Sailing to Catalina for Labor Day,

[caguy]

I was hoping to leave Friday morning for Avalon, however I am concern whether this would be early enough. I haven't been over this season yet and I understand that the number of motorheads have declined. Spoke to a guy yesterday on a 24' cruiser who went from MDR to Avalon, Cat Harbor, Two Harbors and back to Long Beach where he refilled for $700.
The other dilemma is that I would like to spend a couple of days in Avalon and a couple in 2 Harbors I don't want to pay for both for the 4 days, any ideas?
If anyone is planning on going over and would like the same change in scenery perhaps we could work something out like trading moorings after a couple of days.

If interested in forming a group, the more the merrier. You up for it Timo?
Frank

 

[windward54]

Busy

Avalon has been packed the past few months, as been Two Harbors, even during the week. My dock neighbor just returned yesterday from a week in Avalon, and he said it was full the whole week. He only got in because his friend owned the mooring. We went over to Ithmus Cove two weekends ago, and ended up having to divert to Cat Harbor. And even that was almost full. Avalon fills up fast on holiday weekends, and it will probably be full up by Wednesday. Two years ago we went over on Labor Day figuring everyone was going to be gone. We were able to get a mooring that day. In talking to the Harbor Patrol, he said we just missed the rush.

If you are looking for a fun place to go for the weekend, try Newport Beach. Surprising as it sounds, Newport Beach is the cheapest place to grab a mooring. It is $5 a night regardless of size. It is a bit different, as they use two mooring balls, and you have to have two long lines and a boat hook to get in. There is also no water taxi and only a small dinghy dock area. You can head for Avalon from there on Monday and should be able to get a mooring in Avalon.

 

[jimg]

Avalon

Ditto with what Karl said. I went to Avalon last Wednesday morning and it was totally full, and I have a small (27') boat that can fit anywhere. I had to chug up to the Isthmus where I was put on the smallest mooring they had (37') waaay on the windy side of the pier until Sunday when I got to move to something better. Miracles happen of course, but I don't think you stand a chance of getting in either place the Friday before Labor Day. Emerald is prettier and usually has room, but I wouldn't count on that either. What I have done for years is to go early in the week before Labor Day, meaning like the 25th, 26th,and 27th. Just because so many people plan on going the following weekend, I have found that there is plenty of room earlier that week.

 

[windward54]

Dana Point

Hey J, instead of heading for Avalon, I'll be heading your way. I have a guest slip for the holiday weekend. It is our annual Sunday Brunch at Cannons.

Two Harbors has a website that they update somewhat so you can see where the moorings are available. Only problem is they update the site once a day and don't seem to update it at all on the weekends. The front side has been packed though. The Harbor Patrol told me it has been that way every weekend for the past few months. The powerboaters are not making the trips, but they are filling in with us sailboaters. But you will see that almost everything on the front side will be filled by Friday morning. Even Howland Landing was filled!

The link for the mooring availablity is right under the webcam view.

 

[Timo42]

Hey Frank,

What do you think about a sail down the coast from MDR, overnight at Newport, haul out at Dana Point, all downhill. Haven't checked the distances or anything, just a thought. Tim

 

[caguy]

Not that easy to get a guest slip in Dana

I usually trailer down there. My son lives in Dana so we generally stay with them. Wife has heart set on Avalon. I may go down on Wed or Thurs. She will take the Jet Boat over from Long Breach. We went sailing Sat and Sunday. We were out for about 6 hours on Saturday and 5 on Sunday. I pointed out to her that we could have gone to Catalina. She admitted it is not the boredom but the fear of the open water. I pointed out it is a channel, no dice.
Timo I worked on tuning those shrouds today, then went out for 3 hours. Nice wind today got some good speed, had a great time crashing through the waves.
Tried calling Novelman to see how his trip to Santa Cruz went, but it was 9:15 by the time I finished washing the boat and was able to call. I'm sure he was sound asleep after a long trip back. It was looking a little stormy in that direction.
Frank

 

[windward54]

Preplan

Getting a guest slip in Dana Point is not that bad, if you plan ahead. They actually will take reservations up to 6 months in advance. I made my reservation only about 2 moths ago, and there were still spots left for the Labor Day weekend. Only problem is on holiday weekends, they make you reserve for three nights. We were originally planned on taking off to Catalina on Monday, so now we are leaving on Tuesday instead.

And you are right about the distance. Getting down there is not bad, getting back is a bash uphill. The winds really pick up when you are passing LA-LB Harbor, and the waves are right on the nose. That's why we decided to head out to Catalina instead.

 

[windward54]

I feel your pain!

There are times that I just want to drop the lines and take off. Good thing Cat Harbor almost always has openings. And if all else fails, then there is always a quiet cove around Long Point that will do the trick. And that is one of the reasons I also like Newport Beach. The Harbor Patrol told me that they have never run out of guest moorings, even on holiday weekends. You might be surprised about DP, as it is off the beaten path a bit. I have gotten a guest slip on short notice before. And there is always the free anchorage area.

Yes, you can duck behind the breakwater at Alamitos, but then you have to come out at Angel's Gate. Adds distance to the trip. I usually just try to leave really early and avoid the afternoon winds. Besides, that can be one very busy harbor.

 

[Dennis W.]

Labor Day at Cat Harbor

Frank, The best bet from MDR is to go around to Cat Harbor, go in behind the string line in front of the dinghy dock and anchor, bow out with a well set stern anchor to stop the swing, about 3 feet at low tide East of the dock and no cost for a mooring.

 

[caguy]

I'd love to go to Cat Harbor. We've walked over from 2 Harbors

but never dropped anchor there. Wife likes a little more activity. She may leave Avalon early so perhaps I will sail over.
Frank

Checked the slip records posted on Friday for Thursday and there were still plenty of moorings and room on the string line at 2 Harbors.
Thanks all,
Frank

 

[larry w]

Cat. Island on Labor Day...

you'd be well-advised to have your anchoring skills very polished. Unless you own a mooring, don't count on getting one. Once anchored, be prepared to stay on your boat 24/7 to fend off the drunken hordes who will come in, throw out a tiny anchor on a piece of string with no scope then head for the bar ashore. You can bet a wind will come up at O-dark-thirty and blow that boat, full of snoring drunks, down onto you. I've been sailing So Cal since 1975 and don't go to the Island on Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor, it's just not worth it. JMO.