The sea approach
Coming from the South
Pass under the Richmond-San Rafael bridge sailing due north.
Head for Green Channel Marker No. 17, Fl. G. 4S. 15Ft 6M, coordinates
37o 57'425 N. 122o 27' 421 W.
This is the entrance to the San Rafael Canal which is dredged to 8' MLLW, (2002) is approximately 30 feet wide. The channel runs on a course of 280° Magnetic and is marked by green channel markers, which are numbered 1-7 takes, you to the entrance of the San Rafael Creek. On the Red Marker QR 15Ft. turn west and after 200 yards find the entrance to the MYC yacht basin to starboard. Observe the Red and Green Channel markers warning for the shallows outside.
Coming from the North
Follow the San Pablo Strait going southwest. Pass between the Sisters and Brothers islands situated respectively outside Point San Pedro to the west and Point San Pablo to the east. Be aware of a large number of barges and metal Buoys scattered in the San Rafael Bay which is very shallow. Head for Green Channel Marker No. 17, Fl. G. 4S. 15Ft 6M, coordinates
37o 57'425 N. 122o 27' 421 W.
This is the entrance to the San Rafael Canal which is dredged to 8' MLLW, (2002) is approximately 30 feet wide. The channel runs on a course of 280° Magnetic and is marked by green channel markers, which are numbered 1-7 takes, you to the entrance of the San Rafael Creek. On the Red Marker QR 15Ft. turn west and after 200 yards find the entrance to the MYC yacht basin to starboard. Observe the Red and Green Channel markers warning for the shallows outside.
Please observe:
* Do Not Cut Corners as the waters outside the markers are deceptive and shallow.
* Green Marker 17, is very small, in spite of the claim on its character (6M), that should be visible for 6 miles. It is usually hidden amongst all the barges and buoys. Use your GPS or chart plotter to find it.
Green Marker 17 at the center. Chart No. 18649. Depths are in feet.