Polynesian., 1852-03-06

commercial purposes, have often been questioned
and denied. alE
Proximity to the sea, straight course in,with a
clear, mile-wide channel, and bold landmarks, con-
stute some of the merits attached to Its approach
Anchorage at convenient depth, with good holding
ground, composed of soft blue mud, with capacity
to accommodate hundreds of ships, will convey
some idea of its magnitude. The once extensive
flats lining the shore have given way to magnif-
cent docks and wharves, warehouses, &c.; and now
heavy ships discharge with convenience. Their
goods transported by railway to the city, where
lately the expensive and sluggish lighter could only
| be used.
| The anchorage off North Bay is safe, and still
nearer the sea. In winter it has decided advan-
tage over the east anchorage, being weather
shore, and protected from the s. E. winds.
After passing the Golden Gate, if bound in tc
San Francisco anchorage, stand on mid channel
for Alcatraces Isle, and bring the fort to bear S
w. l-2 s., per compass; thence for the harbor
plainly in sight, Z. Ia s., per compass, carefully
observing the marks for Blossom rock, and look
out kept for Tonquin shoal buoy
Point San josef ON with the Preside, clears
Blossom rock.
Saucelito Point, open with Alcatraces, clears
Blossom rock.
Saucelito Point, open about one-third width OF
the isle of Alcatraces, clears Blossom rock.
n. E. point of Alcatraces IN one with Table Hill
clears Blossom rock.
! In getting under way from the anchorage at San
Francisco with flood tide few directions are neces-
sary, observing carefully the marks for +" Blossom
Rock" 1t lsadvantageous to pass out near Y erba
Buena Island thence to the northward we'll over
on east limit of the channel, in four or FIVE fathoms
muddy bottom. On the ebb this is more necessary.
as will appear on reference to the remarks on the
.1ror,f N.
brisk until under the lee of Angel Isle where some
little delay may occur from Gains and hight airs
Good anchorage may be found abreast and well to
eastward OF this island, should necessity require
The eastern limit of the channel is well defined,
and the soundings decrease gradually, as will be
seen on reference to the chart. ad-
Southampton Shoal, carefully buoyed, forms the
only obstruction. Ranges for its avoidance laid
down. 1t shoals very abruptly on its west side.
Point Campbell, covering Point Richardson,
'clears south end of Southampton Shoal. -
Point Stuart on with the fort clears north end Of
Southampton Shoai. s- esr - .--.s.
The Riley channel is clear and plain, with regu-
lar soundings, and ample for ship of any size
Keeping in mind the marks for clearing the 'shoal"
this channel Is very advantageous, as will appear
when leaving San Francisco on the ebb tide.
Frequently vessels get under way from San Fran
cisco with good breeze, without reference to the
particular state of the tide.
In describing the tides in the bay under head of
Winds and Tides, | mention the effect produced
by the collision of the two portions from the north
and south last quarter of the ebb, in line
with Alcatraces Island. s--,f --z
A portion forced over to eastward turns suddenly
northward along the east limit of channel from
Yerba Buena Isle, embracing the extensive flats
reaching the shore. 1t continues for time
steady set, which any sized vessel may proftably
avail of passing through the Riley channel thence
east of Molate, when they VIII find much time and
distance gained, and be ready for the first of the
flood tide. While this is seen and taken advantage
of the ebb tide on the west side, along by Aspin-
wall bay, Angel Isle &c., is irresistible, and yes
sells are obliged to come to in Deep inconyenient
anchorage. -n-o--%
Vessels outward bound, having the wind from
the northward and westward, and ebb tide, must be
careful not to pass to the northward of between
Blossom Rock and Alcatraces, unless the wind
should prove strong and steady. Eddies, with light
airs often experienced under the lee of the island
and ships have become unnlanageable, and forcibly
carried on the s. E. point Of the Isle by the tides
Short tacks in the strength of the tide in the chan
mel south of the island and Blossom Rock as gen.
eral rule, are preferable, and more likely to secure
rapid egress. 4-.