Episode #159: Brock de Lappe on Cleaning up the Oakland-Alameda Estuary

This week’s host, John Arndt, is joined by Brock de Lappe to talk about his work in showcasing the beauty of the Oakland-Alameda Estuary once again. Brock is a sailor and racer who served as Harbormaster for Alameda Marina and the Oakland Marinas from 2011-2022. Since retirement, Brock continues to do part-time marine consulting and remains a strong advocate for the protection of the Oakland-Alameda Estuary.

Hear about Brock’s sailing life, what the life of a harbormaster is like, how we can return the Oakland-Alameda Estuary to its former glory, the biggest issues for marinas today, how to properly deal with boats at the end of their lives, and the time Brock was frozen in ice for three days in Antarctica.

Here’s a sample of what we discuss in the episode:

• What it takes to maintain a marina
• Dealing with unclear jurisdiction
• Raising sunken tug boats
• Fundraising to clean the estuary
• Life as a Harbor Master
• Partnering with CalRecycle 
• A harrowing tale at a regatta

Learn more at IHeartOaklandAlamedaEstuary.com.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Brock de Lappe on Cleaning up the Oakland-Alameda Estuary
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:48] Background on Brock
  • [2:32] Brock share’s his sailing story
  • [4:01] Bodega Marine Lab
  • [5:53] Studying the Ebro River Delta in Spain
  • [6:20] New York Yacht Club (NYYC) lost the bid for the America’s Cup
  • [7:17] Crewing for Don Wilson
  • [7:47] How long did you race the folk boat?
  • [9:43] What is the life of a Harbor Master like? How has it changed?
  • [12:06] Meeting with CalRecycle and finding $650,000
  • [13:05] Removing sunken tugs on the Alameda shoreline
  • [14:31] The $7 Million dollar project to clean the estuary
  • [15:30] The city of Oakland dealing with anchor outs
  • [16:49] The jurisdiction issue built to a head in 2023
  • [17:42] How “pirates” galvanized the OPD
  • [20:51] If you’d like to be a sponsor of future Good Jibes podcasts, you can email [email protected] to learn more
  • [21:21] How much work is left to do in the Alameda Estuary?
  • [23:19] Two things to expect over the next year
  • [26:38] The hub of Bay Area sailing 
  • [28:02] The cost of maintaining a marina
  • [29:31] Boating is getting more and more expensive
  • [33:20] What’s going on in the sailing community there in the estuary?
  • [35:40] Any plans for your Pacific Seacraft?
  • [36:37] Preparing the boat for a sea trial
  • [38:03] Challenges to filling out a full racing season
  • [39:56] Have you done the Three Bridge Fiasco with your Evergreen?
  • [40:55] Troubles at the regatta
  • [43:54] What can citizens and sailors do to support Oakland, Alameda, and your efforts to clamp the issue?
  • [45:23] Dealing with aging boats before they become derelict
  • Short Tacks
  • [46:49] Dream boat?
  • [47:45] Any cruising plans?
  • [48:13] The longest voyage you’ve done? 
  • [49:42] Another place in the world you’d want to go?
  • [50:12] What’s the best way to get new people on the water?
  • [51:10] Sailing a Serious Ocean by John Kretschmer, Adrift by Steven Callahan 
  • [51:30] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis