I was just wondering what is an acceptable wave height for the Macgregor 26s. I am planning my first trip to Catalina Island I am a newby at ocean sailing, its only 26 miles off the shore. I'm pretty good on the lake and all, been sailing for a couple of years. but I want to be safe. I got online and they say that the swell height is 3-5 feet at 10 seconds, and inland is 2 feet. This doesn't sound that bad to me someone give me a reality check if I need it. When do the expereinced people say thats to much? I am only going to go in good weather. I know I have heard all kinds of people doing crazy things in macgregors but I'm talking reasonable. Well anyway if weather is good we be heading out there this comming fri day if anyone cares. thanks Ryan
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ahoy!
i'm in the same boat (pun intended).. just bought 26x ... thinkin of catalina ... would like to know where you put in/how do you find out about buoy fees, what's the mooring like on the weekends? or are you camping on the other side?/are you sailing over or motoring? be interested in your experience thnx rick arelde@cs.com
i'm in the same boat (pun intended).. just bought 26x ... thinkin of catalina ... would like to know where you put in/how do you find out about buoy fees, what's the mooring like on the weekends? or are you camping on the other side?/are you sailing over or motoring? be interested in your experience thnx rick arelde@cs.com
Here's a site
Novelman was quite helpful on this topic. Go to this site, find the boating tab and the info is there. You'll find the need to have a vhf radio, reservations are needed but the harbors don't reserve buoys until you get there. All buoys are owned by someone so you'll have to stop just inside the harbor and radio the buoy patrol who will then assist you. I think I'd leave early in case you can't pick up a ball anywhere on the island. Looks like your best bet is to leave out of Newport harbor. Don't know about ramps and parking there. Good Luck Steve P.
Novelman was quite helpful on this topic. Go to this site, find the boating tab and the info is there. You'll find the need to have a vhf radio, reservations are needed but the harbors don't reserve buoys until you get there. All buoys are owned by someone so you'll have to stop just inside the harbor and radio the buoy patrol who will then assist you. I think I'd leave early in case you can't pick up a ball anywhere on the island. Looks like your best bet is to leave out of Newport harbor. Don't know about ramps and parking there. Good Luck Steve P.
sea state
the 10 second wave interval seems like a long wave sine. so probably its fine. on the east coast, periods are (typically) shorter and 3-5' would be a bumpy ride, at say 4-5 seconds. on west coast, that sounds like a roler. what are the winds? -do they white cap at 15 knts on west coast? (I'll bet you can find a webcam on catalina harbor if you google...)
the 10 second wave interval seems like a long wave sine. so probably its fine. on the east coast, periods are (typically) shorter and 3-5' would be a bumpy ride, at say 4-5 seconds. on west coast, that sounds like a roler. what are the winds? -do they white cap at 15 knts on west coast? (I'll bet you can find a webcam on catalina harbor if you google...)
Catalina
I have an M so I can speak to how your boat will handle in the conditions but 2-3 at 10 seconds should be pretty smooth. The really uncomfortable conditions are when we get a mixed swell causing bumpy confused seas. Not really dangerous but it is uncomfortable. The sea conditions change the closer you get to Catalina due to it's landmass getting out in the deeper waters of the channel. Our winds are usually a consistent 10-15 knots in the summer that comes up usually by 11a. Best advice is to check the forecast and leave early in the morning. Make sure to have enough gas to motor if necessary to entire way. You don't say where you are leaving from but most likely you will be going against the wind to get there.
I have an M so I can speak to how your boat will handle in the conditions but 2-3 at 10 seconds should be pretty smooth. The really uncomfortable conditions are when we get a mixed swell causing bumpy confused seas. Not really dangerous but it is uncomfortable. The sea conditions change the closer you get to Catalina due to it's landmass getting out in the deeper waters of the channel. Our winds are usually a consistent 10-15 knots in the summer that comes up usually by 11a. Best advice is to check the forecast and leave early in the morning. Make sure to have enough gas to motor if necessary to entire way. You don't say where you are leaving from but most likely you will be going against the wind to get there.
thanks steve
much appreciated info ... can u share trick on hookin a ball solo? do u know if during the summer there's any problems mooring @ catalina during week days? wish there were books for this stuff! thnx agin rick
much appreciated info ... can u share trick on hookin a ball solo? do u know if during the summer there's any problems mooring @ catalina during week days? wish there were books for this stuff! thnx agin rick
It's easy
I was on a ball for several years. During rough weather it can be a challenge but here's the skinny. Have your boat hook out and ready. On Catalina Island you will be directed to a certain ball and the rent paid at that time is what I hear. Approach the ball from down wind if wind is a factor, if by yourself come along side slowly and hook the pickup buoy and bring it on board. Stop the boat with the engine and go to neutral. Then walk the small pick up buoy to the bow and make your connections directly to the large buoy or as outlined in the pamphlet I sent you. From the pamphlet you then call for a shuttle ride or use your dingy. As always, wear your lifevests during this operation especially if it's new to you. Don't attempt to sail to your buoy, it's a bad idea even if your good at it, this is a crowded harbor. I might add I always use two lines with chaffing covers when attaching to a ball. Steve P.
I was on a ball for several years. During rough weather it can be a challenge but here's the skinny. Have your boat hook out and ready. On Catalina Island you will be directed to a certain ball and the rent paid at that time is what I hear. Approach the ball from down wind if wind is a factor, if by yourself come along side slowly and hook the pickup buoy and bring it on board. Stop the boat with the engine and go to neutral. Then walk the small pick up buoy to the bow and make your connections directly to the large buoy or as outlined in the pamphlet I sent you. From the pamphlet you then call for a shuttle ride or use your dingy. As always, wear your lifevests during this operation especially if it's new to you. Don't attempt to sail to your buoy, it's a bad idea even if your good at it, this is a crowded harbor. I might add I always use two lines with chaffing covers when attaching to a ball. Steve P.
Mooring
Here's a link to how the moorings work on Catalina. The harbor patrol is very friendly. Don't be embarrassed to tell them it's your first time and your solo. Just pick up the wand, cleat the bow and walk the sand line back to the stern. Afternoon winds will make this more difficult. If you are headed to the Isthmus you shouldn't have a problem getting a mooring mid-week on a non-holiday. Avalon can be very difficult in the summer. Have a great trip.
Here's a link to how the moorings work on Catalina. The harbor patrol is very friendly. Don't be embarrassed to tell them it's your first time and your solo. Just pick up the wand, cleat the bow and walk the sand line back to the stern. Afternoon winds will make this more difficult. If you are headed to the Isthmus you shouldn't have a problem getting a mooring mid-week on a non-holiday. Avalon can be very difficult in the summer. Have a great trip.
Newport launch
Can I launch from Newport Dunes? I saw a post that says you can't because there is a bridge which blocks 20 foot masts.Any way Mr. Bill or anyone else who knows, when do you not go out because waves are to high? Thanks Ryan
Can I launch from Newport Dunes? I saw a post that says you can't because there is a bridge which blocks 20 foot masts.Any way Mr. Bill or anyone else who knows, when do you not go out because waves are to high? Thanks Ryan
Steve Paul's advice is good
The main Catalina harbor at Avalon is usually full in summer, so try Two Harbors or 4th of July. They are less crowded, more relaxed and more fun. You can camp out there, buy groceries, etc. And if you want to go to Avalon, just hop on the water ferries. They will take you from your boat. Be sure to have a VHF. Good idea to have a portable. Don't worry about the 3-5',10 second waves. They are just gentle swells. Watch the weather. Its the wind and weather that makes this trip problematic sometimes, especially when the Santa Anna winds come off the mainland. Should be a great trip. Have fun.
The main Catalina harbor at Avalon is usually full in summer, so try Two Harbors or 4th of July. They are less crowded, more relaxed and more fun. You can camp out there, buy groceries, etc. And if you want to go to Avalon, just hop on the water ferries. They will take you from your boat. Be sure to have a VHF. Good idea to have a portable. Don't worry about the 3-5',10 second waves. They are just gentle swells. Watch the weather. Its the wind and weather that makes this trip problematic sometimes, especially when the Santa Anna winds come off the mainland. Should be a great trip. Have fun.
Hey, Imzens
You said you recommended Alamito's to launch from but I called them and they said that the bridge is 31 feet at zero tide. I'm not sure but thats cutting it close even if I can time it with low tide? So how do you do it?Are there any launcbes that i can launch with my mast up? Thanks Ryan
You said you recommended Alamito's to launch from but I called them and they said that the bridge is 31 feet at zero tide. I'm not sure but thats cutting it close even if I can time it with low tide? So how do you do it?Are there any launcbes that i can launch with my mast up? Thanks Ryan
Options
I hear you can also launch from Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and it might be the closer to Two Harbors. http://www.sailorschoice.com/sanpedro/facilities.htm Marina Del Rey has excellent facilities but it's about 30 nautical miles from the breakwater to Two Harbors. http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/Marina/BoatingFishing.htm
I hear you can also launch from Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and it might be the closer to Two Harbors. http://www.sailorschoice.com/sanpedro/facilities.htm Marina Del Rey has excellent facilities but it's about 30 nautical miles from the breakwater to Two Harbors. http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/Marina/BoatingFishing.htm
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