South Cove Sailing Basin Seawall Study

In June 2026, high tides caused water to breach the degraded South Cove seawall and undermine the asphalt near the South Cove middle dock at the Berkeley Waterfront. This created conditions for a sinkhole, with a 6” diameter hole in the asphalt and a larger cavity of uncertain size below it. Staff have closed the area to the public and prohibited vehicle access. Continued deterioration of the sub-base due to water intrusion through the failed seawall threatens to undermine the entire South Cove hoist, middle dock, and east dock area, including Bay Trail and access to Cal Adventures and Cal Sailing.

 Staff have worked closely with Cal Adventures and Cal Sailing to address impacts and to communicate to their members and participants the need to keep vehicles out of this area and that boats using the public hoists must be brought by hand, not by vehicle. Both clubs have made operational adjustments to accommodate these changes.

 The City of Berkeley is continuing the study on repair options for the seawall. Staff are currently in negotiations with permitting agencies discussing options for replacement that maintains the recreational use of the basin and provides environmental habitat benefits.   

Currently, only design development and permitting phase of the project has been funded. Construction funding has not been identified. Typically, construction work window for in-water work is around mid-June to November every year. To line up for the next construction window of June/July 2027, construction funding will need to be identified by December 2026. Otherwise, construction will occur in future years' construction window.