Harbour

Fortman Marina

Name: Fortman Marina
Address: Alameda, US
Telephone: +15105229080

3.8Alameda, United StatesSan Francisco Bay

Type: Harbour

497 berth marina in a man made rectangular basin on the Alameda side of the Oakland Estuary, opposite Coast Guard Island.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter from the estuary at 1535 Clement Avenue, west of the Park Street Bridge. Berth sizes from 15 to 60 feet, plus 31 covered berths. Coast Guard Island lies directly across the fairway, keep clear of moored cutters and respect the federal channel limits.

Practical

Each berth has a dock box, shore power, fresh water and phone service. About 277 car parking spaces along the western boundary. Access through keyed gates. Site area around 15.5 acres. Home club Alameda Yacht Club since 1985.

History

The basin opened in 1904 when the Alaska Packers Association bought the foreshore to winter its square rigged Star Fleet, the last commercial sailing fleet on the US west coast. Vessels such as the Star of Alaska, Star of Finland and Star of Russia were laid up here between Alaska salmon seasons. The basin was renamed Fortman Basin in 1926 after Henry F. Fortmann, who consolidated the company in the 1890s.

Story

The Star of India, today preserved at the San Diego Maritime Museum and still sailing occasionally, wintered in this basin during its years with the Alaska Packers Association.