Richardson Bay and the channel begins at "2", where the water depth changes from 90 to 20 feet. The dredged channel, with a controlling depth of about 24 feet, proceeds in a straight line past Sausalito to marker "10" ( some at the end are not indicated on this map).
It is often convenient to row down the channel, either because it's the direction you want to go or because you want to avoid the swarm of boats anchored along the edge of the channel. Also, at low tide the eel grass in the shallow part of Richardson Bay can be a pain to row through.
However, many boats use this channel, so the prudent rower stays on the starboard (right) side when leaving and on the port (left) side when returning, and keeps eyes open to avoid other boats.
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