Destination San Diego Bay

[Kings Gambit]

Going to do something new over Memorial Day Weekend; an overnight transit from Ventura Harbor to San Diego Bay. The distance is about 145 n.mi. and generally off the prevailing winds of the season--west and southwest. Interestingly, the rhumb line from Ventura runs close by Avalon especially if one first completes a southerly dog-leg between the east end of Anacapa Island and the mainland to get offshore of the traffic lanes. A noon departure puts us cruising along the north side of Catalina Island between about 2200 and 0100. Many "coastal cruisers" in sailboats making that trip harbor-hop along the mainland--which is fine if you want to visit those harbors and stretch out the voyage, or to avoid an overnighter. Has anyone done this? Not that much different than the Newport-Ensenada race in format.

 

[Rick D]

Used to do Marina del Rey to San Diego race many times. It was 124 miles. It also came close to Avalon. The good news is you will be able to motor through the lulls. There is an eddy which will blanket you off Catalina's east end which will take motoring (or a lot of patience) to clear. For San Diego, just remember not to be tempted to turn in too early. Kelp all over. you have to see the entrance before your turn in. Have your crew spotting free floating kelp for you. Have fun! By the way, there is a lot of shipping outside the lanes, especially in the neighborhood of Catalina's west end. FWIW, it's a response to the light fuel oil requirements.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Used to do Marina del Rey to San Diego race many times. It was 124 miles. It also came close to Avalon. The good news is you will be able to motor through the lulls. There is an eddy which will blanket you off Catalina's east end which will take motoring (or a lot of patience) to clear. For San Diego, just remember not to be tempted to turn in too early. Kelp all over. you have to see the entrance before your turn in. Have your crew spotting free floating kelp for you. Have fun! By the way, there is a lot of shipping outside the lanes, especially in the neighborhood of Catalina's west end. FWIW, it's a response to the light fuel oil requirements.

Thanks for the heads-up re: commercial traffic off Catalina's west end. I was chatting with a professional sea captain a couple of weeks ago who mentioned something in context with the light fuel oil requirement. He told me that all traffic must slow to 12 kt within 25 n.mi. of the Port of Los Angeles. That's still pretty fast compared to us, of course. It may not be a totally new requirement but I did not know that. I can't reference a chart right now, but our line is probably inside the 25 n.mi. limit as we approach the west end.

The biggest problem I have with floating kelp is that it gets sucked in with the engine cooling water if motoring. I have sail drive (SD 31) so there's no grate over the intake on the drive leg outside. If some does get sucked in I have to back-flush the intake hose from inside the boat. That's a pain! To avoid stands I usually run the 90-100 ft depth contour unless an opening to pass through is visible.

 

[Rick D]

Thanks for the heads-up re: commercial traffic off Catalina's west end. I was chatting with a professional sea captain a couple of weeks ago who mentioned something in context with the light fuel oil requirement. He told me that all traffic must slow to 12 kt within 25 n.mi. of the Port of Los Angeles. That's still pretty fast compared to us, of course. It may not be a new requirement but I did not know that. I can't reference a chart right now, but our line is probably inside the 25 n.mi. limit as we approach the west end.

The biggest problem I have with floating kelp is that it gets sucked in with the engine cooling water if motoring. I have sail drive (SD 31), so there's no grate over the intake on the drive leg outside. To avoid stands, I usually run the 90-100 ft depth contour unless an opening to pass through is visible.

Good strategy. Buoy 3 is about as far in a target as I'd be inclined to go. It was the turning buoy for the race. however, you still have some kelp, so it might be a good idea to head a bit higher.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Good strategy. Buoy 3 is about as far in a target as I'd be inclined to go. It was the turning buoy for the race. however, you still have some kelp, so it might be a good idea to head a bit higher.

Yeah, that's the one I'd normally aim for. I'll also have a crew aboard who has his boat in San Diego Bay; he day-sails and races out of there frequently. Now, if we just do not hit a conning tower in the middle of the night we should be good, weather permitting!

 

[Joe]

I try to wait to make my turn when Buoy 5 is about 100 T .... (buoy 3 is way out there) But I'm so guilty of cutting in too early because the water looks clear. I've NEVER NOT encountered kelp on the route... but it's pretty thin stuff below Pt Loma so not much of a concern. There's usually a nice swell to ride as you progress towards 5, making for pleasant sailing.

I recommend making your turn north before getting into the channel... stay on the left side all the way up past Zuniga Pt. to avoid the submerged jetty completely.

Besides normal ship traffic, what we watch for is the big detached floating kelp paddies that drift into the channel... see that a lot when racing in the area south of Coronado.

Anyway.... a lookout standing at the mast is helpful in pointing out thick stuff.

If you're sailing, there is often a refreshing zephyr coming off the lee side of Pt Loma... combined with the new smooth water, it will give you quite a lift... staying to the left, but well clear of the Submarine base.. You should be able to close haul well into the bay before altering the route to your final destination.

If you're motoring... well.. what can I say.. just follow some one else and stay away from the rocks at Zuniga Pt.

I will tell you that it is imperative to keep your eyes open in the area between North Island and Pt Loma... lots of mixed traffic.. but it's an exciting change.

Finally, when there are low pressure systems in the area you'll often see southerly winds... if they are accompanied by a south swell then the entrance to SD Bay gets really choppy on the ebb tide. Doesn't happen a lot... just be aware that it does happen.

Have a great time...

 

[Kings Gambit]

Thanks Joe!

Reading your description makes me feel like I'm already sailing past Pt. Loma on the zephyr!

 

[Stu Jackson]

KG, have a great trip. So nice for the skippers to give you the pointers. Great community here, eh?

Where are you going once you "get in?"

 

[Kings Gambit]

KG, have a great trip. So nice for the skippers to give you the pointers. Great community here, eh?

Where are you going once you "get in?"

Thanks, Stu, for your good wishes. Yes, it is a great community here--otherwise, we wouldn't spend so much time with it!

It's been 9 years (hard to believe) since we sailed the Bavaria to San Diego Bay--the last time in 2006. Prior, my wife and I have done it mid-December from Long Beach; not doing an overnight run from Ventura--that part is new. So, I do appreciate the fresh pointers. I attempted once since then in November of 2011 but got mauled off Newport Beach by a cold Santa Ana that made me "run" for the harbor there in steep 4-ft wind chop coming from shore; then returning to Long Beach the next day still battling high winds. I was soaking wet, head to foot, that day getting into Newport Beach on what is usually a fairly dry boat!

This time down we'll slip at a marina at Harbor Island through the Memorial Day weekend and following week, then anchor at La Playa for the second weekend. After that, gunkhole about the Bay for another week or so, maybe visit Mariners Cove at Mission Bay, b/f heading to Isthums Cove @ Two Harbors for a cruise rendezvous with friends from Long Beach. After that we might make the run to Coches Prietos at Santa Cruz Island for a few nights. Big plans; we'll see how they pan out! The yacht's in good shape w/clean bottom, a full propane tank for the stove, water tanks topped off; take on fuel and fresh provisions the morning of departure, and we're off!

 

[Joe]

Give me a heads up if you drop the hook in Mariner's cove. I'm nearby at Marina Village Marina and I should be down there for a few days in the middle June.

 

[Chief RA]

KG: You mean you are not going to Ensanada for a Margarita? My wife and I plan to go to Catalina and play in southern area this fall. Chief

 

[Kings Gambit]

KG: You mean you are not going to Ensanada for a Margarita? My wife and I plan to go to Catalina and play in southern area this fall. Chief

That's a good question. Admiral wants to; so it could happen! As I said, we're just gunkholing about SD Bay for a bit; if we pick up the urge we just might make the run to Ensenada (ca. 60 n.mi.); stay at Coral. We were hoping for a companion boat to travel with, and do have friends there in San Diego w/ a Cat 34 who have expressed interest in that trip as well. Sometimes it's hard to make definite plans when travelling by sailboat, as I'm sure we all know! About the only thing you have true control over is the weather you leave in! Are you sailing down from Bodega Bay? I think I remember a post from you some time ago about wishing to relocate the boat to So. Cal?

 

[Chief RA]

KG: Yes, we are looking to launch further south than Bodega Bay as thats a long haul, usually upwind home! Nothing definite yet but anticipate launching Compass Rose down near Morro Bay. My Commodore (boats not big enough for an Admiral) REALLY wants to go to Ensanada for that margarita as well! Later, Chief

 

[Kings Gambit]

KG: Yes, we are looking to launch further south than Bodega Bay as thats a long haul, usually upwind home! Nothing definite yet but anticipate launching Compass Rose down near Morro Bay. My Commodore (boats not big enough for an Admiral) REALLY wants to go to Ensanada for that margarita as well! Later, Chief

I've been told that cruisers planning to round Pt. Conception often stage at Port San Luis, and then take off around 0200 for Punta Concepcion. I know there's a lift there b/c of the boatyard; I imagine a ramp as well. Very sweet place to visit; mooring balls available, plus anchoring. Some folks complain about entering Morro Bay from sea through the fairly restricted channel and usual fog in summer. Port San Luis is wide open by comparison. With all due respect, Ventura Harbor has a very nice boat launch ramp and dry storage near it (trailer). I don't know much about transient slippage in the Harbor, but there are many vacant slips about, especially at Channel Islands Harbor, only 6 n.mi. south of Ventura.

 

[Chief RA]

KG: Thanks for the input. I am familiar with Avila's boat harbor and lift. That would probably work for us. We lived down there a couple years and loved it. I was the plant Comm. Eng. for PG&E's Diablo Canyon Nuclear power plant. Maybe we can check out your Ventura harbor too! Chief

 

[Kings Gambit]

Arrived Destination!

Well, the trip from Ventura to San Diego was completed in 22 1/2 hr (145 n.mi.) w/ help from the diesel. A fair noon West wind @ 15 to 18 kt powered us the 15 n.mi. to the first way point just south of the traffic lanes in under 2 1/2 hr; after that it was necessary to reach deep or run to the next way point off Long Pt. @ Catalina Island. The seas started off lumpy and got worse resulting in unplanned jibes of the boom and back-winded jib at the whisker pole, etc. Eventually, we lowered/furled the sails and used the diesel, but later redeployed the jib for powersailing. Toward the west end of Catalina the seas were very unsettled. We were slewing frequently to starboard, and sliding down the 5-6 ft seas, touching 9-10 kt (briefly) repeatedly, finally reaching the lee of Catalina Island near 2100. Were not as prepared for darkness as we should have been. Very dark night w/low clouds from an upper-level low passing over and little to no moon (i.e., waxing cresent setting early). Crew was not feeling well. I heated the stew and we had dinner, etc., emerging from shelter near midnight to resume in the very difficult motion of the seas, etc.. At first light around 0430 I handed the helm over to one of me mates ending that watch and getting a few zzz's. Although the wind was up all night at 15 to 20 kt it was almost dead astern (true direction) & the boat slewing so much, and so often, that it would have required at least two of us, perhaps all three with one standing by, to sail the boat through the night. That wasn't going to happen so we motored or powersailed (jib). By 0600 the seas had resumed a more "normal" character so I made coffee and cereal, etc., for breakfast. It rained hard ashore that (Thurs) night in San Diego County but we were spared any t-storms or showers. Wives and friends greeted us at our slip on Harbor Island. By the time we were all secure it was lunchtime--so all went for a meal at the Boat House on Harbor Island! Friday night it rained hard again briefly, washing the salt from boat! All is well now; enjoying San Diego!