First Trip to Catalina Island

[rohare]

Hi all,
I am preparing to make my first long (I guess that's relative) trip; from Long Beach harbour to Catalina Island. I have a 1971 Venture 21 and I have that awful feeling that I've forgotten something. I have checked the standing rigging, swing keel, rudder, hull, and sails for any signs of impending failure. I just replaced all the running rigging. I have charts, compass, the legally required safety gear, an outboard, and have studied the coastal pilot for the area and I know better than to go out in bad weather, but I still think I'm missing something obvious. Any suggestions for someone who has a good bit of sailing experience in protected waters but is going on his first ocean voyage of any length? Additionally, I won't be single-handing but will have a deck hand in the form of my wife who has similar experience. Thanks much!

 

[nightowle]

1. check batteries for charge
2. make sure all lights are working - including your anchor light (should you decide to anchor).
3. Radio check - make sure your VHF is working properly (receive and send).
4. Make sure to listen to the marine weather channel before departure.
5. Do you have all necessary safety equipment (PFD's, flares, fire extinguisher).
6. Top up fuel
7. Sunscreen and sunglasses - also proper clothing.
8. Fresh water.

Have a pleasant sail.....wish I were going to Catalina this time of year!!!

 

[nightowle]

oops.....disregard #5. You already stated that you have the safety gear.

 

[caguy]

Here is some last minute advice given to JoelHoover a while back when he made his first trip to Two Harbors. It applies to Avalon as well except the part about Emerald Bay and the WiFi.

Take something to get to shore with, dink, kayak, inner tube. The shore boat fees will kill you, $5/person each way.
If this is your first time mooring let the Harbor Patrol (Channel 9) know this when you check in to pay for your spot. They will stand by and give you pointers, directions and a pat on the back.
Before you head back take a ride up to Emerald bay. Its about a 20 min trip but well worth it. I'd love to moor up there some time.*
Usually the wind is blowing head on and mooring is not a problem. If the wind is blowing cross wise, pick up the stick on the windward side, so you don't get blown over the spreader line. Once you get the Bow Hawser attached to your front cleat follow the spreader line hand over hand quickly to the back of the boat and pull the boat in line and tie off.
Keep someone who knows how to control the boat at the motor in neutral just in case. Always helpful when you have four hands. Try not to come in too hot but keep enough speed for steerability.
Check your tide tables if you are on the string line. Nothing worse than being awaken at 3 in the morning when the keel hits bottom. If no severe tide don't worry about it.
Let us know when you get there. There is Wifi on the patio behind the inner bar.
As you approach the Island going to 2 Harbors the wind has never failed to pick up a at times get a little snotty. It happens about 5 mile out. I've never had to reef though I could have. I just toughed it out until I got in lee of the island.
If you forget anything food and supplies at the market are fairly reasonable. I always end up taking way more food than I need.
Watch for the pods of porpoises they are always amazing.
When leaving I like to leave early 8-9 am. The water is usually really still and all of the sea creatures are easy to spot. IE. sharks, dolphins etc.
That's about all I can think of for now. Have a great time and stay safe.
Frank

Here are a couple of helpful links if you haven't discovered them already.

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/twoHarbors/PDFs/BoatersGuide.pdf

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/twoHarbors/boat_mooring.php#

 

[Brian D]

Wish I could go. But giving that anything, and I mean anything, can happen, have enough food and water to last several days, if not a week. And by all means, go with another boat. There is always safety in numbers.

Enjoy.

 

[r.oril]

A GPS would be great! FOG!

 

[caguy]

Speaking of GPS, what was that ap that JoelHoover had in his video?

A GPS would be great! FOG!

It looked pretty detailed for an Iphone. Will that ap work on a Palm Pre or other cell phone devices with GPS?
I don't mean to hijack this thread but that would be another consideration if he does not have a dedicated GPS but has a cell with GPS.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I've actually made the trip all the way in the fog without GPS. (They didn't exist in the 70's). All the obstructions can easily be found with dead reckoning and the available aids to navigation. Fog horns in this case.

We're talking about jetty end points, breakwater openings, and harbor entrances. None of these require precision navigation. There's nothing in between the coast and the island to be of concern. The only real hazard is the hydroplane, and GPS won't aid with it.

 

[Steve Dion]

Dave:

That is a good way to die now a days. There is a lot of freighter traffic in/out of LA & Long Beach harbors.

 

[novelman17130]

I have madt the trip from Long Beach to Avalon many, many, many times. In 22' Ventures, 24' Windrose as well as 25' Lancer (AND on my 1984, 30 foot Catalina with headsail reefing). The single most important thing is to have the jib/genoa on roller furling or with a down haul, then reef/ drop it when the wind is over 10 knots (cats paws to the horizon) AND don't be afraid to put one or more reefs in the main when you FIRST THING ABOUT IT. Another thing, if you are headed to Avalon plan on motoring most of the way over since the wind direction us usually right on your nose. Good luck and it might be best if you go with another sailboat along for the first time. I am sure you can arrange that on this site.
novelman

 

[rohare]

Thanks guys, you gave me some good ideas there. Also loved the link to the Catalina PDF. Great data in there.