San Diego's Newest Gem

San Diego's Newest Gem

San Diego's Newest Gem

"Finished to the last bolt! It is wonderfully well constructed and is a substantial credit to the contractor". That was the description printed in The San Diego Union describing the newly constructed wharf in National City, CA. The wharf was built by the Kimball brothers of National City, in 1871! Fast forward to today and we can quote the same phrase in viewing the beautiful Pier 32 Marina which now graces the National City waterfront. Pier 32 Marina is the newest addition to the San Diego waterfront scene and what a fine addition it is!

Opened in June of 2008, this ultramodern facility boasts a 254 slip marina with all the expected amenities and then some. Dockside services include phone, wireless service and "state of the art" High Definition DirecTV. You may think that most marinas are pretty much the same but here you'll experience a very quiet relaxed atmosphere, clean well thought out facilities and neatly kept docks. No doubt your friends will be quite impressed when they visit and may even want to stay awhile. (Hint - ask about the Captain's Quarters.) You'll find slips ranging from 22 to 60' plus end ties from 68 to 120'.

Walking around here will slow your heart rate and let your mind at ease. With the California sun warm on your cheeks and a gentle breeze pushing back your hair you'll look out and imagine that time in 1871 when people first set eyes up close on the South Bay. Boaters, families and casual walkers find time to enjoy the area and take in the scenery. The onsite deli provides a cozy getaway for lunch and in the evening the Pier 32 Waterfront Grill is an enjoyable meeting place for day end activities. Other catering, meeting or family events can also be hosted accommodating approximately 100 guests. Barbeque and picnic locations are readily available for day visits so pack up and take along your best lounge chair.

Tucked in behind the breakwater, boats ride at ease in their slips and seem rested yet anxious for their return to sea. Those aboard are equally comfortable as evidenced by the smiles and kind words exchanged along the docks. Working at around 90% of capacity it hasn't taken long for discerning boaters to find and lock in a spot at this haven. An able and professional staff looks after all the details, allowing the rest of us to fully enjoy our stay. If you happen to be travelling up or down the coast and need a brief respite they would be happy to accommodate you. A well rounded list of recommended vendors is also kept handy for anyone in need. This is certainly a boater friendly atmosphere not to be missed.

Marina access is via the Sweetwater Channel. Enter at green buoy #39 and proceed east. You can plot the location on San Diego Bay Chart #18773 at: 32 39.02' N Latitude 117 06.43' W Longitude. Channel depth is at least 10-11 feet at low tide allowing even full keel sailboats to safely pass. Be sure to remain inside the marked channel in the South Bay area to avoid the menacing shoals nearby. Many a local boater has spent the afternoon watching others go by as they await the rising tide. Also, be sure to fuel up ahead of time before heading south. A pump-out station is provided for marina boaters only. Tie ups for short stays (lunch anyone?) are available, just check in at the office and also, the staff does not monitor marine VHF channels.

As the low rumble of a pair of marine diesels approach, a sleek sportfisher pulls into view. Further out the sun glints off the water as a sailboat cuts a path through the golden shimmer. In moments both will be home and at rest once again. With lines out, radar and engines stopped, we hear their crews happily chatting about the day's events. Time to get out your laptop, iPad or just head up to unwind in the pool or a go for a hot bubbly jaccuzzi soak. Although it's not quite paradise you can almost see it from here.

If you haven't had a chance to breath in some salt air and soak up some sun lately you owe yourself a visit to Pier 32 Marina. Boaters and landlubbers alike will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity and boat owners would be amiss if they didn't consider this gem for their boat's home. It seems the Kimball brothers had this location pegged very well even 139 years ago. I'm sure they would be proud to see what their wharf has developed into today. Take Interstate 5 south to the Mile of Cars exit ramp and head west. Hope to see you there!

Follow us to find further tidbits and other information at our online blog sailingsandiego.net !

Gregory Eagles

August, 2010

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