San Pablo Bay to Old Town Sacramento

[Meuritt]

This will be my first trip to Sacramento, our thought is to be anchored off old town for the fireworks on the third. Two boats will be going, both sailboats with 5' draft. The other boat is very experienced, his charts are full of marks where he's gone aground. However, I would like to do my own research so I am not just blindly following.

Looking at my charts I see I have two big options, the deep water channel and the Sacramento River. It looks like the channel will save at least an hour of time, and is more likely to align with prevailing winds so we can sail. It looks pretty boring though, and if we meet any ships....

The River, OTOH, has all that the delta is known for, small towns, history, and maybe a bit of scenery peering over the levee.

I'm thinking to go up river on the Channel, trying to make the 80 mile trip at 6 knots in a very long day, and take a much more leisurely return on the River.

OK Delta Rats, where am I going wrong, how could I do better.

thanks, Mike
San Rafael

 

[Flutterby]

That would be a good plan if the lock between the Port of Washington, terminus of the Channel, and the river were still operational! But there is no way, except perhaps to walk, from one body of water to the other.

I suggest you take the river route all the way. It is a very interesting trip and Old Sac is a great place to hang out. Normally springtime brings about the melting winter snow and very strong down stream currents. This year I doubt that will be the case.

Have a great trip and I hope you post a narrative with lots of pictures for us armchair sailors!

 

[Astral Blue]

From San Pablo Bay, take the Carquinez strait to the Sacramento River. Once you pass Rio Vista, take Steamboat Slough and re-enter the Sacramento river at 4 nautical miles above Walnut Grove. Take the Sacramento River north to Old Sac. Steamboat Slough is a great shortcut for your trek, but pay attention to a few areas between its entrance north of Rio Vista and Walker Landing. There are several shallow spots requiring you to do some minor zigzags. Other than that, you'll find Steamboat Slough more scenic, less crowded, and having fewer no-wake zones than the Sacramento River.

There is a nice anchorage right before you get to the Steamboat Slough bridge. The waters are very protected and it's a great place to spend the night.

When you get to Old Sac, avoid tying to the public docks. They are not safe -- as there is a lot of crime in the area. Couple that with it being a busy weekend, you'll have your share of crazies to deal with.

I would anchor north of Old Sac. The current can be stronger than you think, especially that far north. So make sure you have a good anchor.

You will be surrounded by alcohol and loud music once you get into Old Sac. Some people like it, but not me. Even though I live a few minutes from Old Sac, I keep my boat as far away from it as possible.