Catalina Island Cruise

[kiprichard]

We're taking two 47' Beneteaus for a one week cruise from Marina del Rey to Catalina Island and vicinity during the last week of March, 2008. None of us have ever been there before so we're looking for advice from those of you who have. The timing may not be the best but several of our members are teachers and that's when their spring break occurs, so that's not negotiable. What do we need to know, what are the must see locations? We all have extensive sailing experience in the west coast San Juan and Gulf Islands.

[RickLaPaz]

Two Harbors is nicer than Avalon, IMO. Much more like California/Baja of old. But if you have the time, do both.

Moorings in Two Harbors will run you $40.00 a night. But you can anchor in the general vincinity for free in 60 to 90 feet. Bring a windlass.

Also, remember that it is MANDATORY for all of you of drinking age to have a congrayulatory Buffalo Milk when you get to the Isthmus. Just ask the bartender--they'll know.........

Read this for some more info--

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...=Google+Search

And here's a link to the photos I took last month during Buccaneers' Day. But beware, there's a lot of 'em---Enjoy

Rick

http://picasaweb.google.com/Sherekha...ey=Xur5pyhAwlY

[kiprichard]

The picturse are great Rick. Thanks for posting them. I'll forward them to our "group".

Ken

[LWinters]

Hi Ken,

I can highly recommend the video Cast off for Catalina. I got this vid before I took a 5 day cruise to the island from Redondo Beach. It told me everything I wanted to know about the island right down to how best to pick up one of the mooring balls they use on the island. It is worth every penny.

I agree with Rick as well. We were big fans of Catalina Harbor on the far side of the island, but you'll want a dingy to get to the island. You can find the video at:

http://www.amazon.com/Cast-Off-Catal.../dp/B000AY6JVU

Our pics are at:

http://r.lee.winters.googlepages.com/thecatalinatrip
You can mouse over the pics on the bottom to speed up the slideshow. Enjoy the trip. We were accompanied by about 100 bottle nose dolphins as we left Redondo.

LW

[kananumpua]

Rick,

I was just looking through your pics that you posted of the area. I was shocked to see this



This boat is berthed next to a guy that I crew for near Oriental, NC at blackbeards sailing club. The word on the dock was that he built the boat himselft and sailed it around the world. That a freaking big boat to build yourself. Your photos are proof that he has atleast taken the boat coast to coast. The man looks to be in his late 50 maybe early 60's and he is still out there working on it all the time. I think it is a a truly impressive accomplishment. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[RickLaPaz]

Glad you like the pics, Kidz. And Kana, that huge woody was beautiful. A bit too much boat and maintenance for my own taste but gorgeous none-the-less. Hope it remains in this shape for many years to come. But we did watch her re-anchor a couple of times on the Friday when the wind was blowing 35. That's a lot of free board and windage to deal with but thankfully they did OK. That same afternoon (actually after dark) Profligate (Latitude 38's large Cat) almost got beached when the rodes parted. She was anchored on the fringe reef between the ketch and Bird Rock in my picture. The waves were breaking at 5 foot just yards aft of her stern during the day. I'll give the Two Harbors patrol people and Baywatch a ton of credit in getting her safely to a mooring without loosing her. It was a very close call...........

[kiprichard]

Thanks L.W.
I ordered the video.

Ken

[dohenyboy]

The things that trips up most first timers to Catalina is not being able to get a mooring at Avalon (often difficult without waiting some days) and then while waiting not being able to anchor because they don't have enough rode. The anchoring area by Avalon has a drop off. You need a long rode in many anchoring places around Catalina.
Two Harbors is a nice place to moor but a little boring for some people.
There are a couple good books on the Channel Islands out there. Boating and Diving Catalina Island by Bruce Wicklund comes to mind

[peteramc]

Originally Posted by kiprichard

We're taking two 47' Beneteaus for a one week cruise from Marina del Rey to Catalina Island and vicinity during the last week of March, 2008. None of us have ever been there before so we're looking for advice from those of you who have. The timing may not be the best but several of our members are teachers and that's when their spring break occurs, so that's not negotiable. What do we need to know, what are the must see locations? We all have extensive sailing experience in the west coast San Juan and Gulf Islands.

Emerald Bay is really nice too. Its close to the west end.. thats on the other side of the island from avalon.

[svindigo]

If/when you get to Avalon take a tour of the Casino it has a very interesting history and if you like art deco it's a real treat. If you can't get a mooring in Avalon you can head to White's and either anchor or moor but it's more of a dink ride to get into town. There is great hiking in both the Avalon area and Isthmus. Avalon is more touristy and Isthmus is more rustic. Avalon will be easier to get into during the week vs the weekend since there are less PB's out then. That said we prefer the Isthmus/West end of the island for the diving/hiking/kayaking/less crowds. Rick's right about the Buffalo Milk by the way. I think you can be fined for not having one. Voice of experience here... If you don't like the first one I guarantee you'll like the fourth one! Have a great trip.

Ike