Stockton to Redwood City by boat

Pilotage Plan: Stockton, CA to Redwood City, CA

Overview

This coastal journey from Stockton to Redwood City is a scenic venture that combines tranquil waterway navigation with the thrill of open bay cruising. Ideal for experienced boaters and those looking to enhance their skills, this route offers opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and local attractions while ensuring a safe passage.

Route Description

1. Departing Stockton:Begin your journey at the Stockton Marina, where you'll set a course hydrographically southwest towards the San Joaquin River. This river passage is generally calm, making it an excellent place for cruising novices. The journey will take you through various marinas and areas of interest along the way.

2. Navigating the San Joaquin River:As you head down the San Joaquin River, be on the lookout for navigation markers—buoys and day marks are plentiful in this area. Stay within the marked channels to avoid shallow waters, especially as you approach Turner Cut and the intersection with the Sacramento River, where currents can become unpredictable.

Points of Interest:

• Delta Meadows: A scenic and peaceful natural area, perfect for a quick stop to stretch your legs.
• Stockton Deep Water Channel: Wide and well-marked, this channel is frequented by larger vessels heading towards the San Francisco Bay.

3. Entering the Delta:Transition into the California Delta—a magnificent maze of waterways. Here, you'll have options to explore various islands and reach secluded bays. As you cruise through this section, you may consider taking shelter in Brannan Island State Recreation Area should adverse weather strike.

4. Reaching Suisun Bay:Continue towards the Suisun Bay. Along this stretch, be attentive to local fishermen and sailboats, as this area is a popular spot for recreational activities. The ferry crossing to and from Mare Island should be noted here; maintain a safe distance and be wary of the ferry traffic.

5. Following the San Francisco Bay to Redwood City:Upon entering the San Francisco Bay from the Sacramento River, navigation becomes more challenging. It’s essential to keep an eye on wind and tide changes—conditions can be quite variable, and fog often blankets the bay, reducing visibility. Consider using navigation aids, such as local lighthouses: Point Blunt Lighthouse on Yerba Buena Island serves as a significant landmark.

Navigation Tips:

• Use advanced charting apps like Savvy Navvy, which provide real-time conditions and updates, greatly assisting in steering clear of restricted zones and hazards.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of the San Francisco Bay Marine Protected Areas to ensure compliance with local regulation.

Shelters and Safety Considerations

• Richmond Marina: A great stop if the bay becomes choppy. Restroom facilities and fuel are available.
• Sausalito or Tiburon: Two picturesque towns where you can dock and enjoy local dining, should you wish to extend your stay or weather conditions dictate a longer pause.

Arriving at Redwood City

As you approach Redwood City, take care as the depths shallower here might differ from what you encountered earlier. The Redwood City Marina is friendly to transient boaters and offers amenities like fuel and dining options nearby.

Conclusion and Suitability

This route is particularly suited for boaters who relish exploring a variety of landscapes and local culture, while also keeping safety as a priority. The balance of sheltered waterways and open bay navigation will test your skills while offering plenty of refuge should conditions deteriorate. Plan for weather changes and keep safety equipment accessible; adherence to navigation regulations is vital. With proper planning and vigilance, this trip from Stockton to Redwood City can be both safe and enjoyable.