US West Coast - Advice Needed

[vega1860]

Currently in Eureka, CA, we are making our way down the coast to San Diego. At least, that was the original plan. We ran into bad weather and had other delays (See our blog for details)

Now, delayed for two months from our original planned transit, we are considering whether to stay put in Eureka for the winter or make our way, as weather permits, south to San Diego.

We would like to know what to expect in terms of mooring rates and facilities at ports between Eureka and San Diego. Also would appreciate input concerning conditions along the way this time of year. We have been told, here in Eureka, that this is not a good time to travel south but we are NOT going back north. Either we stay here until spring or hop down the coast as weather permits.

[dabnis]

Vega,

Here are some posts you may be interested in:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/genera...-bay-gate.html

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/cruisi...cent-city.html

Although the second post talks about going north the distances may
be of interest to you. From Eureka the next harbor is Fort Bragg, then
Bodega Bay, then San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Morro Bay,
and so on down. I am not too familiar with areas south of Half Moon Bay
But the above posts cover it, I think. Overall, the roughest time of
year has started. Winter time can produce huge seas, suggest you monitor
the weather carefully. Not a trip to be taken lightly.

Northern California NOAA/CDIP Buoy Data
Marine Forecast : Weather Underground

Dabnis

[jephotog]

Not sure what the sailing community looks like there but I was scared when I passed through the town this summer. I was on a microbrew tour of the coast and stopped in to visit the Lost Coast Brewery. While driving around downtown looking for parking I saw so many tweakers, I was concerned I was near a homeless shelter.

I apologize in advance if anyone lives there and is offended by this but it seemed like a former fishing town fallen on hard times. There may be a great sailing or boating community there, I did not have the chance to find out. Being from California originally I had expectations for N. Cal but Eureka did not live up to it.

If I was to be stuck somewhere for the winter I would consider retreating to Oregon.

[vega1860]

dabnis- We have large scale paper charts of most harbors along the way plus a chart program with the neat feature of allowing switching to Google Earth view from the e-chart of a given area. But of course there is no substitute for local knowledge or personal experience and that is what we are looking for. We had originally planned to make one jump all the way to San Diego but that proved impractical. Now we are considering making our next stop Bodega Bay.

I have been using passageweather.com and the NOAA site and radio broadcasts for weather information but I will definitely check the links you gave. We know this is getting into the wrong time of year for this trip but here we are.

jephotog - there is, indeed, a rescue mission and homeless outreach between the Lost Coast brew pub and the marina but after ten days of walking through the neighborhood daily we have relaxed a bit. The marina itself is pretty secure and the harbor staff is very aware of the homeless community nearby. It does not seem to be too much of a problem.

The rates here are pretty good - $16.40 per day for transients - and the facilities are excellent. There is a good grocery and Old Town a short walk from the marina. What we want to know is if there may be someplace as good or better farther south, or should we consider staying here until spring since anywhere we stop along the way we may be trapped by weather for some time.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by jephotog

I apologize in advance if anyone lives there and is offended by this but it seemed like a former fishing town fallen on hard times. There may be a great sailing or boating community there, I did not have the chance to find out. Being from California originally I had expectations for N. Cal but Eureka did not live up to it.

Eureka is a blue-collar town that has been hit hard by the recession and the fact that the logging and fishing industries are not what they used to be. It is no better or worse than any other city in a similar economic situation. Is it Beverly Hills? No. But neither is Salt Lake City. But at least you can get good beer in Eureka.

[dabnis]

Vega,

Fished out of Bodega for over 20 years, good entrance and harbor.
If it is rough I suggest you enter from the south of the reef instead
of going between Bodega head and the rocks just south of the head.
Can't remember the name, but it is covered with guano, easy to see
from the north and easy to smell if you are down wind. Also have been
out of Fort Bragg many times. It is narrow and can break when rough.
If you are forced to go in there when rough suggest you call the
Coast Guard in the harbor for advice. Don't even think of entering
Tomales Bay south of Bodega, no need to and it can be very treacherous.

Dabnis

[jephotog]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Is it Beverly Hills? No. But neither is Salt Lake City. But at least you can get good beer in Eureka.

Yep thats why we visited there. We travel in search of places we would rather be than SLC and it is not hard to find. We had asked in the bar if there was a shelter nearby but was told no so I thought the whole town was that rough.

Vega, is that price for a slip with power? That seems very reasonable for a night. Can you get a longterm rate if you stay the winter?

[vega1860]

Transient moorage is $.60 per foot per day. Monthly moorage is $4.50 per foot plus $150 live-aboard fee. Unfortunately, they will not allow live-aboards on vessels under 30 feet (Lealea is 27' LOD) so we may not be able to get the lower rate; but we have not asked. There is a $25 deposit for a gate/laundry/restroom key. There is no extra charge for power, 30 Amps where we are, and free wi-fi throughout the harbor.

[jefffmaz]

If you are going to head south, I would do it as soon as you can. It's only going to get harder.
The place is know for being wet, cold, foggy for the winter months (at least). Thought about moving there in the late 80's from Western WA, but when I was accosted by agressive panhandlers downtown (and was told the police had a hands off policy on the subject) decided it was not going to suit me very well.
Between the jettys it can get real rough. Surfed there in the 80's a few times. Was always told about the barrells of the waves getting big enough to fit a VW bus inside (my ride at the time - still have it but she doesn't travel as much anymore). Never saw it that big, but was out while it was plenty big enough (OK, Honda Civic size.) Waves popped up on the bay outflow meeting the ocean inflow. An awesome place - but wouldn't want to navigate it in a sailboat when it is happening.
You are there, go to the north jetty and watch the action - you'll see what I mean. I would think there would still be time to head south between weather, but wouldn't wait too long.
Best of luck to you. J

[dabnis]

Vega,

After reading your blog it looks like you are no stranger to rough conditions.
You might want to consider putting in to Fort Bragg to shorten your exposure
to weather changes. Unless it is pretty rough the entrance is OK but narrow.
If you watch the range light you should have no problem. You can probably make it in 2 days, which is better than 4 continuous days all the way to Bodega. 20 foot swell forcasted for tomorrow, be patient and careful.
Let us know how it goes.

Dabnis