchor in a raft. This works best if boats alternate bow to stern with about half or a third of the boats putting out anchors. If there is much breeze or sea, we will be anchoring individually. Cocktail and dinner plans will be coordinated via channel 72, but it will, obviously, be a potluck dinner! Sunday, May 25 Relax and enjoy life. Go ashore and hike the beach or out to the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse if you like. Dinner will be another potluck - assembled as weather permits. Monday, May 26 Breakfast at your leisure, then up anchor and head back to the Bay. You may want to time your arrival at Point Bonita for a little after 1300 when the flood starts and builds to a modest flood of 2.7 knots by 1600. This is a great opportunity to sail out in the ocean, but all participants are reminded of the following: The Islander Association establishes its annual Cruise schedule based on the general input of members, and may include destinations around the Bay, on river tributaries, and outside the Golden Gate. However, the Association assumes no liability for any event. It is the sole responsibility of each individual owner to decide if his or her boat and crew are suitable for a given event, and whether to participate, start or continue in any event.
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