A Cautionary Tale

As we were motoring out of the San Rafael Creek yesterday, we noticed a boat — maybe 35- to 40-ft — anchored just outside the channel markers. This was curious, as the San Rafael Canal is notoriously (although shockingly) shallow, especially where this boat had dropped the hook.

It was about 1:30 p.m. and approaching max high tide, and we thought that perhaps the boat, which likely strayed from the channel upon approach or departure, was waiting for the top of the flood to make her escape.   

But upon our return at about 5:30, the boat was slumped over on her keel. In an upcoming feature article about San Rafael sailing, we’ll talk about the perilously shallow entrance to San Rafael Creek, and what the future of this neglected waterway might be.      

PS: We don’t mean to cast any judgment on the boat in question. Even with our three-foot draft, we’ve run aground going into and out of the Creek more times than we care to admit. 

If you have any knowledge of this boat, or have a story to share about San Rafael Creek — or would like to make a plea for its dredging — please let us know.