Lets sail!
I have sailed Southern California for 30 years and boated it for many more. A few suggestions: When sailing to Catalina stay at the Isthmus on the back side in Catalina harbor. It's never completely full as you will find Avalon, where you will have to anchor in deep water. Be sure to sail on to Santa Barbara Island. It's just a few hours further and has many interesting things to see and good anchorage (with two secure anchors.) I'll send you my story on Santa Barbara Island written for Sail magazine, if you contact me at novelman@adelphia.net When sailing out of Long Beach be sure to spend some time sailing inside the breakwater as it is 7 miles long and more than a mile wide, with many points of interest. Lots to see, including the Queen Mary. Also you will need to make arrangements for dock space which is at a premium. Call Alamitos Bay Marina at 1 562 570 3215 at least three weeks ahead (four weeks is better.) I would go south from Long Beach and stay at the following harbors, which are about an easy days sail apart: Newport Harbor (not a great place to go ashore at.) Dana Point (call ahead for a dock space or anchor in very shallow water inside), Oceanside Harbor (limited dock spaces so call ahead if possible, Mission Bay no dock spaces but very sheltered anchoring areas. San Diego Harbor (lots of tie-ups availabel (Be sure to sail over to the sheltered anchorage (free) at Coronado Islands) My suggestion is to buy a map book, put out by West Marine, of Southern California from Long Beach to Mexico. I would be happy to meet with you in Long Beach and guide you around and perhaps create a flotilla of boats to sail to Catalin and Santa Barbara Island. If you will e-mail me I will give you my cell phone number so we can discuss this.For best results be sure to buy at least a 20 amp electrical connector and for best results buy a 30 amp also. (They are all available in the Long Beach harbor at West Marine.) P.S. for some of the dock spaces you will need your registration AND proof of insurance.Novelman, Duane Beaver