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Planning a trip to Catalina

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/05/2006 : 12:37:45

I am looking forward to a trip to Catalina soon and have a few questions. What is the best time of the year to go? I know it is nice in the summer but how are the winds to Catalina during the summer months. Would it be better to go in early November? Has anyone comprised a list of what is needed on your boat for such a trip. I have a 8 hp Honda with a 6 gallon tank. If the wind Gods are not nice and I have to motor the whole way there will that be enough fuel. I am mostly a lake sailor but i got my bareboat charter on a 42' Catalina a few years ago. I want to make sure I have all the required equipment and start planning now for the trip. Thanks for the help.

Don and Kim Young
Las Vegas Nv
http://web.me.com/bolter303/Our_World/Welcome.html

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2006 : 15:28:57

June through September are prime months at the island and would be the best time to go, however, things are open year round and fall can be very very nice. In the fall, you have to look out for Santa Ana winds and be prepared to leave if a swell starts arriving from the EAST.

Depending on where you leave from, 6 gallons of fuel is the minimum. There are fuel docks both at Avalon and Two Harbors. I would carry a 5 gallon can of gas.

There are moorings only. You'll need a kayak or dinghy. Shoreboats are very expensive.

I would trailer to Dana Point and leave from there for Two Harbors. Get on the string line (not a mooring). You can take a day trip to Avalon if you want a resort experience. Two Harbors is like staying at Gilligan's Island. Try to avoid weekends or at least arrive Thursday and book the string line for the entire weekend.

Summer winds you can expect to be very light. I'd expect to leave at 8 AM or earlier and motor, pointing to the north west of Two Harbors. If its a normal day, afternoon winds will fill in when you are about 1/2 across and you can sail the rest. Thats why you want to be high of the mark otherwise you won't reach Two Harbors.

Required equipment

VHF radio (fixed) plus handheld. Harbor Master (for your mooring) is on VHF 9.

Autopilot

GPS

Stern barbeque

Dinghy or 2 man kayak

In the book Brian Fagan "Cruising Guide to Southern California" he has a list of all recommended equipment.

In November you can expect settled weather and very light crowds - especially mid week - but beware of NE winds known as Santa Anas.

For more check my website www.indiscipline.org under Indiscipline III there are photo journals of 2 or 3 trips to Catalina and beyond. There are several under Indiscipline II as well.

Feel free to ask me any additional questions. I've been sailing there for years and have at least 10 trips over.

Edited by - on

Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2006 : 22:33:03

My wife and I will be leaving for Catalina Island and the annual Catalina Rendevous (sp?) This will be our 5 trip and we trailer from near Modesto, CA. Coming from Las Vegas you will be interested in launching points. As Jim states, Dana Point is one jump off point. We have used Cabrillo State Beach's ramp. So far it has worked out well for us. Good ramp, secure parking, you go out the Angel's Gate and set a bearing of about 210 degrees. Two Harbors is recognizable by the white rock island at it's entrance. Jim covers what you will need pretty well. One thing that I feel is important is ground tackle, aka anchor and anchor line. We have anchored a number of times on the Pacific side of the island and there are no moorings. Don't be afraid to go, it really is a blast and if you are adventure prone go around the island to Little Harbor or even head out to Santa Barbara Island to see all the wild life.

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2006 : 07:51:11

Thanks for the info. I am in the process of buying a GPS/Plotter and looking at an autopilot as well. What autopiolt do you recomend? I have been to Avalon and Two Harbors as well, but it was a while ago. My wife is new to sailing and we are working on the lake now to get her ready for a trip. This past weekend there was no wind at all so it was a good day to teach her how to raise sails and put in a reef. We also worked on anchoring and such. We worked on the man overboard drill but for some reason it takes a while for her to come back for me.

I have the 250 WK and when we do make the trip I plan on going with some other sailors in a group just to be safe.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.