San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRPD) held a public meeting on Dec. 7, 2011 to discuss an update of Marina Yacht Harbor rules, regulations and berthing assignments.

Phase I of the harbor renovation, which replaced about 50 percent of the existing boat slips in the West Harbor (between Scott and Baker Street) is close to completion. Phase II, which will replace the remaining slips, is scheduled to begin in mid-2012.

Once the West Harbor renovation is complete, there will be a total of 315 slips and 28 side-tie moorings. That’s two slips less than in the prerenovated harbor. It might sound like quite a few slips, but there is a waiting list for available slips – in fact, seven people have been on the waiting list since 1970.

“Our approved plans and permits allow for the construction of a dock extension east of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, which would provide an additional 36 slips and 6 side-ties,” stated Connie Chan of SFRPD. “We plan to construct this dock when funding is available. The resulting plan would be an overall increase in vessel occupancy of 40.”

These figures are for the West Harbor only. The East Harbor (adjacent to Fort Mason) is also scheduled for future renovation. “The renovation plan for the East Harbor is still in conceptual design phase so we do not have the final number of slips,” stated Chan.

One issue for boaters will be how those slips are reassigned. A fee increase for West Harbor slips will also be instituted once the renovation is complete. For questions pertaining to berthing agreements and wait list placement you can call the Marina Harbor Master’s Office at 415-831-6322 (Monday–Sunday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Information pertaining to marina operations can be found at www.sfrecpark.org/sf-marina.aspx. The public is asked to submit suggestions and recommendations on marina rules and regulations and berthing assignment policies by e-mail no later than Jan. 13 to [email protected].

A draft copy of the revised marina rules and regulations is scheduled to be published for public review on Jan. 20. A second community meeting to discuss the proposals will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 25, at Fort Mason Center’s Golden Gate Room. Following this meeting, public comment can be made at two Recreation and Park Commission meetings: at the Operations Committee meeting on March 1, 2011 and the full commission meeting on March 15, 2011.