Hi, I have a Beneteau First 38s5 in San Francisco and I am moving to Santa Barbara. I would like to know what kind of groundtackle is most popular/effective in Southern California/Channel Islands. I know of people who carry just a boat length of chain and others with 150 feet or more. So how much chain and which anchor for a 40 foot medium displacement sailboat in SoCal? Thanks.
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Hard Sand
Most of the bottoms on the Channel Islands are hard sand and fluke anchors do a good job holding. Danforth, Fortress, Bruce, Spade, etc all seem popular. You do sometimes need fore and aft anchors to limit swing, especially on the front side of Catalina. About a boat length of chain seems to be the norm (for the primary; the aft just needs six feet or so). Of course, you are likely to see any combination you can imagine, and many inflamed passions one way or the other, but I think most locals would agree with me as to the most common combos, even if not what they might recommend. We'll see, now that I've stepped in it.... Rick D.
Most of the bottoms on the Channel Islands are hard sand and fluke anchors do a good job holding. Danforth, Fortress, Bruce, Spade, etc all seem popular. You do sometimes need fore and aft anchors to limit swing, especially on the front side of Catalina. About a boat length of chain seems to be the norm (for the primary; the aft just needs six feet or so). Of course, you are likely to see any combination you can imagine, and many inflamed passions one way or the other, but I think most locals would agree with me as to the most common combos, even if not what they might recommend. We'll see, now that I've stepped in it.... Rick D.
Channel Is. Anchors
Rick is right on. Before leaving for Mexico our 30 footer spent much time at anchor at the islands off Santa Barbara. Fluke anchors work well, but pay attention to kelp. Most anchorages have kelp and will foul the anchor (or you get to pull it all up). Look for sandy places. We use 60 ft of chain and a Bruce, but have used a Danforth with no problems. Be sure to carry a stern anchor as almost all anchorages have everybody so tied. You don't want to swing when nobody else is. Great cruising area, particularly this time of year.
Rick is right on. Before leaving for Mexico our 30 footer spent much time at anchor at the islands off Santa Barbara. Fluke anchors work well, but pay attention to kelp. Most anchorages have kelp and will foul the anchor (or you get to pull it all up). Look for sandy places. We use 60 ft of chain and a Bruce, but have used a Danforth with no problems. Be sure to carry a stern anchor as almost all anchorages have everybody so tied. You don't want to swing when nobody else is. Great cruising area, particularly this time of year.
Another two cents
Paul I used to live in Orange County and spent many summers sailing and diving off of Catalina and the other Channels Islands. So despite the Melbourne, Florida address, I figure I can put in my two cents worth. I agree with the other guys: we always used Danforth type anchors and were 99% successful with those. The kelp is always a problem, but you want to keep out of the kelp beds if you can anyway. I think a couple boat lengths of chain would do it. The main thing in the Channel islands is to protect your tackle from chafing on the underwater rocky outcrops and pinnacles. One thing that I would add (and this might not be any different from the Bay Area) is that the depth profiles around the Channel Islands are very dramatic. On Catalina for instance, there are many spots where you are only 200 yards from shore and you're in 150 feet of water, plus the bottom is actually tilted. I have dived in those types of areas and it's a real trip to just watch the sand tilt away into the deep abyss! Anyhow, I would just make sure that you have plenty of scope for those times when you want to be a little farther out from shore due to wind or swells. And have that second anchor so you have more options when you want to get closer to shore and swinging would create problems. Take care, Ron Vanderveer
Paul I used to live in Orange County and spent many summers sailing and diving off of Catalina and the other Channels Islands. So despite the Melbourne, Florida address, I figure I can put in my two cents worth. I agree with the other guys: we always used Danforth type anchors and were 99% successful with those. The kelp is always a problem, but you want to keep out of the kelp beds if you can anyway. I think a couple boat lengths of chain would do it. The main thing in the Channel islands is to protect your tackle from chafing on the underwater rocky outcrops and pinnacles. One thing that I would add (and this might not be any different from the Bay Area) is that the depth profiles around the Channel Islands are very dramatic. On Catalina for instance, there are many spots where you are only 200 yards from shore and you're in 150 feet of water, plus the bottom is actually tilted. I have dived in those types of areas and it's a real trip to just watch the sand tilt away into the deep abyss! Anyhow, I would just make sure that you have plenty of scope for those times when you want to be a little farther out from shore due to wind or swells. And have that second anchor so you have more options when you want to get closer to shore and swinging would create problems. Take care, Ron Vanderveer
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