Ah, my boat loves it! This is a great place to sail. The ramp is public, and is terrific. It is located right next to Nick's Cove Restaurant and Inn. Here is the link: http://www.marincounty.org/Depts/PK/Divisions/Parks/Miller-Boat-Launch Here it is on Google Maps: http://g.co/maps/ccq3p There is definitely an issue with the tides. Tomales Bay is very shallow in many parts. The ramp can be totally dry at low tide! When looking at the tide charts I need at least 1.5 feet above mean low to float my M15 and retrieve. I use the tide maps on SailFlow. Really nice website for that. So, typically I sail when the tide is coming up around 11:00 AM, and sail until around 4:00 PM. The winds usually kick up around noon into the afternoon. It can really blow, but it is much safer than the open ocean around here. Usually you have to beat to windward quite a bit to get back to the dock. Also, I get back to the dock in a funny way that I have worked out over the years. Normally you would want to go to the leeward side of the dock and swing the bow around upwind and stop. That can work, but if you miss, you run out of room really quick there! Very shallow very fast. So, I don't do that. What I do is get upwind of the dock, heave to, drop the main, and come in on a run or reach with the jib alone. I am able to very gently get to the dock going usually on a broad reach, and when I get to the dock, let the jib fly and step off. Works every time, but is a bit unorthodox! There are many places to anchor out and camp right across the bay. Nice beaches and coves on the Point Reyes National Seashore side. I have never done it, because I have only day sailed there. But many on this list have. Dan Phy, Jim Kirwan, and Brad Evans to name a few. I'm sure they can chime in here to help with that question. There are no slips right there. Nick's Cove has lovely accommodations, but is very pricey. The restaurant is fun. Probably the next closest town with accommodations is inland at Petaluma. Numerous motels and hotels there. Daniel Rich M15 #208 "Kestrel" danielgrich@gmail.com On May 9, 2012, at 11:10 AM, Tom Jenkins wrote:

Daniel, Thanks for the video! Nice sailing day, and your boat seemed to like it. If one were inspired to give it a try, where would one find that launching ramp? Are the tides an issue with shoaling water, etc. ? Is there any place to anchor out, or might there be campgrounds or local hotels, and available guest slips on the Bay? Tom Jenkins M17 Scintilla

On May 8, 2012, at 7:50 PM, Daniel Rich wrote:

...

I never get tired of Tomales Bay. It is also the closest place for me to sail! Every time I go out in the M15 I am reminded of what a fabulous design it is. The wind picked up later in the day. The M15 just takes it so well and predictably.

My dog has learned how to beat to windward. Every time I tack he high sides with me. Nice that he is a pack animal and does what everybody else is doing. Mostly I think he just wants the protection! He does not like the water. But he hates being left behind even more.

Short video for those interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT9h6nETVBY

Daniel Rich M15 #208 "Kestrel" danielgrich@gmail.com