Moorings in Ayala Cove

A

Arnold

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We decided to try tomorrow night to use the mooring buoys at Ayala Cove but, being my first time, I'm still not sure if it's better to approach the buoys first with the stern and then go forward to the other buoy or do the opposite (bow first and then back up to the other).
Any advise would be really appreciated.
 
I like to get the bow first, running a long line thru the eye and back to the boat. Then I'm free to back down on the stern mooring without worry of tangling a line in the props, but it can be done either way. Hopefully you have a "Happy Hooker" to aid you in getting the line thru the mooring eye. If not it may be worth the trip to Big Blue to pick one up. Have a great weekend!
 
the tide loops around in there. Up tide first works better because you can let out line to get to the down current buoy. Yup the happy hooker is almost a requirement.
 
On some boats, the bow is quite high. You would have to use a HH. I didn't have one, so I drew the bow line back to the stern, which is low, then caught the mooring ball at the stern. Once looped threw, I backed away from the ball.

Very often, you'll see the noobs hanging off the bow trying to reach the ball w/o the benefit of the HH.

Moored_at_Angel_Small.sized.jpg


Ayala_Cove_05_08_06_121.sized.jpg
 
Well, last Friday I went to West Marine and bought the Happy Hooper and an extra 150 feet of line to be ready for the buoys of Ayala Cove. We arrived at the island on Saturday afternoon around 3 and found all of the mooring buoys taken. I guess a couple of yacht clubs had got there on Friday evening for a cruise out.
So we docked and after a nice walk around the island, we started the BBQ and had dinner on the boat. In spite of the fog all around the bay, it was sunny and warm and just before the sun went down, we left and went back to spend the night at our marina in Sausalito.
Although we were hoping to try the mooring buoys, everything worked out fine and we had a good time. We'll try another time.
 
I was just curious, Where is it permitted to place your own mooring bouys?
 
Charlie, I believe a mooring buoy requires a Permit and God only knows how long that would take!!!! I would start with the Army Corp of Engineers, but that is just a guess.
 
Yeah, that's too much trouble.

Does it cost or need reservation at Ayala cove for mooring? I'm Looking at other boating options other than fishing...seein' as gas is too expensive and the fish are getting scarce.
 
From their website:

"Ayala Cove has the largest public docks and moorings on the bay, and is amongest the most protected. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, private boats can use the 19 boat slips or the 27 mooring buoys. Dinghies can be taken to the dock from the moorings to obtain access to the Island.

* Slips ranging from 30#8242; to 50#8242; are open year-round from 8:00am to sunset. Day use fees apply.
* The California State Park Annual Day Use Pass can be used to pay day use dock fees.
* Mooring buoys can be used overnight, boaters may access the island with their dinghy until 10:00pm. Overnight use fees apply.

Instructions for Mooring: Tie vessels at the bow and stern. Vessel should be secured with the bow pointing north-east and the stern facing south-west. The mooring system is designed to accommodate up to four boats per buoy. Therefore, a maximum of two boats may “raft” together on one set of buoys (see chart http://angelisland.org/visitor-information/boating-camping/ ).

If a Ranger is not available, please pay at the ‘Self Pay’ station near the head of the boat dock. Fees go toward maintaining the Cove."

To read all the info: http://angelisland.org/visitor-information/boating-camping/
 
Maybe I'll beef up my crab pot davit so I can carry a 'hover-round'. Walking around doesn't appeal to me anymore.[:I]
 
Charlie,

During the summer months they have a variety of ways to get around the island. They have an elephant train with an audio guided tour that is actually quite interesting. They also rent bicycles and you can also rent a Segue (the two wheel, gyro stabilized riding thing). It's actually a great destination for a day or or a weekend.
 
Yes, I think it's up to $30/night for a mooring. You'll probably have to get there by mid-afternoon Friday for a weekend stay. My friends were there in a 37 Tartan sailboat, 42 Jefferson Sundeck Trawler and a 46' sailboat. I had hoped to accompany them, but had to cancel out at the last minute. Still looking fwd to my first trip there in my own boat.
 
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