Colorado to Catalina

Harrison · Post by **Harrison** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:14 am

Okay folks, I’m going to try this again. Some of you may remember my Catalina trip from hull April 2006. Well, the admiral and I are going to attempt another Catalina try. We’ll leave Colorado late Friday September 21st (maybe Saturday AM) and hook up with relatives on Sat or Sun in the LA area. Head to Alamitos Bay on either Sunday, or Monday, and then head out to Catalina. Probably get a ball in Avalon. Spend a few days there diving and whatnot, then return Thursday or Friday.

My questions are: Any weather this time of year I should be looking out for? Any seasonal currents I need to consider? What’s the fog situation like? Does anyone have any new info on Alamitos Bay that may have changed since last year? Obviously any info some of you locals out there would be kind enough to share, would be welcomed. Just trying to get my ducks in a row.

Thanks in advance,
Harrison

Theo · Post by **Theo** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:51 pm

Hey Harrison,

Glad to see you are still game to try to go to Catalina after your last try. I think you will be much more successful this time. September is a much calmer time to attempt the crossing. That having been said, that channel can get seriously punky at any time. I myself am no longer a Catalina virgin. I soloed over this August and have to admit I got the holy living crap beat out of me on the channel. BOTH WAYS!!

Keep in mind the weather report seems to list wind speed readings near shore. You can tack on another 5 to 10 knots in the middle of the channel. You might want to consider motoring over in the early morning or at night after the winds have died down. Also, don't believe the song, it is not 26 miles to Avalon. From Alamitos Bay it is 30 miles to Avalon and 31 to Ishmus.

Again I highly recommend getting a slip in Alamitos Bay the night before and after your crossing. Just make sure you reserve and prepay it in advance. Also Avalon does not make reservations for moorings. Another thread indicates that Isthmus will. Either way make sure you have a good hook (preferrably two of them) in case you need to bob at anchor. On my trip I got to Avalon after dark only to fnd out that they were full. Not a fun night!

You are planning well to go during the week. But this being SoCal it can be crowded anytime. This is probably the best time of year weatherwise. It should still be very warm, with warm water and good fishing and diving. Bring your spear and get a fishing license. If you are determined to sail there pick up a Rapala CD15 lure and troll it!! You should get some action.

Any detailed questions just post, and I will reply.

Theo

ssichler · Post by **ssichler** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:53 pm

Plan on being in Catalina before the afternoon NW wind and waves pick up. There is a good chance of fog in the morning though. Chances are the weather will be nice but keep an eye on the NWS marine forecast.

pokerrick1 · Post by **pokerrick1** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 4:25 pm

I believe there is a bridge (is that dumb or what) between the launch ramp and the harbor in Alamitos Bay, so you cannot raise the mast or rig the boat (if that's what you want - - - you can go under the bridge with the mast in the holder), until you get past the bridge.

I would plan to leave for Catalina as EARLY AM as possible; that shipping channel can get real dangerous in the afternoon and you want to complete both coming and going before noon.

Weather should be great, we're in the middle of a heat wave now. You will also be in Avalon late in the season so a mooring for a 26' boat should be available. Have fun - - - maybe I'll see you there about that time.

Rick

David Mellon · Post by **David Mellon** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:39 pm

When I go to The Grand Admirals yacht club station at Hen Rock, just north of Avalon, I leave from Cabrillo Beach ramp at the north edge of Long Beach Harbor. There is a very short leg inside the harbor, some of which is no wake, no obstructions, a right turn at the lighthouse and WOT all the way there. As I remember it's a 21 mile trip taking about 75 minutes at 19mph. I leave as early as I can stand but still get a little wet on most trips. Just before you get back to the ramp is a marina with a pumpout at the end of the trip. Simple, fast and cheap, the prices at that ramp are as low as any in the area. Have a great trip!

pokerrick1 · Post by **pokerrick1** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:56 pm

What David said. Shorter trip, no bridges nor obstructions. Ask anyone for the course from the lighthouse. Be sure to leave EARLY both ways!!!

Rick

Harrison · Post by **Harrison** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:33 am

Guys,

Thanks again for your replies. The information however has spawned some more questions:

Around what time does the afternoon NW wind and waves pick up?
When do they usually quit?
If there’s fog in the morning, about when does it burn off?

It sounds like I need to be across by noon both ways, so, I’m assuming that motoring rather than sailing is the preferred method?

Thanks again,
Harrison

tangentair · Post by **tangentair** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:35 am

When I worked out of an office in LA, an associate who did commercial fishing on the side would daily check a web site that showed wind, waves, surf, etc for the entire LA/southern CA area. I unfortunately do not have the site info but perhaps if you posted a query in Power Sailers and the Pub one of the LA sailers would repsond. If they are like me, they might seldom check this board.

pokerrick1 · Post by **pokerrick1** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:27 pm

Yes - - motoring over and back is preferred - - - get that trip over with. Sail after you arrive at Avalon and get a mooring (sailing is great on the east side of the island protected by the island). Sail down to two Harbors (10 miles??) and check that out.

Rick

Harrison · Post by **Harrison** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:15 am

Hmmm, there may be a change of plans. Quite possibly leaving from Dana Point instead of Alamitos Bay. I was talking to a guy at the local boat store and he talked very high about Dana Point. I have relatives near there so . . it may even be beneficial. How many miles to Avalon from Dana point? Will my twin 12 gal fuel tanks make it? Any info would be great.

Thanks,
Harrison

Mark Karagianis · Post by **Mark Karagianis** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:52 pm

It's 38 miles from Dana Point to Avalon. You will make it on one tank, if it is completely full and conditions are good. Like the other launch locations, leave as early in the morning as you can. As DP is more southerly than Marina Del Rey or Long Beach, your vector to Avalon will result in heading right into the westerly wind when it come up, and you'll be wondering who is throwing those buckets of water at you.

And always re-fuel on the Island to make sure that you have plenty of reserve fuel, as you never know what can happen (we broke our forestay and dropped our mast last month, negating our "second engine").

Mark

Bobby T.-26X #4767 · Post by **Bobby T.-26X #4767** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:53 pm

this is a good source for info along the west coast:
Sailor's Choice
it says:

Courses:
Dana Point to Avalon - 243 / Avalon to Dana Point - 062 (30.5 miles)
Dana Point to San Diego-140 / San Diego to Dana Point-320 (55 miles)
Dana Point to Oceanside-118 / Oceanside to Dana Point-298 (22 miles)
Dana Point to Newport-300 / Newport to Dana Point-120 (11 miles)
Dana Point to Long Beach-290 / Long Beach to Dana Point-290 (28 miles)

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

hamshog · Post by **hamshog** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:08 am

Staying overnight at Cabrillo Beach and leaving early in the morning is the shortest and best way to get to Avalon.

Harrison · Post by **Harrison** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:11 am

hamshog wrote:Staying overnight at Cabrillo Beach and leaving early in the morning is the shortest and best way to get to Avalon.

Hamshog,

I just called the Cabrillo marina, and they have no guest slips available. Can we sleep on the boat in the parking lot then launch the next morning? Looks like the Long Beach Boat Show is going on that weekend as well. Does that mean that the parking lot will be full?

Thanks,
Harrison

socalmacer · Post by **socalmacer** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:47 pm

I've been to Catalina a couple of dozen plus times on the two Macs I've owned. Here are some suggestions:

1. Leave as early as possible in the morning or late evening. Fog is preferred over clear weather. If you can see Catalina or the Main Land (depending on where you're leaving from) you are going to have a rough trip (vicotry at sea comes to mind).

2. As was already said, forget about sailing on the way there or back. Get there while the going is good and save the sailing for the island.

3. Carry plenty of ground tackle. If you have to anchor the waters right off Catalina are very deep (in most cases). I carry 300+ feet of anchor line with a full length of boat chain. Make sure you have a working depth finder as you will likely need it to find a suitable anchorage. Brush up on the proper method of setting anchor.

4. Try and get a mooring in the Avalon Harbor as outside will be noticeable rougher.

5. A dingy with motor is highly recommended.

6. MOST IMPORTANT - THIS TIME OF YEAR IS SUBJECT TO SANTA ANA WIND CONDITIONS (NORTHEASTERLY'S). IF YOU SEE A CLOUD OF BROWN DIRT HEADING YOUR WAY FROM THE MAINLAND, IT MIGHT BE TIME TO GET AWAY FROM THE HARBOR INTO DEEPER WATER. BE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT THE GALE WARNING ALARM. THE HARBOR PATROL MAY GIVE YOU WARNING AHEAD OF TIME, BUT DO NOT COUNT ON IT.

Anyway the admiral is calling, good luck and have a great time.

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Colorado to Catalina

Colorado to Catalina

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