sailing to Catalina Island 1st week of April 2012 any tips?

[christianemmel]

Hello Folks, I have a 1985 Macgregor 25 and I am looking to sail to Catalina Island from Marina Del Rey the first week of April, the weather forecast calls for winds between 7 and 12 knts in the afternoon and waves from 2' to 7'. I am thinking of leaving by 7am and motor/sail until the wind picks up. I have never sailed to the island, only local coastal trips from MDR to Santa Monica and surrounding areas. Can anyone tell me how big is the open water at this time of the year, any do's and don't, appreciate all input. My reason for asking is because 1) I hear this time of year the weather is not so good in the channel and 2) I am doing this solo.
Thank you

[roril]

Hey, check with caguy. Frank is headed there this weekend I think.

[mastreb]

Yes, my tip is wait until later in the season unless you've sailed 7' swells in a Mac and know what you're actually getting into.

I left for Catalina last April from Dana Point with good wind but 3'..8' swells that tossed the Mac around like a cork and scared the Admiral and crew. We wound up turning around after an hour because it was just a ton of constant work and I didn't have 8 hours of that in me. I've done the crossing numerous times in the fall and it's always smooth sailing, but Spring in the San Pedro Channel is for bigger boats or experienced crews IMHO.

Matt

[pokerrick1]

My tip - - -

Don't drink too much

OR

Drink too much

Rick

PS If you leave at 6 AM and motor over you'll be there in 3 hours before the seas get high. Leave there at same time and motor home. Better you're high than the seas

[Catigale]

I think it's about 35 nm to Avalon from Dana point?

In the OP Mac 25 boat s/he won't be going over hull speed of 6 knots, so it's a 6 hour run minimum?

[K9Kampers]

...so it's a 6 hour run minimum?

White hulls are faster...

[pokerrick1]

First of all Mr. Cat Banana - - - he's leaving from MDR not Dana Point. Secondly I assumed 10 MPH. Doesn't every Mac go at least 10 Even when sailing????

Rick

[Catigale]

...which I think makes it more like 60 nm??

Even though CA has some of the more predictable weather, I would not make a go/no decision on a 5 day advance forecast

Looking at wunderground today show 25-30 with gusts to 45.

Stay home.

[uanhanlouee]

Can't remember ever making it to Catalina's Avalon from MDR without the island being surrounded by a fog donut. Many times had to follow a Yacht throught the soup. Once withing 1/4 mile of Avalon we would get through the soup and end up in warm sunny weather.

1. Check weather day before departure. Winds over 15 knots with gusts to 20 stay home.
2. Take a mapping GPS
3. Take a waterproof VHF
4. Take extra Fuel.
5. Motor at 6 knots until there is enough wind to maintain 4 mph.
6. File a trip plan
7. Keep all vents and hatches closed at all times until you reach your destination.
8. Make sure you have a place to moor, dock, anchor.
9. Take a couple o hunnerd bucks.

Good luck

I made a lot of trips in a 30' then a 22' Columbia. I also made trips to other side of island in a 15' Whaler many times by following the ferry to Avalon.

SF

[pokerrick1]

...which I think makes it more like 60 nm??

What are you using - - - Yugoslavian Math It's between 25 & 30 miles from MDR to Catalina each way. 3 hours @ 10 MPH. What am I missing here? One of Gary's two new M's could make it in under two hours - - - and at 6AM the Channel would probably be like glass.

Rick

[christianemmel]

First let me start by getting the laughter out of my system... You are all great and love your sense of humor... Now for the research I have done so far, it is true most sailors of 25 footers or so prefer to head out to Catalina later in the year, usually most start mid to late May, with that said, we all know the weather has been shifting in the last few years and the seasons have been moving forward, so I think as some of you stated is best to check weather reports right before heading out.

As far as the distance from Marina del Rey (MDR) to Two Harbors, I am told it is between 32 and 40 nautical miles, if my boat does a top speed of 5.5 knots, if my math does not fail me now, I think I am looking at between 5.8 and 7.30 hours doing top speed, praying for steady winds all the way. If the wind fails I would use my outboard, 5hp Tohatsu 4 stroke.

As far as mooring, I have called and check with both Avalon and Two Harbors and they both said there is plenty of room right now and should not be a problem getting a spot, can I trust them???? we'll find out.
If I leave at 7am as I plan, doing all the math as I can possibly forecast, the weather in Avalon using windfinder.com, at around 1 or 2 pm should be 7mph winds with 26 mph gusts and 3.4 to 3.5 waves, concerned about the gusts at this time.

Coming back leaving Friday at 7am from Two Harbors, 13 mph winds and gusts and 2.3 foot waves, not bad arriving at MDR around 1pm 13 mph winds and gusts and 4.9 foot waves. I have gone out on 15mph winds and 4 to 8 foot waves, not my favorite but manageable, not sure about taller waves, my boat is 27 years old after all.

At this time I am concerned about the 26mph gusts when getting close to Catalina, so I will keep looking at the weather forecast for updates, second biggest concern is the solo part, although my lines are rigged for solo sailing, it is always nice to have someone ready to give a helping hand, so my tiller tamer has been cleaned and a new Amsteel line has been added, my GPS took a dump so I am looking for another one, not sure what to get with all the choices and prices, but more concerned aboout the many bad reviews they all seem to have. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Any how, thank you all for your comments I truly appreciate how much I learn from everyone and their experiences, I'll keep you posted if this trip happens or not.

[pokerrick1]

Good luck on your trip - - - have fun!!

I didn't know your boat had a 5HP 4 stroke. I thought those were illegal

Rick

[raycarlson]

I guess cocktail hour starts a little early for some of us.

[Phil M]

Hello Folks, I have a 1985 Macgregor 25 and I am looking to sail to Catalina Island from Marina Del Rey the first week of April, the ...

So, the first week of April is over. What happened?

Phil

[Catigale]

See Matt's advice above. Just reading your planning notes, WADR, tells me you aren't ready for this trip.

Please file a float plan with someone experienced before you go in case you run into trouble.