Our cruise to Petaluma was absolutely delightful and the weather could not have been better. We left last Saturday at 0930 from Alameda and we got to the turning basin at approximately 1400. Navigating through the San Pablo Bay was a breeze. Basically, from the Brothers, we took a course of 345 deg until we reached red buoy #2. After that, it was easy to follow the channel staying between the green markers and red buoys all the way to the entrance of the Petaluma River. All of the buoys are very visible on the radar and it is almost impossible to make mistakes. It was a very clear day and, in spite of a steep chop and winds close to 20 knots, up on the fly bridge, all of the markers were also very visible to the naked eye. The water depth was never less than 15 feet and with our draft of about 5' we never had any problem. Along the way we met the Stockton Power Squadron fleet and we followed them all the way to the turning basin, past the “D" street bridge. A stream of 12 boats could be seen across the marsh lands going up the river at 6 knots, passing under the “D" street bridge and reaching the turning basin at the same time and therefore creating some confusion while trying to stern-tie at the main guest dock. The turning basin is not that big and being the 10th boat in and with an overall length of over 60', we lost a good hour just idling, waiting for everyone else to dock and trying not to hit anybody. Fortunately there was no wind and we managed to dock successfully. That night, after a beer at the Petaluma Yacht Club and a few chats with the friendly members, we had dinner at “Graffiti", right at the turning basis. The food was very good and at reasonable price.
On Sunday, after watching the 49er game while having lunch on the boat, we explored the town, we took the Historic Victorian buildings self walking tour and we visited the numerous antique stores. One of the owners told us about a new restaurant on Western Avenue that just opened a couple of months ago and was supposed to be very good. So, that night we went there for dinner and, indeed, it turned out to be as they told us. The name is “Vino grigio" and the owner/chef is from Italy. The food was excellent and with very high quality service.
It is amazing how much the city of Petaluma has changed in the last ten years. New shopping centers, quality restaurants and stores are attracting a large number of tourists who, in turn, contribute to the opening of more restaurants and stores. It looks to me that the Petaluma City Counsel found the right formula.
Even the docks have been improved. They are very sturdy, clean, have new and modern power outlets (30 Amps) and, most of all, the city installed security gates with police patrolling the area.
As soon as we docked, the person in charge (I believe he was the harbormaster) took our boat information, our driver license number and told us how to pay.
They don't take cash and they ask you to mail back the envelope with a check.
It is $20.00 per day with a maximum of three days.
Monday morning was again beautiful and clear. A perfect day for our return trip
At 8 o'clock we called the bridge tender and asked him to raise the bridge for us at noon (the official rule is to call him at least four hours in advance).
This time we went down the river at about 10 knots but slowing down to 5 knots at the several no-wake zones. On the open bay we throttled up to 16 knots until the Oakland estuary.
By 1600 we were back in our slip in Alameda having a drink and enjoying the rest of the warm day.
Overall, it has been a very good and pleasant experience and we are ready to go back.
On Sunday, after watching the 49er game while having lunch on the boat, we explored the town, we took the Historic Victorian buildings self walking tour and we visited the numerous antique stores. One of the owners told us about a new restaurant on Western Avenue that just opened a couple of months ago and was supposed to be very good. So, that night we went there for dinner and, indeed, it turned out to be as they told us. The name is “Vino grigio" and the owner/chef is from Italy. The food was excellent and with very high quality service.
It is amazing how much the city of Petaluma has changed in the last ten years. New shopping centers, quality restaurants and stores are attracting a large number of tourists who, in turn, contribute to the opening of more restaurants and stores. It looks to me that the Petaluma City Counsel found the right formula.
Even the docks have been improved. They are very sturdy, clean, have new and modern power outlets (30 Amps) and, most of all, the city installed security gates with police patrolling the area.
As soon as we docked, the person in charge (I believe he was the harbormaster) took our boat information, our driver license number and told us how to pay.
They don't take cash and they ask you to mail back the envelope with a check.
It is $20.00 per day with a maximum of three days.
Monday morning was again beautiful and clear. A perfect day for our return trip
At 8 o'clock we called the bridge tender and asked him to raise the bridge for us at noon (the official rule is to call him at least four hours in advance).
This time we went down the river at about 10 knots but slowing down to 5 knots at the several no-wake zones. On the open bay we throttled up to 16 knots until the Oakland estuary.
By 1600 we were back in our slip in Alameda having a drink and enjoying the rest of the warm day.
Overall, it has been a very good and pleasant experience and we are ready to go back.