Catalina Anyone? (for Jul-Aug 2008)

[dennisneal]

Is anyone interested in a joint weekend Catalina Sail/Cruise during July, or August??

We haven't been there, as yet, and don't want to go alone. (OK, I'm a bit of a coward when beyond 15 miles offshore and going into the shipping lanes for the first time.)

I would prefer to leave from either MDR, or Dana Point, but L.A./Long Beach is OK if we can get a guest dock and tow vehicle/trailer storage.

Dennis

[David Mellon]

If you leave from Cabrillo Beach it is a much shorter cruise. It takes me 75 minutes to get to Hen Rock. That is a few miles north of Avalon. Also, since it is so close, you will be well within 15 miles of the Catalina shore before you are 15 miles from the mainland, so your cowardice wont kick into gear! Cabrillo has a small ramp but a large parking lot. I'm not sure why you want a slip, getting a "can" at Catalina is more of an issue. Are you planning on getting a guest slip for the night before you cruise to Catalina? The trip is so short that I use about half my fuel supply instead of all of it, a savings if you care.
As for joining you, that is a possibility, I would love to go. My issue is my work schedual which is chaotic, only a Delphic Virgin could say whether I can get the time off.

[dennisneal]

David,

Yes, since we live in Riverside, about 60-70 miles from the ocean, and should leave for Catalina in the very early A.M., ( so I've been told), I think its best for us to stay overnight at a guest dock.

Please keep me posted.

Perhaps we can get a small, or large group together. Wouldn't that be fun!! We could compare boats and mods.

We could even see, once and for all, if blue hulls, (or black hulls), are really faster than white hulls.

Dennis

[David Mellon]

I know it is usually flatter in the early hours but I never seem to hit the blue stuff before eleven and have left as late as three. Only once have I ever needed to don my foulies and that was approaching from Newport Harbor from the south. The confused seas and breezes off the south end of the rock are quite strong and can cause some rough seas. I have never been to The Isthmus, Two Harbors, but previous trips posted here have headed there. It is closer to Marina del Rey where Mike Inmon and others launch or have slips.
Using Google Earth for a rough estimate I found that MDR to Two Harbors is about 35 miles, from Cabrillo Beach it is about 22 miles. No need to refuel at the dock in Two Harbors if coming from Cabrillo. I have 2X12 gallon tanks and a 60HP Evinrude. I run at WOT the whole way almost every time I do the run. Perhaps a denizen of MDR can chime in on the need for fueling, reservations and destinations. I have always gone to a club area as a guest so we would need a different cove to head for.

[mermaelee]

I plan to cross from Huntington Harbor to Avalon 5 or 6 am. on July 3rd.
You can park your trailer in my backyard or on the side of my house, it is a corner lot for free to save a slip rental. I will use the anchor at avalon since their moorings are never available during holidays. I could help you get secure with yours. just bring at least 30 - 40 ft. of chain. you might also want to pick up a navy anchor at walmart and i can show you how to use both anchors on the end and you will be set for sure.

The 4th of july parade is the best at Avalon and has the USC marching band.

let me know if interested, Ben
you can see some pictures of past trips on www.welchland.com

[David Mellon]

I will be at our annual Fourth of July party that weekend. Please post whenever you are heading to the rock, I look forward to many flotillas this summer.

[Hardcrab]

Depending on the best date chosen by everyone, we would gladly sign up for a trip.

The weekends of July 11, August 8, or August 22 would work well for us.

I agree with the opinion that a "zero dark thirty" departure time has the best results, when all things are considered.

Our input would be for a Friday sunrise departure from MDR, motoring the 30NM over to Two Harbors, arrive around 8-9:00, and secure a mooring before the weekend rush.
Sail and play the rest of Friday, and all day Saturday.
Then a Sunday morning return, motoring the first half, sailing the second half, arrive MDR whenever in the afternoon.

A flotilla of Macs would be fun.
I hope this gets some traction.

As far as fueling, I use about 11 gallons to get to Two Harbors, running 15 to 18 knots (90 hp). That leaves me with 13 gallons for the return, cutting it close. I refuel one 6 gal tank and start the return with 19 gals onboard.
I'm not sure about reservations, but "first come-first served" is my impression.

[Mark Karagianis]

We went to Cat Harbor (on the back side of Two Harbors) 3 weeks ago with another Mac. Although it's farther (43 mi from MDR) anchoring there is so nice and easy, it's free, and it's so calm that you can really sleep well. It's a half-mile walk to Two Harbors. We are interested in going again in mid July or early August.

Fuel is over $6 bucks per gallon, so we take a 5-gal can to supplement our two 12-gal tanks just in case. We usually power there and sail back, but the last time we powered both ways.

[dennisneal]

For what its worth:

My vote would be a departure on very early A.M. on Friday, August 8th, from MDR to Two Harbors and return on Sunday, August 10th, via motor/sail. Usual west winds should be favorable for a leisurely sailing return to the mainland.

Others can join up via cell phone/vhf radio, so that we all converge on this weekend in Catalina.

I understand that Avalon is similar to Venice Beach, which is full of tourist traps, while Two Harbors is a bit less stressfull.

Cat Harbor looks good for a later voyage/rendezvous, (My apologies to Quebec 1, but I had to look that one up. Hope I got it right.). I don't have a great deal of confidence in my anchor, or, my anchoring skills. I'd prefer to take one step at a time. I also understand that the windward side of Catalina is often VERY windy.

I will maintain a tentative sign up sheet, if potential participants would send me a P.M. with email/cell phone information.

If wind/weather conditions are prohibitive a cancel date of Tuesday, or Wednesday of that week seems appropriate.

I will try to keep everyone informed.

Comments are invited.

Dennis

P.S. If, for some reason, Friday, August 8th is not an acceptable departure date, the following Friday, August 15th is also OK with me. For now, I'd like to leave it as leaving on the 8th.

[Hardcrab]

Dennisneal,
Sign us up.
Aug 8 will be fine with us.
We will probally launch Thursday afternoon and spend the night at Chace, ready to go early AM.
Do you have a dinghy?
It makes going ashore much easier, although a taxi service is available.

[dennisneal]

Hardcrab, and every one else:

Mike Inmon has indicated that he will join us on our trip to Two Harbors on August 8th.

Dennis

[pokerrick1]

Sorry Dennis, we can't make it - - but say Hi to Margaret!

Rick

[David Mellon]

Oh Boy!! I'll see what I can do to clear my schedual and attend. I will probably have to leave Friday evening which means I may not get a can close to the rest of you. We shall see.

[Hardcrab]

David,
I think a reservation can be had for the string line, or so I've been told.
Has anyone else heard this?
I'll be down to MDR for this weekend coming up and I'll invite any Mac guys that I see.

[Finn]

Denis,

I would like to join you on 8/8/08 to Catalina. I have never made this trip either but have been wanting to try it for a long time. My boat - Chapter 2 - is in MDR and I would depart from there Friday morning. It will take me a while to get over there because I sail with an 8 hp motor. Any help with getting a mooring on the string line would be greatly appreaciated - especially if it is possible to make reservations in advanced.

I called the harbor office early June and they did not seem to take reservations - perhaps it is different for a group?

Finn