Alcatraz anyone? need advice

Get in the water with that wetsuit as soon as you can.   If you can't get to open water before the race, at least spend some time in the pool  with it on. Particularly pay attention to where you'll need to put on (more) body glide (neck, arms, shoulders).

If they provide a pre-race talk, listen to what the current will be like and what to sight for in the swim.

 I didn't think the bay was too cold, but I always use a neoprene hood in addition to the swim cap. Put some anti-fog in your goggles. Don't stop and keep swimming (remember the current in the bay is always moving). And have fun!

 -ak-

Do a practice swim in Aquatic Park if you can.  I swam there this weekend.  Temps are about as warm as it gets in the bay, which is still cold for most people, but not hand/feet/face numbing like it can be.  Earplugs also help to keep you from getting dizzy from the cold.  neoprene cap helps too for sure.

Like  Joel said, listen to them at the pre-race talk since they'll tell you exactly what to aim at (based on the currents).

Swimming from Alcatraz is a very cool experience.  Have fun!

Ditto to the above, get in the water at least once with your wetsuit.....

others

- hold your goggles on your face when jumping in.  someone here lost theirs once and ended up doing it without them

- be prepared for a bit of a shock jumping in, it'll pass quickly

- ditto re: listen to instructions. 

-As you get closer to the shore the current, whichever way it's going, will get stronger, don't be surprised by that

- take a minute halfway through and look back at alcatraz, and if it's clear the golden gate off to the west.  cool experience