Is this a good or a bad idea?

sinnettc · May 29, 2013

Might want to cross-post on the Catalina 22 forum, but I seem to recall that several of the California C-22 owners have made the trip. For that matter I'm pretty sure I've seen something about the West Wight Potters making the trip as well. I think it's all about weather windows and keeping out of the way of commercial traffic.

Old Skool Neil · May 30, 2013

I've done it on a Catalina 22. Once.

Seeing you're in Folsom (by choice I hope) I expect you'll trailer the boat to Los Angeles. If departing directly from the launch ramp there's one in Cabrillo Beach in Los Angeles outer harbor. It's the closest departure point for Catalina anywhere on the coast (19.3 NM).

About the trip, a Catalina 22 is pretty tight quarters for 3 people on an overnighter or two. It's do-able but everybody had better play nice or relationships could change. Being divers makes matters worse, not that divers have a peculiar personality but rather that they travel heavy. Three people on a 22, enough stores for several meals, dive gear and tanks for three, I dunno - you guys are going to be loaded to the gunwhales. Three guys can fill up a porta-potty in short order too.

You'll need a reliable engine. Depending on your destination the trip to the island has the wind typically on the nose. Avalon from Cabrillo is your best bet for sailing over but summer conditions are usually light. Fuel is readily available at Avalon and Isthmus Cove, the other usual destination. The diving around Isthmus Cove is superior by far to Avalon. Carry plenty of anchor rode, the anchorages get deep fast. Air fills are available at both destinations too but be certain your tanks are in current hydro and visual, they look for it over there.

Parking at the boat ramp is $8 daily, moorings at the island, if you can get one, are ~$30 - $35 per night. Planned well it can be a memorable trip.

rgranger · May 30, 2013

I've seen a post where a Mac 22 also made the trip.

Have fun, post pics....

Richard19068 · May 30, 2013

Fore Sail said:
Hi gang,

I'm restoring a 75 Catalina 22 and know very little about sailing! I got this bug in me to sail my boat from L.A. to Catalina island and was wondering if anyone here has done that! I know this may be a dumb idea but I can't seem to talk myself out of it. I do plan on taking lessons and I've been diving in N. Calif. for over 30 years and have great respect for the ocean! The sad part of this is, I ran this trip by my two dive buddies and they said that they were in! Are we nuts or is this doable?

All the best, Monte

My first "real" boat, back in 1972, was a swing keel Catalina 22. We made the trip from Cabrillo and King Harbor to the Isthmus several times. All we had was a small compass and five gallons of gas. No VHF and before cell phones. Sometimes when the wind died down it took a long time to get there because I never liked running the outboard. I never thought it was crazy but I guess your immortal when your in your late teens.

I have definitely seen smaller boats there, such as the West White Potters mentioned above.

Boats 25 feet and under can get a reservation on the string line at the Isthmus and not have to worry about getting a mooring on crowded summer weekends. You can almost jump to the beach from the string line.

If you and two others will be diving you might want to consider renting tanks there instead of taking your own.

Have a good time

Alan Gomes · May 30, 2013

A Catalina 22 is more than capable of making the crossing to Catalina in reasonable conditions. I go there all the time and see many Catalina 22s that make the trek. Back in the day, I used to make frequent trips there in my Cal 20.

capta · Jun 2, 2013

I'm sure someone has made the trip on a wind surfer, a Hobie Cat and probably a bath tub.
It all boils down to your ability to handle things should conditions change.
If, for instance, you are becalmed for some hours and the fog rolls in, or the wind pipes up against the current unexpectedly, or a nasty squall line envelopes you.
The met service is not infallible, in fact they seemed to be wrong more often than right. "If I was as good at doing my job as the met service is at theirs, I would have sunk my boat before we even got out of the slip".
You and your boat need to be prepared for the worst eventuality, not an easy, pleasant trip. Then you can relax and have a great time.

bffatcat · Jun 2, 2013

Trip to catalin island

Im from the East coast but the principles arel the same 20 Km should not be a big deal
Pick your weather and bring some extra gas in case you run out of breeze Have fun!

rgranger · Jun 8, 2013

Fore Sail said:
... I think I'm going to go for it! My buddies are all in!...

Monte

Here is a good website for checking your weather forecast...

http://passageweather.com/

rgranger · Jun 8, 2013

... and if you have not found Active Captain yet...

https://activecaptain.com/index.php

It is a great way to get reviews and info on marinas, anchorages and local knowledge for entries, cuts and other important info for making landfall.