San Diego to Catalina

[rebel heart]

Phil, have you heard this song? We still play this thing on the stereo onboard to remember Catalina.

Catalina Moonlit Night - YouTube

[lays300]

Thanks so much for the great information and advice everyone. Thanks Rebel Heart for the great information and the great song

[lays300]

Thanks ainleyalex, i will keep your offer in mind and would love for you to join. It wont be till late July or August till we go but we will stay in touch

[sww914]

And that's what it's all about!
Good advice, making friends, achieving goals.
Now what gun should I use to shoot my liberal Rocna anchor?

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by lays300

Thanks so much for the great information and advice everyone. Thanks Rebel Heart for the great information and the great song

It's really a blast man. There was a microbrew fest when I was there in August. Check the website, and moor as close to the NW wall as you can.

[Capt Phil]

ssw914 says it all, lays300... this is what CF is all about. Welcoming and sharing our knowledge and experience with new members and folks new to the sailing and the boating game. When you check out profiles, that gives you a good feel for what others have been through and what level of experience they have. While I'm probably considered an old sea dog, folks like Rebel Heart have the professional background as well as the cruising life experience. Best of both worlds... cheers, Phil

[DubeJ]

My brother and I will be going from Oside, up to Dana, and then to Cat. This will probably be the week of Aug 13. If anyone else is headed around that time...please PM me.

Cheers!

[Capt Phil]

DubeJ... as you pass the Marine establishment south of Pt Ornfre Nuclear plant be sure to give the coast good sea room coming from the south as it is a restricted military area as is much of San Clemente Island. Picket boats may pay you a visit if you get into their space. It is well marked on the charts where to steer clear, particularly if military manuevers are underway. Folks are friendly but firm so do what they say.
There is a chance I may be skippering a 65 foot Sea Ranger from San Diego North around that time with the owners aboard for a few weeks at Catalina and Two Harbors. Dates are not firm yet but we'll look for you out there... cheers, Phil

[DubeJ]

Thanks Phil. I will watch out of course.

I am really looking forward to the cruise. It'll be my real first one...I mean I have gone across the Pacific thrice, but on Navy ships (ahem...Marine here). I've been sailing a long time, and this will by my brother's first trip. Day one will be the float to DPoint, so should be easy going.

Again, if anyone thinks they are heading that way, PM me.

rebel, I will take your advice. I mean I will hit Avalon, never been there and gotta see what the hype is, but I will stay at Two H. Anyway, if you've got more advice, please keep posting! This is a great thread.

[nes]

Ok, so all of the advice so far looks sound. I could not agree more with doing the home work first. One tidbit I will throw out as something I did not do the first time we went there, make sure you have a dinghy, or a kayak or something to get ashore. The cost of the water taxi is pretty high, and only available in Avalon.

[OldSwan]

Sound advice about breaking it into stages, but only two: SD to Oside or DP, then over from there. If you leave early enough to make it to Dana, then the trip over is only 32 miles. 49 from Oside to Avalon, which is a long day going straight into it. Course from Oside is 270, due west, and the breeze is generally straight out of the west. I live on my boat in Oside, although I generally spend 2+ months there each year. I recommend White's Landing for a nice relaxing place with nothing ashore other than SDYC, NHYC, and BYC facilities. Only 5 miles north of Avalon. If you get up to the Isthmus check our 4th of July cove and Cherry Cove. Both are nice. Go midweek in order to get a mooring. They are all full weekends in all places. Take plenty of supplies and water. They are expensive there. Make sure if you do shop there to have a Vons card. Will save you big. Go check out in Avalon, Marlin Club, Lobster Trap, and the Locker Room, classic Catalina bars. Rent a golf cart and do the tour. Zip line is fun but expensive. Go to a movie at the Casino; great old Art Deco theatre with pipe organ. Take SUPs or kayaks to get around, especially if you're at the isthmus. A good dinghy with a good outboard is especially necessary there for ice and beer runs.

[snort]

Just remember to reserve a mooring.
Yeah, Two Harbors is worth a visit!
Mooring Reservations - Boating | Visit Catalina Island