San Diego-Two Harbors???

[dstaylor95]

I have a Cat30 equipped with Garmin Chartplotter and no Radar. Can you please pass along best practices, preferred routing to Two Harbors, Catalina from San Diego?

I primarily sail the SD bay and this is my first extended trip. I am planning on taking some scouts later this summer and would like some advise for a trial run.

Thanks.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

I'd plan on being clear of the Point Loma kelp beds by 7:00 P.M. and make straight for Avalon. If you maintain 4 knots minimum (sail preferably, power if necessary) you'll be off Avalon by noon the following day, another 2 1/2 hours and you're in Two Harbors.

The ride home should be on a broad reach all the way, glorious sailing.

Keep a sharp watch underway, you'll be crossing serious shipping lanes.

Our boats are the same year. Mine is hull #600. Yours??

 

[CaptDon01]

If you have scout's onboard, why not plan a coastal trip up to Oceanside and spend the night, then cross to Avalon. Make it enjoyable rather than a marathon. Just my two cents....

Don

 

[LuzSD]

I would agree with CaptDon01 and I actually would go all the way to Dana Point, spend that night, and do the 6 hr. crossing the next day.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

An intermediate stop on the way can be a great strategy but consider also that each overnight stop means another day's provisions to carry (or reprovisioning along the way) and the farther North on the coast you are when you begin your crossing, the less likely you'll be sailing with the normal wind direction.

I sailed out of Dana Point decades ago and even then it was common practice to motor at least to Newport before crossing and still you're hard on the wind to Avalon, over 10 miles from Two Harbors.

I dunno what kind of boat speed you expect but from Dana Point it's 40 NM to Two Harbors. To do it in 6 hrs. you'll need to average over 6.5 knots on course made good.

 

[dstaylor95]

I thought about making stops along the way but think with the logistical issues with a bunch of scouts I would like to gameplan making a straight shot to two harbors. I have camped at two harbors many times and am excited to finally make the trip under motor/sail.

Questions regarding sailing at night, watch standing, equipment, hazards, etc are what I am trying to focus on.

I may be making more of it than I should but I tend to over plan things like this. Thanks for all and future insight.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

I'd practice night sailing in your home waters prior to this trip. I actually enjoy it. On clear nights, nav lights of other vessels are crystal clear as are buoys and beacons.

Watch rotation depends on the number of crew. With your crew I wouldn't have anyone on watch alone at night and because the cook is expected to have nourishment at the ready, he doesn't stand watch. An example of a rotation with three crew (or three watch teams) would be 2 hours on and 4 off.

Night sailing: it's a great time to get familiar with harnesses (nobody leaves the cockpit without being clipped on), life jackets are mandatory on deck and must be equipped with strobe lights. Require your crew to keep a log, entries every hour, minimum. Entries begin with time, course and speed. Teach these kids to navigate, use GPS to confirm DR.

I encourage you to get as much night sailing experience as possible before this trip.