2099 GRAND STREET, ALAMEDA, CA 94501 | PHONE: (510) 865-1200 | FAX: (510) 865-1240

Email: Marina@grandmarina.com | Latitude 37 46.73 North-Longitude 122 15.13 West

May 2026 Newsletter

Insurance Reminder

All tenants are required to maintain active insurance coverage for their vessels, with a minimum liability limit of $300,000. Please remember, it is your responsibility to ensure the Harbor Office has a current copy of your insurance certificate. Not all insurance providers send renewal documents directly to us, so you may need to provide this information yourself. Failure to
maintain valid insurance or provide updated documentation may result in termination of your tenancy. We have also been informed that some major insurance carriers are no longer insuring vessels built prior to 1979. This can create challenges when renewing a policy or selling a vessel. If you are planning to sell your boat, please make sure prospective buyers are aware of the marina’s
insurance requirements in advance. It’s an important step in ensuring a smooth and responsible transaction.

Vacant Slip? Don’t Even Think About It!

It might seem harmless; your neighbor is out for the day and their slip is empty, so you consider tying up your dinghy “just for a little while.” Unfortunately, situations like this can
quickly turn into serious problems. In one instance, a tenant placed a dinghy in a neighbor’s slip, assuming they were away for an extended trip. What they didn’t know was that the neighbor returned early due to engine trouble. As they approached their slip with limited control of their vessel, they found it occupied. What was already a stressful situation became dangerous, with no one available to move the obstruction. In another case, a tenant told a friend about a “vacant” slip nearby. The friend brought their boat in without checking with the Harbor Office.
However, the slip had actually been rented through the marina, and a scheduled guest was unable to access it. This created confusion, inconvenience, and an avoidable issue for everyone involved.

The bottom line: no slip is considered available without authorization from the Harbor Office. Entering or using a slip without permission is considered trespassing and can create safety
risks for others.

Marina Security

Have you ever been asked, “Can you hold the gate for me?” while entering or exiting the marina? While it may seem like a small courtesy, allowing access to someone you don’t know can put the entire community at risk. Holding the gate for someone you recognize is fine, but letting in unfamiliar individuals means making a security decision on behalf of everyone on the docks. For the safety of all tenants and vessels, we ask that you do not grant access to anyone you do not personally know. If someone has forgotten or lost their key or access device, please direct them to the Harbor Office during business hours or to contact security after hours for assistance. We all share a responsibility to keep our marina safe. By staying mindful and looking
out for one another, we help maintain a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

Please Remember…

Discharging untreated sewage into the marina is strictly prohibited. It is a violation of both Marina Rules and federal law. Grand Marina is required to report any violations to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

No Need to Spill Fuel

Concerned about the environmental impact of fueling your boat? Want to avoid costly cleanups, hull damage, or potential fines? A few simple habits can make all the difference. Unlike cars, boat fuel tanks are not pressurized. Instead, they rely on air vents to release pressure during fueling. When tanks are filled too quickly or overfilled, these vents can “burp” fuel directly into the water — something we all want to avoid. Fortunately, preventing spills is straightforward: Know your fuel needs – Keep track of your fuel usage so you have a good estimate before arriving at the fuel dock. Stay with the nozzle – Never leave it unattended. Avoid using auto-fill and remain in control at all times. Slow down – Listen and watch as you approach a full tank. Stop at
90% – Leave room for expansion, especially on warmer days. Skip topping off – This is one of the most common causes of spills. Having a few inexpensive supplies on board can also help prevent accidents. Items like oil-absorbent pads (which absorb fuel but not water), fueling bibs or donuts to catch splash back, and overflow catchment devices that attach near your vent can all make fueling cleaner and safer. These tools are widely available at local marine supply stores and are a small investment with big benefits. By taking a little extra care, you help protect our
waterways, your vessel, and everyone who enjoys the marina. Thank you for doing your part!