Down to San Diego #2

[Christof Walsdorf]

Thanks for the input.Though I have made reading the Coast Pilot for that region my bed-time literature, I still have very little knowledge about the particulars regarding a trip south. I would appreciate some input concerningweather during August, how far off-shoredo most cruisers remain, concerns about fog off northern california and, if someone has done the trip several times, sea conditions to be expected at various parts along the pacific coast.Thanks

 

[Justin Wolfe/PYI]

Expect the worst and you'll be prepared.

I'm no expert, but I have done this trip 3 times (2 from Seattle, once from SF). Both times (June & September) off the Oregon Coast we encountered strong southerlies. As in 40+ knots and 20' seas. All 3 times I have had pleasant weather (northerlies & sun) from the California - Oregon border south. Both of the longer trips we stayed 50-100 miles offshore. If I were to do it again I would stay closer to shore. My logic is that if bad weather is approaching I'd have the time to seek shelter before I got hit. 50-100 miles offshore takes 24 hours to reach the coast.If you have every confidence in your boat & crew then get offshore and enjoy the smoother seas and steadier breeze. If you have any notion of stopping for whatever reason then tuck in closer.Once you get past SF I can't see any reason to go far offshore even if you don't stop. It's just wasted mileage.Hope that helps. Odds are in your favor going in August.Personally I haven't seen any fog on these trips, but I guess I've been lucky.Pick up a copy of Charlie charts for the West Coast if you haven't already.

 

[farnsworth john]

three tries

I've made the trip down in June, August and November. I've made the trip back in July and August. By far, the August weather was the most benign, although we had to wait out a two-day southerly because of a rare Mexican hurricane. Worst fog I've ever seen in my life was at night during a norther rounding of Point Sur in August; couldn't see the bow pulpit. During our June trip down last summer we experienced many sucessive gales. During our November trip we were plauged by light winds, especially south of Point Conception. I've heard that September is an excellent time for this trip, but haven't had the opportunity to test this theory yet.