how many hours from San Pedro to Catalina

caguy · May 7, 2011

I think it's about 23 miles, hence the song 26 Miles Across the Sea. 19 nautical miles doing 4-5 kts should take you 4-5 hours. Do you have a motor yet? Tough enough picking up a mooring stick with a motor let alone without. Wind on the string line is either on your nose or abeam either way a real pita. The harbor patrol is happy to raft-up and assist you. Let them know it's your first time. I had a friend who crossed over without a motor and the wind died, It took them 16 hours on a Hobie 16.
Any time is good for Catalina except for days of fog, gales, small craft warning and above all the dreaded Santana winds. Check your weather forecast. I've been over in all four seasons and it all depends on the immediate forecast.

Freedom77 · May 8, 2011

HI Jrale, You have mentioned a subject dear to my heart. My late wife and I used to sail to Avalon and drop anchor for a week every year. We always left Cabrillo Beach early in the morning and motored part way til the wind picked up. Don't leave late afternoon because the wind can come through the slot and blow like hell. There is no ideal month to go. Avalon is usually 10 degrees warmer in the Winter and 10 degrees cooler in the Summer. We went over once in February. Had the whole place to ourselves. It's about 22-23 miles to Avalon. 5+ hours. Set your compass on Zero and depending on wind and drift it will put you at Long Point about 4 miles west of Avalon and then drop down east. If you want to rent a can in the harbor don't go without an advance reservation through the harbor master. If you anchor out and you don't have a dinghy the shore boat is expensive. Also everything is more costly in Avalon due to being shipped over, bring what you can. Contact Avalon Chamber of Commerce and they will send you a "boatload" of info. Lots of history. Don't miss the Casino, Botanical Gardens, etc. You can walk anywhere, rent a bike or golfcart. Nice Golf course by the way. First tee used to be home plate for the Cubs during spring training. Wrigley brought the whole team and families over. Let me know if I can offer any more help. Fair Winds and Full Sails...

Timo42 · May 8, 2011

They are above the waterline, but a little water splashes in depending on conditions. I will be launching out of MDR next weekend to test my new sail, Frank will probably be down there too, put it in the water and see if it floats.

caguy · May 8, 2011

jrale said:
caguy,
I now have a functional outboard motor for my boat.
Whenever I launch ,should I expect some water to enter the keel bolt location and keel winch tube or are these two locations suppose to be water tight? (I have not yet set the boat in the water)

This is how the lock down bolt is configured. It shouldn't leak

rgranger · May 9, 2011

jrale said:
caguy,
I now have a functional outboard motor for my boat.
Whenever I launch ,should I expect some water to enter the keel bolt location and keel winch tube or are these two locations suppose to be water tight? (I have not yet set the boat in the water)

I sometimes get water splashing up through my keel winch tube. I keep a piece of sponge (like you use to wash dishes) handy and jam it into the tube whenever water starts splashing through. That takes care of it.

r

caguy · May 9, 2011

The keel tube is a touchy issue. Too short and it leaks, too long and it is likely to be pulled into the winch which will yank it off of the through hull fitting. Then you really have a leak to worry about.

Lee Coller · May 9, 2011

If you want to rent a can in the harbor don't go without an advance reservation through the harbor master.

Unless you own a can in Avalon, they are on a first come first server basis. They are supposedly starting up an online reservation system for moorings on the west end (Two Harbors) this year (was supposed to be in place by Memorial Day but last I heard it may not be in place until the end of the year), but I haven't heard anything about doing so at Avalon.

caguy · May 9, 2011

They have been taking phone resevations for the last two years at Two Harbors.

Captain_Mike · May 9, 2011

jrale said:
Dear Macgragor owners,

Based on your experiences sailing, how many hours should I anticipate for sailing from San Pedro to Catalina Island ,avalon bay? Is there a month that is considered ideal for sailing the channel to Catalina?
Jeff

Jeff, I go over every year in October for the Jazz concert @ the Casino. Last year I did it in the best time in 9 years, 5 hours 25 min. It normally takes between 6 & 8 hours.

caguy · May 9, 2011

Should be there Saturday morning, weather permitting. That's weather [sic] the boss lets me go or not.

timebandit · May 11, 2011

This site may be of some help
http://www.sailorschoice.com/Catalina/cat-tips.htm

how many hours from San Pedro to Catalina

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