The North Sailing Basin, looking north from the Meadow. 800 meters of smooth protected water in the lee of Cesar Chavez Park. Although it can be windy in the summer, the water is always smooth and powerboat wakes are virtually
unknown.
This could become the permanant venue for a Berkeley Dragon boat program or an outrigger club. The North Sailing Basin offers full scheduling flexibility, so there would be no restriction on summer afternoon or weekend practices in protected water. The location also offers the possibility of onshore storage and maintenance facilities, and dedicated office and meeting space.
It is interesting to note that the Cal Sailing Club followed a similar growth path. CSC originally shared dock space with Berkeley Yacht Club, and then moved to the South Sailing Basin in the early '70s as the size and popularity of the club increased.
It is also interesting to compare some of the costs associated with dragon boats to those associated with playing fields or other recreational facilities. Each boat operates with a crew of 22, so a two-boat program keeps 44 participants fully engaged. There is no playing surface to maintain, no new structure or fences to build, and no real estate to acquire. If there is a club component, then access to volunteers reduces staffing requirements. Professional equipment maintenance is only a few thousand dollars per year.
Start-up cost for equipment is in the $30,000-$50,000 range. This includes two new boats, a powered safety skiff, paddles, lifejackets, and other miscellaneous safety gear. The playing fields at fifth and Harrison - to put this in perspective - cost 2.1 million dollars each to acquire and develop.
Letter to the Mayor, Councilmembers, and Commissioners
Consent Calendar item for the
February 19 Council meeting
Consent Calendar item as passed at the
February 26 Council meeting
Dragon boat links:
California Dragon Boat Association
Dragon boat racing - 20 paddles, one hull. "The second most
popular sport in the world." Currently practicing in Foster City and Lake Merced.
International Dragon Boat Association
IDBA runs an after-school youth program on Lake Merritt and the Oakland Estuary, and produces the annual California International Dragon Boat Festival.
The Dieselfish Dragon Boat Team
Practicing three times a week in Redwood City, and their website has a good page of dragon boat links.
The Cal Juice Dragon Boat Team
Mostly U.C. Berkeley students and alumni. "Because we are lazy, we practice and race only during the summer and early fall."
The Absolute Dragons Team
Practicing at Redwood Shores and Lake Merced. "The loudest, hottest, and most fun-loving young professionals in the Bay Area."
Video Clip of dragon boats
CNN coverage of races in Foster City Lagoon.
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