Mooring ball or drop the anchor in Catalina Harbor?

Every time I boat out to Catalina Island, I make sure to spend a few nights on anchor in Catalina Harbor. Cat Harbor is certainly the most strikingly beautiful anchorage in Southern California. You can grab a mooring ball or else drop anchor in the outer Catalina Harbor for free. Once your boat is secure, crack a beer, dingy to shore and hike out to the dramatic headland cliffs.

boats on anchor and mooring balls at Catalina Harbor

We sailed my Newport 30 from Two Harbors out and around the northwestern tip of the island and then approached the stunning geologic headlands of Catalina Harbor. The cliffs are a combination of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks - with large quartz veins creating a banded pattern across the sheer face.

approaching the Cat Harbor headlands

sailing around the northwest tip of Catalina Island

Getting a mooring ball in Catalina Harbor

Catalina harbor has a soft sandy bottom that shallows out near the inner harbor (where the dingy dock is located). Depending on the size and draft of your boat, the harbormaster will find you an appropriate mooring ball. As of 2015, the price for one night is 41.00 for a 30 foot vessel and 49.00 for a 40 foot mooring ball location. Apparently, this price if going up a few bucks every year...

The harbor master will be cruising around the harbor in their powerboat, they will offer you rides to the dock if needed. They will also be collecting money upon your arrival.

Anchoring in Catalina Harbor

As the harbormaster will tell you, you are also welcome to drop anchor for free in Catalina Harbor. There is usually plenty of secure anchorage to be found. If you are a small boat (under 30 feet with less than 5 foot draw) then you can motor to the inner harbor and and drop anchor near the dingy dock. But - watch the tides, because at a negative tide your keel will be close to touching bottom.

For a larger boat (30 feet or more) you should look for anchorage space in the outer harbor. By outer harbor, I mean just outside of the last row of mooring balls. This will put you in 50 feet of water. And, of course, the farther out you anchor - the deeper the water.
Anchoring out is is free but you will get a bumpier night (depending on swell size).

I recommend a stern anchor, as this will keep your bow into any western swell, and minimize any beam roll.

If you anchor in outer harbor, the dingy ride is longer to the dingy dock, but you can also just paddle over to the nearest shore and then walk the rest of the way on dry land. It's a beautiful area with great trails, so this is my recommendation. You'll be drinking a Buffalo Milk at the Harbor Reef in no time at all.

If you plan to explore other anchorages or harbors around Catalina Island, its good to have a cruising guide on board. Fagan's book, the Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California is considered the gold standard for boating Central and Southern CA. Plenty of detail on your local waters and its just good piece of mind having this in the navigation table. Amazon sells cheap used copies.

long term resident on anchor at Catalina Harbor

We dropped anchor next to this guy "Chester" in about 50 feet of water. You can see the trails on the southeast side of the headlands in the background. This anchorage is a short paddle in a dingy to a rocky beach.

For better or worse: Avalon harbor on Catalina Island is about to become 'Whatever, USA'

Jessica and I just arrived in Avalon Harbor on the beautiful Catalina Island. We're lucky enough to come out here on the tail end of Memorial Weekend. This way we get a heavy dose of people watching and then we can lean back in the cockpit and watch as the town empties out.

We had a smooth crossing: bright skies and warm air. I was hoping the wind would pick up and we could sail in the second half. But, as wind is a fickle creature and cares not for my concerns, when the wind did arrive - it arrived square on the nose. This did nothing for our speed over ground, knocking us down under 3 knots/hr.

But on the positive note, my tiller-pilot performed like a champ. This contraption is now 10 years old and can still hold a heading. It is just a mechanical arm, that pushes the wooden tiller around. This brand is called AutoHelm. This leaves the captain free to patrol the main cabin and pour himself a drink. If you want to install a proper windvane, reach out to WindPilot, they make the proper equipment.

the tiller pilot is working while the captain is free to delegate and pontificate

I asked the friendly harbormaster at Avalon to get us nice and close to the shore. The water is calmer up there and the people watching is high quality. He did abide. He brought us in to 9 feet of depth, which is about as shallow as I would ever want to be moored with my 6 foot draw. But,as expected the people watching was super entertaining. First off, there was a rocking concert Sunday evening as we motored in. But, more importantly, we noticed the town buzzing with tons of workers in blue jackets on the following Monday morning.

our mooring, close enough to catch all the Avalon action

Bud Light and Catalina Island collide...should be interesting.

What were all these workers bees doing? Why they were erecting a giant Bud Light statue on the main drag?

Well, because Avalon has been chosen to be the next American town re-branded and taken over by Anheuser Busch for their new 'Down for whatever' campaign.

This means on the following weekend - Avalon will be converted into a fictional place called, 'Whatever, USA'.

The giant Bud Light statue is erected in Avalon.

Town of Avalon on Catalina Island is about to become Whatever, USA.

Apparently, this happened last year in Crested Butte and it raised a half million in cash for the town (and pissed off the locals). A local in Avalon mentioned to me that this year Avalon is planning to have their town sports field refitted with AstroTurf for about half a million -with Bud cutting the check. This is actually a very good way to use the money, since the town is on 25% water reduction and watering the field is a massive drain of the town reservoir.

All the bars have to only serve Bud Light and the town will probably be painted Bud Light blue. Also, about 1000 Bud Light party people will be dropped into the town - in order to create the perfect Bud party. Another rumor is that Snoop Dog will be there to serve hot dogs. Either way, there will be dancing, electronic music and #millennial madness.

Even though I know we should just leave it alone and keep to our sailboat, there is a very good chance we will be stopping by Avalon on the way home. I don't imagine we are invited to this party, but that probably won't stop us from trying to get in. Whatever, USA is sure to be a debacle, but I am quite sure it will be an entertaining debacle. That said, I do anticipate all the salty locals will be shaking their heads and cursing from the barstools at the Marlin Club. Of course, that will also be part of the entertainment.

Astoria by Peter Stark: a book review

Astoria

by Peter Stark

John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire

A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival

Have you ever been caught in a riff, sailing in shallow, uncharted water? Waves stacking up around you, wind pushing you to port, sub-surface current pushing to starboard. You try to get your bearings while you search for a passage up the mouth of a sand-bar laden river.

Then proceed with caution mate.

Peter Stark walks us through the harrowing tales of mariners who have navigated the turbulence where the Columbia River collides with the Pacific Ocean. 

This river mouth has claimed more than 200 ships since 1792. 

trading ship arriving from Hawaii attempting to enter the Columbia River

Astoria book review

If this sort of adventures gets you going, you’ll love Astoria: Astor and Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Tale of Ambition and Survival on the Early American Frontier.This is Peter Stark’s new best-selling historical novel. Astor sent out two advance parties to settle the wild, unclaimed western coast of North America. More than half of his men died violent deaths.

Clever boat name for white-collar criminals

Lately, as I sail around the Bay in San Diego, I can't help but notice a theme to lots of boats out on the water. There is a certain type of mariner who fancies himself an ex-con who has made bail and is back on the water. I keep seeing clever boat names for these quasi-criminal types. They are flying the proverbial skull and crossbones and taking no prisoners.

To all those who have made a few mistakes but are now free and clear and have their compass set to La Paz, I salute you and I hope you make it south before the parole officer catches on. I have begun to collect photos of these boats. I put together a list of  these clever boat names and some photos as well. Enjoy!

Clever boat names for white collar criminals

we hope this guy makes it to the border

clear skies ahead

Scuttlebutt - local San Diego company keeps sailors up to speed.

San Diego is blessed with a vibrant sailing scene. Just go walk around Shelter Island or better yet, get out in the bay once the wind picks up and you'll realize just how many sailors are in our city.

It makes sense that some local boaters put together an online news source to keep our community up to speed on Southern California sailing news. Scuttlebut was launched in 1997 as an e-newsletter with a focus on local sailing news. But that was a long time ago, since then Scuttlebutt has grown into a premier news source for national and international sailing events.

a comprehensive sailing news site

If you're like the rest of us, you've been keeping up with the Volvo Ocean Race. The boats are on the 6th leg now, between Brazil and Newport, US. Here's the latest Scuttlebutt post on the Volvo race, (video) discussing the strategy for the completion of the 6th leg.

Do you need a boating license in California?

Did you know the every state in the US has different requirements for boating licenses and for boater education. Some states are very lax about these things, other states are more strict. Fortunately, for boaters in the golden state, you do not need a boating license in California. There are also no boater education requirements in California. However, you may receive a discount on your insurance if you take a boat safety class. These rules may very well change in the upcoming years. To stay up to date, you can visit the California Division of Boating and Waterways website.

You do NOT need a boating license in California

Do I need a boating license in my state?

Most states are not this relaxed, especially with jet-ski type boats. We have recently created a new site that provides the latest information on boating license and boater education requirements for each state. This page makes it easy for you to look up the latest boating regulations for your state.

Hope this helps!

Curious about boats for sale in San Diego? Talk to Dave.

If you're curious about the boats for sale in San Diego or you want to list your boat, I recommend you reach out to my good friend, Dave Koller. Dave is a salty mariner, who helps folks buy and sell boats in San Diego. He's well-respected and just an all around friendly guy that loves to talk about boats.

Dave, nice guy who likes to talk boats.

Dave was born here in San Diego, and has since sailed all over the Pacific Northwest, Southern California and the Hawaiian Islands. I can vouch for his sea-worthiness; he helps me dive for lobsters, repair old marine diesels and race sailboats.

Boats for sale in San Diego

 

Dave works out of the Hallmark Yachts office at Sunroad Marina on Harbor Island. If you've never been to this part of San Diego, it is boat central and worth checking out. There's plenty of new or used boats for sale within walking distance of Dave's office.

This past year, 2015, Dave sold a wide range of sailboats and powerboats. Here's a partial list of boats he's bought or sold recently:

38 Bayliner Motor Yacht
30' Catalina/Capri
32' Uniflite
52' PT Overseas Motor Yacht
28' Bertram Sportfisher
36' Catalina Sailboat
38' Mediterranean Cruiser
38' Endeavour Sailboat
23' Ericson Sailboat
25' Bayliner Cruiser
34' Catalina Sailboat
37' Lien Hwa Trawler

San Diego boat broker

If you're thinking about selling your old boat, he's happy to list it and put the word out through his networks. If you want something new, he's happy to walk you up and down the docks and help you find your next vessel.
 
Reach Dave on his cell phone:
(619) 977-5040

or send him an email:
dave@hallmarkyachts.com

And let him know you found him through Captain Curran (that way he has to buy me a beer!)

Cheers,
Kevin Curran

Dave out sailing his Endeavor 38

Newport 30 MkII out in the small craft advisory

As Saturday afternoon rolled around, I was slowly prepping my Newport 30 sailboat and hoping that the wind models were correct. A high pressure system was supposed to punch through the Channel Islands - move past Catalina and San Clemente Island and blanket the coastline of Southern California with 15-20 knot winds.

There was not much air movement until about 2 pm. Then the halyards in the marina started rattling. This is always a good sign. We pushed out from the Mission Bay jetty and immediately started ripping. The white caps came in around 4 pm. All in all, this was an exhilarating sail. Banging into the building swell and wind chop with plenty of power. This is why we have boats. 

This photo was taken by my friend, Dave Koller on his Endeavor 38

My Newport 30 MkII loving the strong winds

Drought in California getting worse..

We are currently living through the worst drought in recorded history in California. Why are there no water restrictions in LA or San Diego? At my marina in San Diego, we still have boaters leaving their freshwater hoses on 24/7 to keep their boat jackets topped off, so as to fend off saltwater creatures and keep growth on their hulls to a minimum.

Yes, that's right - the municipal hoses on the dock left at full blast constantly so that the boat owners don't have to pay to have their hulls scraped. And this is happening in the middle of the worst drought in recorded history.

It may be time for water restrictions to be imposed...

So far the state has only imposed very loose restrictions, 'don't give people at a restaurant a glass of water unless they ask for it'... this sort of stuff.

If people are still feeling entitled to leave a hose on all day and all night, then clearly the message of water conservation is not enough. 

Reynolds 21 catamaran

Chris - a regular character down in Mission Bay is often found kicking around on his Reynolds 21 catamaran. This is a beat up old boat but she sails very nice in moderate winds.

This team of salty sailors pulled the Reynolds close enough up to my boat and we got these photos.

Ocean Beach and Point Loma are off in the background.

Chris, Corey and Dave out cruising the Reynolds 21

making the most of the winds

Dave maintains a neurology website, which provides an academic resource for training neurologists.

great Easter sail conditions

We were blessed with a steady 12 knots of wind all Easter Sunday. This was much needed as the air has been a bit light and a bit inconsistent lately.

My lady friend and I were moving at about 6 knots in most directions, which felt great.

I had just scraped the bottom of the hull last week - so there wasn't too much drag in the water.

Here we are about 2 miles outside the Mission Bay jetty.

my Newport 30 mkII loving the steady breeze

Mooring on a ball or anchoring at Two Harbors, Catalina Island

When the work schedule clears and I can sneak out of town, my thoughts usually gravitate to a Two Harbors mooring ball. In my opinion, here in Southern California, Two Harbors is the the coolest possible cruising destination for boaters living in San Diego or Los Angeles. If you want a spot with more people action and a range of bars and restaurants, then Avalon is always there for you.

But if you want tranquility and empty rolling hills, then Two Harbors is your spot.

Anchoring at Catalina Island

You can drop the anchor at lots of little bays and bights between Avalon and Two Harbors. All of these spots receive protection from the northwestern swells. However, that doesn't mean its flat water.
Even in calm seas, you should get a little 1-2 foot rolling action in there. If you want to be close to Avalon or Two Harbors but not spend the money on a mooring ball, you do have the option of dropping anchor just outside of the mooring fields. This is normal practice. It saves you about 40$/night. The downside is - its a longer dingy ride to town and the water won't be quite as flat.

Fagan's cruising guide is loaded with info. on anchoring in and around Catalina.

Two Harbors mooring reservation

The popular summer weekends can be crowded, so its best to secure a two harbors mooring reservation.

floating on a mooring ball in Two Harbors

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I shook off our mooring lines in San Diego and headed out for Catalina Island. We have had an unseasonably warm winter here in Southern California. Unfortunately, we have not had the nice stiff breezes that usually arrive with the Santa Ana winds or with the low pressure systems from the Northwest. So, the air has been light. This means we motored for most of the passage. However, the benefit to a calm sea, is that you also get a calm mooring. We tied up in Two Harbors and got a few nights of very restful sleep.

Two Harbors mooring

When we take my boat out from Mission Bay and make the 76 nautical mile journey to Two Harbors, it usually takes a very full day. So, we leave very early, usually around 4 am.
A few years ago, I wrote up this blog post on all the information you need as you boat from San Diego to Two Harbors or Avalon. 

Then, because I have quite a few friends moored in Los Angeles, I also wrote up this post, which gives all the travel information for boating from the most popular Los Angeles marinas over to Catalina Island. One nice things about living in LA is you can boat over to a Two Harbors mooring in an afternoon..

plotting out the journey to Two Harbors

Well - if you can get out there, do it! Catalina is the gem of Southern California.

Fair winds!