Where to Sail...

Scroll Down to See Full Site Descriptions - Including Launch and Camping Info

1) Sherman Island - Sacramento County Park

Comprised of a small parking area in front and a larger parking area in the rear, this area is rightfully now one of the most popular sailing sites. There is a $4.00 daily charge for entry into the park. If you plan to use the area often, ask the ticket booth attendant for an annual pass ($40.00) that will save you some money and also provide access to other Sacramento County Parks.

The front parking area access includes an easy shallow beach entry area known as "The Playpen". The shallows , 100 yds x 60 yds, provide the perfect place for learning to waterstart, while just beyond lies some of the best winds and swells on the river. Just downwind from the launch is a row of submerged rocks that form a break for the beach. These rocks are usually marked by masts w/flags, but it's best to talk to other sailors so that you don't lose your fin or dignity.

The rear access provides much more parking and some rigging areas, but also requires a longer walk down a sandy path to a sandy beach entry. This secluded access, know as "Team Rio Beach", was one of RVWA's first projects. A quick sail upwind will find you alone on large rolling swells. The Co. Park is sporting a new look for 2001 with new rigging areas, restrooms, cement BBQ pits & benches. The HOSTS for the new park are Indian Bob & his wife Mina who'll be meeting you at the main gate. NO overnight parking in the front area just before the little beach.

2) The Access

Located just before the county park at the end of the road leading to Martin's Marina. A wide sandbag launch is provided by RVWA volunteers. Additional launches, both upwind and downwind, make this a safe area for those still working on staying upwind. Our huge new parking lot makes The Access a wonderful place to sail !

3) Senorita Beach

Named for a Caribbean Princess - this wide gravel parking area has several sandbag launches just a few hundred feet downwind from "The Access" and provides a favorite location to set up the beach chairs and sip a few cervezas while watching the action. There is not an actual beach at these launch sites and booties are recommended. Come early as the water front parking goes early.

4) Baja Road

Sherman Island Road Dips down off the levee and the old unpaved road continues along the levee. A few seconds on this road will have you understanding where it got its name. BMW's are not advised to use this area. Baja provides several generally uncrowded launches that may or may not be sandbagged. Due to the rocks and conditions, booties are a must.

5) The Sign

Marked by a large sign warning any dredgers of an underwater cable, this site offers huge ramps and challenging conditions for "big air" sailors. Eff 1 Jul 98, this is the RVWA official campground with porta potties and a Day Use Only as at the Powerlines, some shaded areas, rigging carpets by Lane, stairs (3) & four sandbag launch areas. Parking is found below the levee @ "DaSign" between @ the fence lines. Overnight parking for RV's & trailers is best in the middle next to the trees where you can usually find Delta Dave - the Official Host...min. charge is $20 membership...good for the season complete with a Tide Chart & sticker.

6) Power Lines

Abundant parking, easy sandbagged access, RVWA sponsored port-a-potti, and overnight camping make these launches the most popular on the river. Traffic moves quickly along this section of the levee, so be sure to keep your body and equipment well clear of the road. This is a popular exit point for downwind river runs from "Co. Park". There is no easy exit downwind from the Power Lines, so be careful when sailing on a flood tide.

7) Pump House

Not an improved launch site, it can hardly be seen from the road or the water. It's just past the first turn along the levee road. This site does not offer forgiveness for those who cannot get upwind. There just isn't anywhere downwind to exit.

8) Windy Cove - State Park

RVWA's proudest accomplishment. A large grass rigging area, parking for over 130 cars, port-a-potties, picnic facilities, excellent viewing areas, and a beautiful sandy launch awaits you. Directly across from Brannon Island State Park and part of the State Park system, there is a fee for parking, but the park is well maintained. If you choose to camp at Brannon Island, your fee also allows you access to Windy Cove. Due to the currents, swell, and somewhat isolated access, this is considered an intermediate location. It should be sporting new landscaping & grass areas for '99.

9) Glass Beach

So named because of all the broken glass that was once on the beach and in the water. There is much less glass now, due in part to annual RVWA clean-ups. Located about 1/2 mile south of Highway 12 on Highway 160. It is a large roadside turnout and can accommodate about 50 cars. There is a large sandy beach, but don't be deceived. Just a few yards off shore are submerged pilings and rocks that will bust the shins and fins of the unwary. Glass beach is the preferred launch site in the spring north wind conditions.

10) Sandy Beach - Solano County Park

Located in Rio Vista on the north side of the Sacramento river directly across from glass beach. A Clean park with bathrooms, parking area, and a sandy beach. Being on the north side, it has a wind shadow that will require some swimming to get to the wind line. This location has been used as the starting point for pro-am racing events.

11) The Sand Bar - Sacramento County Park

The perfect beginner to intermediate launch site. Located about 1/2 mile north of Highway 12 on 160. There is a small parking lot and couple of outhouses in front of a sandy beach. About 100 feet from shore is a large sand bar that is visible at low tide and is submerged at high tide. The "bowl" formed between the beach and sand bar offers an ideal location for learning to uphaul and sail without getting out into the main river current. Generally the wind is much lighter at the sand bar than it is at most other sailing sites. If a sailor gets out in the main channel it is reasonably easy to get back to the sand bar. This beach gets crowded with a variety of users in the summer time and parking is limited, so be sure to get there early.

12) Secret Spots

Over the years, many locations have come and gone. The most popular and accessible spots have been developed and maintained by RVWA. Often it will be tempting to create your own "Secret Spot", but what will most likely be created is not so appealing. We sail in a fragile ecosystem and forging a new trail to the water will destroy vegetation and haste erosion of the levies. In addition, most of the delta is privately owned, and your actions may endanger our already threatened privileges. If you really wish to sail in solitude, it is easy to sail up or down wind from an established launch into your "Secret Spot".