Where’s Your Fave Small-Boat Launch?

From recent research we’ve learned that many longtime California sailors were introduced to the sport aboard small, simple-to-master boats such as Sunfish, El Toros and Lasers, which were launched off public beaches or launch ramps. 

Today, though, there seems to be a general perception that public access to Bay and Delta waters is diminishing. Of course, whether you agree with that assertion probably has a lot to do with where you live. Some areas have multiple options for easy, small-boat access to public waterways, while others do not.

Because we’re strong advocates of small-boat sailing, we’ve begun to assemble a list of favorite launch sites throughout the Bay and Delta, with input from ‘Lec Lat and Latitude 38 readers — and we’d love to hear your recommendations also. Please write us here, and if possible, send along a few photos.

A fine example of an enticing spot that we’d never heard of came from reader John Todd: "My favorite launch site is at Lake Hennessey, in Napa Valley. It’s a small, pretty lake — a reservoir, actually — which is the City of Napa’s main water supply. There is usually reliable afternoon breeze all summer, and you are likely to be the only sailboat on the lake. Power boats are not allowed." Ironically, Lake Hennessey is so swollen with rain water this week that it’s temporarily closed, but this and other Northern California lakes will be more inviting than ever this spring, as lake levels throughout the state will be higher than they’ve been in years!

Got other recommendations? Send them on over!