We sailed over to Catalina on "Bonnie Seas," a 38' Endeavor for a three day/two night stay. Our original bearing was for Two Harbors but after looking @ the updated weather conditions of strong winds & large swells developing; we changed our heading to Avalon. I'm glad that we did, the sea was still settling from last nights storm. The last ten miles getting in to the harbor was a bear, the swells were coming straight on the bow with 27 knot winds. Water was coming over the dodger and reaching the helm... 'And this was the "easier harbor! HA!... 'But we made it!
"Tastes salty..." - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=JTI5i2ldJuzZ1Z1_1hq8og&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
Harbor Patrol pulled up along side us and confirmed our reservation. "Fox Sea," had arrived into the harbor about 30 minutes ahead of us. Harbor Patrol directed us to a mooring next to her but left one mooring ball of space between our two boats. This was very smart & considerate since the winds were a tad wifey; not as bad as being ten miles out but enough to pose a problem while trying to moor.
"Fox Sea" - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=jLpNsKfDBgZIZcX4oIezCQ&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
Harbor Patrol remained until we picked up the mooring pin, secured the bow cleat & stern. Harbor Patrol was very helpful & professional. They watch their harbor very closely & will come and meet boats as they enter.
WARNING: Catalina island takes protecting their waters very seriously. Be sure your thru-hull is tight & secure. If they suspect an problems, Harbor Patrol will board your vessel, put a color dye into the head, & then circle your boat to inspect for any dye in the water. If dye is present, there's a $1,000 fine and the vessel is banned from the island for a year.
Harbor Patrol advised all vessels to stay in the harbor as gale force winds were expected the following day. (34 - 47 knots) You do not want to be caught unprepared in those type of conditions, especially in a recreational vessel. So, instead of practicing sailing maneuvers and exercises we got out exercise by doing a bit of exploring on the island! After all, we're in Avalon!
The next morning, I woke up; hot coffee in hand and looked out across the harbor as I stood on deck. It was beautiful, you would think it was a perfect day for sailing. However, if you looked a couple of miles out, you could see the white caps out on the ocean.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=3DHKf_VRjjBG7r988XcuPg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
We didn't bring a dinghy this time so we hailed the Shore Boat for a lift to the island, water taxi. ($4 per person; one way; cash only) Next trip, I'm going to put in for a dinghy. In between two boats with a total of twelve people, the dinghy would've been our best bet; noted.
Shore Boat @ night - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=o1UPJqpqSOwKTzV8JwMkJQ&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
On our last morning @ Avalon, the weather was perfect. We went to the pump-out, emptied the holding tanks, and refilled our fresh water tanks.
Note: Use of the pump-out station is free; the fresh water hose is $0.25 for two minutes. (Bring quarters)
Sunrise - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=INph0wwCH3hGtrHdSFI08A&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
We departed Avalon Harbor @ 0830 hrs and headed to Long Point where we practiced maneuvers for two hours. After, we turned the boat around with a heading of 085 M and made way to DP Harbor.
Long Point - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=Hgq590yADCeM9eDROSfvMw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
The ride back was great, a lot nicer than a few days ago on our way over. HA! We were joined by dolphins who accompanied us along the bow. At one point you could see dolphins on all four corners of the boat from 1/2 a mile to a mile out... It never gets tiring to see.
It was a great trip to the island in our own backyard; makes a perfect staycation!
Rainbow @ the harbor - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/avalon-harbor-avalon?select=7Qx1H3steIrhYrxzza14pA&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
We'll be retuning in April but crossing @ night, leaving Dana Point around 1am. That should be fun!... 'And very cccccc'old!
- Big Aloha!
Food: n/a
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5
Value: 5 read more