Center Stage in Wine Country

There’s no denying that Napa is a splendid city, and a wonderful place to visit during the summer months. But of all the riverside cities and towns in the North Bay and Delta, it’s long had a reputation as being only marginally accessible to sailboaters. We’re happy to report that’s changed now, with the completion of a massive waterfront project that features side-tie or stern-to berthing right in the heart of the downtown business district — only a few minutes’ walk from a wide range of restaurants and wine bars; the famous Napa Valley Wine Train; the Napa Valley Opera House, which stages everything from musical theater to hard-driving rhythm and blues; and the Uptown Theatre, that stages everything from bluegrass to Bach.

What about the stationary Imola Bridge downstream, you ask? As Bay sailor Art Hartiger discovered on his recent foray upriver, the stated clearance on charts is 60 feet. But that refers to "mean high water," so if the existing height of tide is below MHW, there will be greater clearance. If your boat has a mast less than 50 feet tall, you should have no trouble, and with careful planning those with masts close to 60 feet can also squeak through. That said, we’re pretty sure Art was holding his breath when he took his Beneteau First 310 Pied-a-Mer upriver last month. 

We recommend that you put Napa high on your list of options for summer wanderings. But needless to say, proceed with caution.