Special Article

Harbor Administrator,
Bill Price

November, 2008 County of Marin
Employee of the Month

Everything you need to know about visiting Sausalito by boat.

History

Early mapmakers named Richardson’s Bay for the enterprising pioneer, William Richardson, who established a port on his 19,000 acre Rancho del Saucelito in the 1840s.

Trading vessels and whalers stopped here for shelter and provisions. Later, bootleggers found it a safe haven for their own provisions, and World War II saw a thriving shipbuilding enterprise – some 900 Liberty Ships, oilers and tankers were launched in Sausalito’s Marinship waters.

Over many years, the maritime traditions have found a natural home along the waterfront. Today Sausalito carries on these traditions, now geared largely to yachting, boat repair and fishing.

Words of caution

• Berth space is at a premium. Do not occupy any empty berth or mooring ball even briefly, without the express permission of the harbormaster.
• Portions of the waterfront can be subject to strong, blustery wind gusts, especially when it is foggy (indicated by strong wind symbols on the map). Secure your boat accordingly.
• Areas west of the channel and north of the ferry landing are very shallow with few exceptions, so read the chart before you anchor.
• The mooring buoys in front of the Sausalito Yacht Club are generally free, but you may be asked to vacate if there is a Club event.
• If you anchor too close to the ferry landing you may be in for a lot of noise and prop wash.

Richardson’s Bay – Rules to Remember

Anchor securely with a Danforth anchor, or any type specifically suited for loose mud, with sufficient scope to compensate for a six foot tide. Plow anchors do not hold well in Richardson’s Bay. The afternoon summer winds regularly clock in at 20-30 knots from the west. During winter months, gale force winds are observed from both north and south during storms.

If you wish to stay longer than 72 hours advise the Harbor Administrator Bill Price: (415) 289-4143 and make arrangements for an extension permit. Richardson’s Bay was officially designated a “No Discharge Zone” by the Regional Water Quality Control Board on August 11, 1987. All of the local marinas are equipped with pump-out stations; their locations are listed on the chart. There is a mobile pump-out service available, MT Head: (650) 483-5689.

Clipper Fuel Dock sells diesel and gas, and, they refill propane and CNG tanks. They also have a pump-out station and water.

All photos provided by Dudley Denador

Phone Number Directory

(All phone numbers are in the 415 area code.)