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San Pablo Bay Overview
2025 update: Four Fools has locked the gate to the marina and access to the ramp due to some purported criminal activity. Back to carrying and launching from the beach. The park is in good and clean shape.bOverall Park Use:/b Since writing this a few years back, the Four Fools Winery has opened and they are permitting us to use the ramp inside the marina to the north of the Lone Tree park eliminating having to carry your gear. The only request is that everyone drives slowly after entering past the marina gate, which if not open you must close after passing, so as not to create too much dust.
In the meantime the park itself has been cleaned up, so leaving that 411 on this page since some may still choose to launch there. This park gets lots of dog walking, fishing and some evidence of partying use. There is a large burnt /dried out grassy area to rig about 20 yards past the gate. There is a large sandy crescent shaped beach that serves as the launch. Somewhat protected under the shade of the Lone Tree and next to the beach are picnic tables and benches on a slight rise above the beach. There is an outhouse, too. There are also some trails to the south that allows you to climb on a bluff looking out to the West across San Pablo Bay and the sailing area.
bLaunch:/b The ramp in the marina is at the far end of the marina/storage yard. Can be slightly slippery and there are some old piers to the south easily avoided,
The sandy crescent beach is user friendly. No evidence of glass on the beach. Sailing there on a south wind, there is one dead area about 15 yards off shore in the lee of the bluff which you can slog past going in and out.
bWind and Current:/b Advanced/Expert Only. Wind was side slightly off shore. Downwind are a power plant, oil refineries and then the Carquinez Straits. There is no walking back. Definitely let someone know that you are sailing here. It is vast, lonely and a wind shut down here will be a serious event as there is lots of current.
bSensor tips:/b This sensor needs a tide chart. Would recommend only sailing on the ebb. We worked to stay up wind. Descent wind at the beach with some slight holes. Outside approaching the the channel marker est. 1kt. mile from shore there is stronger wind and excellent glassy swell. Reminded us of sailing in the 3rd Ave channel. Unlike the comments on the Davis Pt. page, we thought the channel was about half the distance from the beach as compared to 3rd Ave.
bThe Sailing:/b Heading out on a port tack the sailing area is huge and empty with views of Mt. Tam and the hills heading north from there with fog spilling over them. Heading back in on a starboard tack, you have a view of a power plant the smoke stack will let you know the wind is still blowing on shore, an oil refinery and a dead on view of the Carquinez Straits. The bluff and the fishing resort boat warehouse are visible from the channel as landmarks for your return. The water seemed grittier than say T.I., and recommend a full wetsuit. The smooth and large intervals between the crests of the swell makes all reservations about parking and sailing here melt away.
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