Salt Water Sailing

Joe11688 · Jul 14, 2010

Jacob Wagner said:
Hi All:

I am thinking about trailer my 1973 O'Day Sailor II to San Diego for vacation in October. Should I have any concerns with salt water? The boat is in great shape and just wanted to do a little sailing in Mission Bay. Any info would is greatly appreciated! Thanks

Jake

I know absolutely nothing about California waters Jake, but if I were going to sail them, I would acquaint myself with the area by obtaining a chart of the bay and getting some local knowledge before hand. Sailing in a saltwater bay is a whole different ball game in that the boater needs to know Rules of the Road, and be familiar with Nautical Charts to avoid natural and man made hazards to navigation.
Many years ago in the mid 1960s, when I was first getting started in boating, I took a friend with me up to a place on the Cape in Ma. called Cotuit Harbor. We launched my little 14' runabout and went through a narrow passage out to the bay to go fishing. When it was time to come back, we had a hard time finding that passage to get back to where we launched. That place was like a maze! I think it was purely by accident that we finally found that narrow passage where we went out. It was kind of scary because I thought that if I didn't find that passage, I might run out of gas or worse! After that I made up my mind that I was going to take the free US Power Squadron Piloting Course. The course gave me the knowledge and confidence that I needed to boat in any unfamiliar places without trying to navigate by the seat of my pants. Perhaps you've already taken this course. If so, you're way ahead of the game and in a better position than I was back then.

Here's a good site that will get you familiar with that particular area right now. http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/OnLineViewer.html The only other thing that I can point out is that certain waters have certain requirements that you need to have on your boat which are Coast Guard approved, to comply with the law. Find out what those requirements are and make sure that you have that equipment on board. I'm not trying to discourage you in any way. By all means go for it, but the trip will have better everlasting memories if you prepare for it and try to avoid those unnecessary horror shows that can occur. Been there, done that.
Smooth Sailing!
Joe

hman · Jul 15, 2010

I did some racing on San Diego bay back in the day on a Santana 20, A chart is a very good thing to have as well as a sharp lookout. It's one of the few ports left in CA that has aircraftcarriers and other large Navy ships coming and going. The mouth of the bay is quite small considering how big the bay is, traffic at Point Loma is pretty heavy. You may want to start in Mission Bay first, then launch down Chula Vista way and sail the south part of the bay, then work your way north as you become more "comfortable" with the traffic.

As for going from fresh water to salt water, just remember to wash the boat down and flush your outboard before you head for home.

nightowle · Jul 15, 2010

For one thing....you won't run into any aircraft carriers in mission bay. The navy pretty much uses San Diego bay and leaves Mission Bay to casual boaters. A chart is helpful so you know bridge heights. With a boat that size you should pass under anything, but stick to the middle of the span. The area around De Anza cove tends to have a lot of PWC traffic, so if you don't want to be buzzed by wave runners, don't head too far into that area. Also watch your depth close to Fiesta Island. But otherwise it sounds like a great plan....there are several areas you can launch the boat from and stay aboard in the evening to catch the Sea World fireworks!

RichBone · Jul 29, 2010

Like Joe said, make sure you check on requirements for boating in those waters, such as a emergency signal kit, horn, etc.

Salt Water Sailing

JAKE WAGNER

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Joe11688

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hman

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nightowle

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JAKE WAGNER

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RichBone

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