Anchoring in China Camp

A

Arnold

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Joined
Oct 14, 2003
RO Number
12330
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544
Last weekend we cruised to Petaluma and, coming back to Sausalito, I noticed many boats anchored just off China Camp. From the charts it seems that the water is very shallow over there and I'm wondering if anyone from this forum ever anchored in that area.
 
Yes we have a few times in a Mainship 43 and Mainship 34 we used to rent out there. Often times has good protection from the afternoon winds, but can get a little rolly. We were always a little south east of the beach area. Nice setting.
 
We got a little too close and ended up having to wait for the tide to come back in the one time we anchored there. You are affected by the wakes from the Vallejo ferry. It is a nice setting.
 
I anchored off the old building near the beach without problems in years past. Use the depth sounder to figure how close.
 
China Camp is a fun place to hang out, with the dinghy to get ashore you have access to some excellent local history, a beach and land side plumbing including showers. Winds and currents can be strong, some have drug and one famous sailor went to sleep in China Camp and woke up near the Brothers.

Tune in to VHF 14 and listen to Vessel Traffic Control to watch the parade of deep water vessels on the way up or down the river.

Also off the Marin Shore is Paradise Beach/Cay. I've yet to drop the hood their but I am told the current are less there. You could also get a slip at the Paradise Marina for an overnighter, no supplies, but a beautiful marina setting with all new facilities.

MarinMike
 
Yeah, Paradise is calmer/more protected all the way around except for the occasional strong northerlies. Never tried going to the marina there.

Certain years, there is a build up of mud just off China Camp and with the very strong currents and out going tides, it's very possible to loose your anchor set, as mentioned, without enuff rode.
 
Thanks averyone. I noticed that there is a pier. How close can you get to it?
 
I've never notice anyone close to the pier, besides Mr Quan's boat, it gets very shallow there and the current seem particularly strong there, based on my kayaking. I do not believe it is permitted to tie up to it. Pretty rickety anyhow, I don't care for walking on it.

MarinMike
 
Though I've never boated in to it, when I lived in Marin County, used to really like hanging out at China Camp - by way of the asphalt sloughs. A great waterfront escape.
 
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