**Pilotage Plan: Sacramento, CA to Tiburon, CA**This pilotage plan outlines a safe and enjoyable route for boaters traveling from Sacramento, California to Tiburon, California. The journey covers approximately 70 nautical miles and provides a variety of landscapes, state parks, and vibrant landmarks that mark the beautiful coastline of Northern California. Suitable for both experienced sailors and enthusiastic beginners, this trip has enough excitement to captivate anyone keen on navigating these waters.### Route OverviewStart your journey at the coordinates for Sacramento, California (long/lat: -121.626358, 38.674697). From there, you'll navigate through the Sacramento River, Salinas River Delta, and ultimately venture into San Francisco Bay, concluding on the picturesque shores of Tiburon.### Sections of the Route#### 1. **Sacramento River to Delta:** - **Distance:** Approximately 10 nautical miles - **Navigational Aids:** Pay attention to the river markers and buoys marking the navigable channel. The river can be narrow and winding, so maintain a safe speed and be on the lookout for other vessels. - **Hazards:** Strong currents and shallow waters near the riverbanks. Set your course to remain in the deeper channels. Avoid any marinas or boats anchored too closely to the channel. - **Points of Interest:** Consider a brief stop at the Sacramento Marina or visit Discovery Park, where the river meets the American River, offering a beautiful view.#### 2. **Sacramento Delta:** - **Distance:** Approximately 20 nautical miles - **Navigational Aids:** The Delta is known for its intricate system of waterways; carefully follow the waypoints noted on your electronic charting system. - **Shelter Bay:** If weather conditions worsen, seek refuge in the Delta's many marinas, like Tower Park Marina or Salmon Falls Resort. They often have dockage, food, and facilities—ideal for a safe haven. - **Activities:** The Delta is a haven for bird watching and fishing. Plan on casting a rod or enjoying a scenic picnic at one of the islands along the way.#### 3. **Entering San Francisco Bay:** - **Distance:** Approximately 30 nautical miles - **Navigational Aids:** As you approach the Golden Gate, ensure to cross under the Golden Gate Bridge at safe tide levels—Monitor tide schedules and currents closely here; they can be swift. - **Hazards:** Look out for commercial vessel traffic and monitor VHF radio channels, especially channel 16 for emergency. - **Points of Interest:** The south side of the Golden Gate is home to the historic Fort Point and views of the Marin Headlands. A brief detour into Sausalito offers charming shops and eateries.#### 4. **From Sausalito to Tiburon:** - **Distance:** Approximately 5 nautical miles - **Navigational Aids:** Watch for ferry traffic; careful with your course and speed, as they can create wakes. - **Shelter Bay:** If necessary, you may find secure docking at Sausalito or near Point Tiburon should weather turn unfavorable. - **Final Destination:** Tiburon offers an inviting marina with amenities and stunning views of Angel Island and San Francisco. Great for unwinding after your journey.### Local RegulationsFamiliarize yourself with local boating regulations, particularly regarding marine wildlife protection—specifically regarding whales and seals. Observe "No Wake" zones, especially around residential areas and marinas. Maintain an appropriate speed to ensure safety for all water users.### Recommended Boating AppsFor an added edge along your trip, consider using navigation and weather apps. “Savvy Navvy” provides an excellent platform for route planning and has an integrated weather feature that helps monitor conditions in real-time. Additional apps may include Navionics for chart plotting and Windy for checking wind conditions.### ConclusionThis journey from Sacramento to Tiburon offers a blend of vibrant scenery, dynamic waterways, and tranquil harbors. Ideal for leisure boaters and those seeking adventure, this trip represents not just a destination, but an experience rich in California’s natural beauty. Stay vigilant, respect the waters, and enjoy the adventure that lies ahead!