Southern California lake sailing

Mar 11, 2015
12
Catalina 22 Oceanside CA
I am new to California lake sailing, does anyone have recommendations for So. Cal? We are based in Vista, and usually sail around Oceanside and San Diego Harbor.

Thanks!
 
Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
Steve,

Always good to hear from another local C-22 owner. We live in San Marcos. Haven't done any SoCal lake sailing. Quite frankly, after experiencing San Diego Bay, and the ocean, with the nice steady wind, and being able to sail on the same tack for mile after mile, I don't have any interest in dealing with shifty winds and short tacks on the reservoir's around here, had my fill of that when we lived back in the midwest. We have sailed Lake Pleasant and Lake Havasu in AZ. They are nice big lakes and much better wind. A bit of a drive, but it's fun to experience different locations. Thats the advantage of a trailerable boat.

Anyway, not sure if you're aware, but my wife and I have been hosting a trailer-sailor event for 5 or 6 years now down at Chula Vista Marina. This is coming up March 20-23, and on Friday evening the 23rd, we'll have a social hour starting about 6:00'ish with Pizza, beer and some soda. We'll have a reduced rate on slips, and it's a fun group of SoCal trailer sailors. We have outtings monthy at different locations around Southern California. Last month it was a fun weekend out of Dana Point. Drop me an e:mail at: captdon001 at cox dot net

Don
 
Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
I am new to California lake sailing, does anyone have recommendations for So. Cal? We are based in Vista, and usually sail around Oceanside and San Diego Harbor.

Thanks!
Sailing is usually good in summer on Big Bear Lake, which is near 7,000 ft elevation in the San Bernadino Mountains. There are typically few sailboats on the lake, however. We sailed there last summer on a Cal 20. Further north in the high Sierra you have a system of reservoirs; from low to high--Millerton Lake, Shaver Lake, and Huntington Lake. Every year for the past 60 yr, until last year, the Fresno Yacht Club has hosted the "High Sierra Regatta" on HL in July. Cancellation of the race last year was due to low water brought on by the drought. Otherwise, HL is the best sailing lake in "Southern" California where sailboats dominate over powerboats. Powerboaters like the lower-elevation lakes more b/c the water is warmer for swimming and water skiing. However, if you want dependably good summer sailing in a "comfortable venue" closer to home, Long Beach Harbor is the best spot in Southern California for consistently good sailing wind/conditions, fairly flat seas, and room to move about. Bring the boat to the launch ramp on the LA River, sail the Harbor inside the federal breakwater; then--if seeking overnight fun, beat up to Cabrillo Beach anchorage inside the breakwater for the night; sail back the next day. Much easier than trucking up to Big Bear Lake and lots more there to do.
 
Jun 8, 2004
2,926
Catalina 320 Dana Point
I used to sail a Lido on Silverwood often, no other sailboats, Strong shifty afternoon winds. Big Bear is pretty but seems rather small after a couple laps. I've windsurfed on Lake Perris, awful crowded sometimes, not high on my list of cool places. Raced on Mission Viejo Lake, really tricky wind blocks and shifts because of topography. San Diego, Oceanside or Dana Point are all much nicer places to sail other than the novelty value of the "lakes" we have down here. I've fished every lake in the state and it's certainly better to be in a boat everywhere.
Don's group is great and also meets with the SoCal Potters I believe, I sometimes think to buy a trailerable just so I can join them.
 
Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
"Don's group is great and also meets with the SoCal Potters I believe, I sometimes think to buy a trailerable just so I can join them."

We have a "trailer-sailor" weekend coming up March 20-23 homeported out of the Chula Vista Marina with the "SoCal Potter's". Sounds like there is a small group that plan on putting in at Mission Bay and sailing around the horn into San Diego Bay. I might have to re-think my plans and join them. Me and one of my "Potter" buddies usually make this trip for this event, and there seems to be a bit more interest this year. Raft-up in Mariners Cove for the night, make some breakfast, then head out for Chula Vista. It's pretty much an all day sail usually covering about 35 miles by the time we get down into the south bay.

Don
 
Mar 11, 2015
12
Catalina 22 Oceanside CA
Hello Don,

It was very nice to hear from you. That weekend regatta sounds great, but unfortunately that week we are super busy with work, but hopefully we can 'hook up' another time. We live in Vista, off the Mar Vista exit/i78, and keep the boat at our nursery in East Vista.
We just got this sailboat and had our first seal trial last weekend in Oceanside, even stayed the night which was great. Unfortunately we had issues with missing parts for the roller furling, but the mainsail and motor worked, so not too bad, even saw some whales. The sails are all brand new, and generally she is in great condition.
I have been sailing for over forty years, growing up in the UK, and in Dallas Texas on the lakes, so have some experience, but am in the process of training my wife and 14 yr old daughter:) They love it though.

Well, thanks again for the respons, and I hope we can cruise together in the near future.
Regards,
Steve
Steve,

Always good to hear from another local C-22 owner. We live in San Marcos. Haven't done any SoCal lake sailing. Quite frankly, after experiencing San Diego Bay, and the ocean, with the nice steady wind, and being able to sail on the same tack for mile after mile, I don't have any interest in dealing with shifty winds and short tacks on the reservoir's around here, had my fill of that when we lived back in the midwest. We have sailed Lake Pleasant and Lake Havasu in AZ. They are nice big lakes and much better wind. A bit of a drive, but it's fun to experience different locations. Thats the advantage of a trailerable boat.

Anyway, not sure if you're aware, but my wife and I have been hosting a trailer-sailor event for 5 or 6 years now down at Chula Vista Marina. This is coming up March 20-23, and on Friday evening the 23rd, we'll have a social hour starting about 6:00'ish with Pizza, beer and some soda. We'll have a reduced rate on slips, and it's a fun group of SoCal trailer sailors. We have outtings monthy at different locations around Southern California. Last month it was a fun weekend out of Dana Point. Drop me an e:mail at: captdon001 at cox dot net

Don