Sherman Island Launch and Safety Info
Sherman Island’s windy season is generally from May thru August. The consistent summer conditions are generated by the thermal winds caused by temperature differences between the coast and the inland valleys. Simply put, if it is foggy on the San Francisco coast and hot in Sacramento Valley, it will blow in the Delta. The greater the disparity between the two, the better the wind. Generally the wind is stronger at more westerly sites (down river) and drops off as you move east (up river).
The tides run strong in the Delta and so be sure to consult your tide chart and talk with other sailors before going out. The prevailing wind is from west southwest to southwest. This causes chop and swell during the ebb tides - perfect for catching air and staying upwind. The flood tide provides flat water - great for ego jibes and, if you can't point well, the walk of shame.
We share the river with occasional ship/barge traffic, so stay watchful , you will not hear them coming!
The Delta has had many uses over the years, and man has left behind his spoils - including many just below the surface - just waiting to relieve the unsuspecting sailor of his fin or foil. A quick talk with the locals in any unfamiliar sailing site is a must.
Parking should be limited to designated parking areas. With few exceptions, parking on the levee is forbidden due to the fragile nature of California’s levee system.
See more on the County Park kite launch below.
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Kite Launch Areas
Given space limitations and other obstacles there are only two recommended launches for kiting, the second parking area in the Sacramento County Park and the Access Pit, just outside the county park entrance gate. The Access Pit is only recommended for advanced kiters.
At the County Park launch there is a large patch of blackberries and other vegetation between the kite launch area and the beach. The graphic to the left shows where to rig, launch, and land your kite.
