By Joe Motil, Cruising Captain
Ahoy sailors! The July 2023 Cruising outing to Catalina was another great trip in which hale and hardy souls banded together to enjoy a wonderful time. Starting with the arrival, we played a game of musical boats and ended up on Avalon, a DuFor 375.
Friday morning greeted us with a heavy marine layer that made the boat decks slick with dew. Despite the thick fog and slippery footing, we cast off and headed to the island. The wind was light, so we had to motor, but as we approached the Queen’s gate, the breeze built, and we raised the main. Keeping our tradition alive, I asked one of the ladies to “take us out” of Angel’s Gate next to the LA Lighthouse. Allison Dawson responded with an “Aye,” taking the helm and guiding the boat into the mighty San Pedro Channel.
Due to the wind direction, our progress languished until we were clear of the breakwater. Only then could we see land through the dissipating fog and set a beneficial heading toward Isthmus. The approach to the cove, about 5 miles out, is almost always preceded by more generous winds such that we often get to shut off the motor and sail quietly under wind power.
Steve and Allison Dawson and Larry Birdsell worked the helm and lines to improve our speed, while Beth Birdsell served as “eyes” for the boat. As we approached Ship Rock and Bird Rock – these familiar landmarks serve as guideposts to slip through, and once in, we drop the sail and motor slowly. We hail the harbor master on Channel 9 for a mooring assignment, make way over to it, and our crew expertly performs the pickup and secures us to ball N13.
Once tucked in, I leap into action, gathering items for a delicious appetizer spread celebrating “après sail.” We were also joined by AYC members Jeff and Cynthia Barnes, who awaited our arrival after sailing over earlier on their Catalina 42, Marley’s Ghost, previously owned by Gerry Douglas of Catalina Yachts. They joined us via their dinghy for some great camaraderie and snacks. This is part of the fabulous stuff that can happen when you get more boats crossing over. Dinner soon followed along with the cleanup, and after relaxing, we eventually headed to our berths.
Saturday is “Island Day,” where everyone chooses what they want to see and do. The list varies widely from parking on a lounge chair at the beach and catching rays to reading, hiking, paddle sports, snorkeling, or riding the Cyclone Jetboat to the mecca city of Avalon for a two-hour stint. The list of summer things to do at Catalina is extensive, and the island has a certain vibe you can tune into once there. We wrapped up a great day with drinks and dinner ashore at the only Two Harbors restaurant, with Jeff and Cynthia joining us again. Everyone had a wonderful time.
Sunday morning, we ate breakfast and discussed the planned routines for departure and getting off the ball. To our surprise, the engine would not start! The crew jumped into troubleshooting mode and quickly surmised that the freshly placed battery had shaken its ground connection loose. Luckily, ship tools were available to retighten it; the problem was fixed, and the engine started with the first touch. Having a good crew with problem-solving skills makes for a great journey in such moments.
Once we cleared the mooring field, we hailed the harbor master to let them know we had departed and headed out amidst a rush of other boats. The wind was excellent, so we raised sail and were pleasantly surprised at the pace we made. We did almost 8 knots off a starboard quarter reach while leaving the island. It was fun while it lasted, but as many know, the wind often drops midchannel. But being joined by dolphins along the way always makes it memorable.
After returning to Rainbow Marina, we performed the typical departure ritual of removing our gear, cleaning, and checking out. And as always, we head home with great memories from a beautiful adventure to Catalina Island. Whether celebrating a special occasion or if this simply sounds like something you would be interested in, drop me a line, and let’s chat. Aye!
Yours in cruising,
Joe Motil
