What is up with the Berkeley sensor?

jwallace · Joined: 09 May 1998 Posts: 124 Location: SF Bay Area

The last couple times I've been there, it has been nowhere near what it says. I've read the sensor notes and it acknowledges that when the wind is marginal it is less reliable. But in the couple cases I've been there recently, it has read 19-21 with gusts up to 25... and it is nowhere near that.

I have been sailing there for years and have never seen such a discrepancy.

windoggi · Joined: 22 Feb 2002 Posts: 2743

These days if its averaging 20 at Berkeley, dont go. If its averaging 17 at Isabel, go there. The sensor there is in a hole.

tomg · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 294

I've noticed on many occasions that the wind up on the landscape near H's Lordships Restaurant seems stronger than what is actually on the water. Could it be that as the wind hits the steep shoreline it accelerates upslope? Whatever the cause, it may also be giving an optimistic sensor reading too. I judge things based on presence of whitecaps, fog, what is happening to other board sailers and sailboats. Multiple inputs!

BTW check out the Emeryville launch. Easier rigging area and a nice ramp into the water.

Tom G.

jwallace · Joined: 09 May 1998 Posts: 124 Location: SF Bay Area

windoggi · Joined: 22 Feb 2002 Posts: 2743

Let me correct myself. It would be fine for bigger gear. Its just that I'm a 5.6 kinda guy so that influences my opinion. If its 25 at Berkeley, everyone's having a good time.

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

Something happened a few years ago to the Berkeley sensor, and it over reads now by 3 or 4 MPH it seems. I used to be able to go out on 4.7 and 78l off the docks if the sensor was reading 22... now a reading of 22 means 5.3 and 108l freestyle board or something like that. A reading of 20 used to mean a solid day, now it's 5.8 or something.

I'd say that I want to see Berkeley reading 24 or 25 before it's really good.

Of course, I like sailing a 4.7. If you have bigger stuff or can get upwind into the Olympic Circle, it will be much better upwind. You can launch at Emeryvillle and have a straight shot at the gap in the pier. Not many launch there. Be careful of the slippery ramp if you do.