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The Sacramento River Delta offers some of the best sailing conditions in the world - warm fresh water, strong consistent winds, plenty of sunshine, a variety of sailing sights and conditions, and some of the nicest people around. Rio Vista's sailing is generally from May through August, although some sail the Delta year round. The consistent summer conditions are generated by the thermal winds caused by the meteorological 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. During the high wind season, sailors can usually count on two sessions daily - Dawn Patrol from sunrise to around 10am, followed by an afternoon session running from around 3pm to sunset. Occasionally it blows all day but usually lightens up in the late morning to early afternoon. These are good times for siestas and teaching friends. 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 the 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 (or keep going and tell your friends you planned the down wind river run). 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 and fin box. A quick talk with the locals in any unfamiliar sailing site is a must. A wide variety of equipment can by used in the Delta. There are sailing sights for everyone from the confident beginner to the most advanced sailors. The vast majority of sailing is done on short boards up through slalom boards. A good quiver of sails includes sail sizes from 4.0 to 6.0 - but the majority of your sailing will be on a 4.5 or 5.0. Bring a shortie wetsuit for the warm afternoon and a full length 3/2 for the Dawn Patrol. For those wishing to stay a night or two, several options are available. There are houses for rent which sport a river front view, hot tubs, and grass rigging areas. Camping is available at many locations including Brannon Island state Park. And overnight camping is tolerated just about anywhere along the river that isn't posted. If you wish to stay for an extended period of time, several trailer parks are available with reasonable rents. Don't leave trucks or trailers on the levy road for extended periods of time or our privileges may be lost. Be sure to remember that we are guests in the Delta and as often than not, we are on private property. Many people who are not involved in windsurfing live in the Delta an are happy to continue to allow us the privilege to use their land, as long as we use courtesy and common sense. Try to minimize our impact. Properly dispose of all garbage, both yours and that of others who were less considerate. Don't rearrange the levy rocks, erosion is the enemy. Park your vehicle and equipment well off the road. Most of all, have fun and keep it fun for everyone.
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Webmaster: Brian Geasa Copyright
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