Alameda to San Pedro October 3, 2013

[Dsarazen]

Please chime in and let me know if you have made this cruise. How long did it take? How much speed did you pick up going "downhill?" Where did you stop? My plan is Alameda to Half Moon Bay, then to Monterey, then to Morro Bay, then to Santa Barbara, then to Two Harbors Catalina, then to Cabrillo Marina. 5 days. Looking for experiences rounding Point Conception, things to look out for, etc.

I have a 2000 36' Heritage (Nova) Sundeck with a single 6BT Cummins engine. I plan on running 1800-2000 RPM which gives me 7.5 to 9 knots at slack tide. Thanks!
Dave

[Bob Stephenson]

Made this run twice. But both times direct as I was in a hurry to get to Mexico. 42 ft. Sunnfjord Trawler with a single Cat natural. Cruise at 7 - 7-1/2 KN, 50 hours, 200 gallons. Usually 5-6 ft. seas in the northern 1/2 dropping to 4 - 5 ft. in the South. Rounding Conception loosen up the sea state on your autopilot in a following sea. Gets real flat after Santa Barbara.

Your enemy is wind.

If you are headed further south, I can help with that also.

Currently in La Paz, Mexico.

[Dsarazen]

Thanks Robert. I purchased Bouyweather premium and it gives me a 7 day forecast all the way down. Hoping for flat seas!!!

[Stu Jackson]

I am pretty sure that if you Google Point Conception you'd find lots of stories. My understanding is that the only "trick" for both sailors and powerboaters is to check the weather and try to get there early in the day.

As you might be aware, this year has been somewhat unusual, with many low pressure systems sneaking down the coast, creating and maintaining high winds on the outer waters, from the shoreline out to 60 nm.

So your weather check is a good thing to do. Also check in with the Coast Guard/NOAA website for sea conditions (Marine Point Forecast for Latitude 37.82°N and Longitude 122.56°W).

Safe journey.

PS - As always, NEVER sail to a schedule.