For SoCal sailors

[Brian D]

Hey guys, I'm heading up the coast on the 15th. Going from SD Bay to Oceanside. I am sure a lot of you have already done this and could possibly give me a plan of attack. Here is what I have in my mind, but subject to change.

Hoping for an easterly or south-easterly but I don't think that is going to happen. So I will close reach my way out of the bay for about 10~15 miles then start beating up the coast. I have scheduled 10 hours for this trip. With normal winds of westerlies and north-westerlies, this is going to be a hard beat. That is why I am praying for easterlies to let me reach all the way up.

Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[Rick D]

Ten Hours Might Be Optimistic

Hi, Brian. I don't think you need to go out that far. Depending on when you leave the bay, anytime typically after 1100 hours, you'll have wind. I'd say get around the last bouy and work your way out to seven or so miles off the northern part of Point Loma and then you should have a decent sail up to Oceanside. The soft spot north of PL should be OK by that time of day, but you'll still have some light stuff in the later afternoon. However, I just realized I'm thinking in standard time and summer conditions. Given the shorter days, I wonder if you should think about leaving real early and motor sailing the morning until the wind comes up to assure arriving before dark? That's a harbor I wouldn't want to come into at night; it's spooky enough coming in when it's foggy. Have a GREAT trip. Assume you will be occupying your new slip?

 

[Rick]

Brian, I concur with Rick D. Having made that "sail" many times your better off clearing bouy 3 (depending on the kelp forest )and then going rhumb. Its normally about an 8 hour sail and that does NOT include the extra time you will have from Chula Vista ( I believe you slip there ). You can check sailflow but most likely you will be motoring at least until the afternoon. The approach in there during daylight isnt too bad but can be sporty at night with swell. The fairways in there are really tight in spots, so if it gets dark on ya, you can bail and just tie up over at the Harbor Master's office and the guest slips. Just pay them in the morning. Without my chart handy, im pretty sure there are no anchorages so your commited.

Best of luck

 

[Brian D]

I have the boat at Point Loma Navy Sailing Center. So the trek from Chula Vista is no longer in consideration. I plan on leaving around 8:00, but no later than 9:00 in the morning. Giving me the 10 hour window puts the boat in O'side at 6 p.m. I know it gets dark but if I motor most of the way I should have daylight entering the harbor. Keeping my fingers crossed.

There is a bit of good news:
2008-11-15 9:37 AM PST 6.76 feet High Tide
So I will be able to cut the corner at buoy 5.

I will be watching Sailflow. Yes, the move up the coast is to the new slip in Oceanside. Going to G22 in the north part of the harbor near OSYC.

 

[Rick]

Sounds good Brian. Yeah we usually shove off somewhere after first light and usually make it up to Oceanside by cocktail hour. Tide sounds like its with ya, so your VMG might even be a bit better. Remember, though mother nature and the kelp beds really decide when you can turn. Going over the side to free kelp from rudder and prop in November is a "much shrinkage" ordeal.

Cheers

 

[Rick D]

For What It's Worth...

...and assuming you have the flexibility, I'd be inclined to leave at 0500 or 0600 to get there before nightfall.