Gathering of the So. Cal. Vikings at Two Harbors (Isthmus) on Catalina Island.

[Jeff Asbury]

Gathering of the So. Cal. Vikings at Two Harbors (Isthmus) on Catalina Island.

There has been a considerable amount of discussion about a Gathering of Ericson Owners under the post: "So. Cal. Sailors where are they". I have sort of taken the helm to try to organize a gathering at Two Harbors (Isthmus) on Catalina Island. I know that Don Anderson out of Channel Islands harbor and Martin King out of Long Beach both expressed interest. I sail out of San Pedro. I would love to hear from others interested and try to nail down a firm date.

Possible Dates:

Easter Weekend, March 25th - 27th

Earth Day Weekend, April 22nd - 24th

Memorial Day Weekend, May 28th - 30th

I basically just pulled these dates at random. In my limited experience sailing to Catalina (about a dozen times), the conditions can still be a little sketchy in the spring but the advantages of avoiding the overcrowding in the summer out weigh a few small craft warnings. But hey, who's to worry about a little rough weather, we sail Ericsons!

I would love to compile a list of committed parties. It would also be fun to establish a VHF channel to communicate on while making our various crossings.

Responses and suggestions welcome.

ARE YOU GAME?

Thank You

:egrin:

[Geoff Nelson]

I am game for the May dates. May be crowded but it sounds like fun and we'll struggle through. I'd come up from San Diego.

FYI- the April dates coincide with the Newport-Ensenada race.

Cheers,

Geoff Nelson
Pau Hana
Ericson 381
San Diego

[Brisdon]

I would like to join up with you guys if the dates work. Welcome to keep me posted by private e-mail. vesseledythe@earthlink.net (Brisdon)

[Martin King]

I try to avoid the place on any major holiday weekend in the summer
starting with Memorial day. On these dates at Isthmus, you need to
own a mooring or know someone who does if you plan to arrive on a
Friday or Saturday. The anchoring option isn't great. The "anchorage"
there (if it can be called that) is lousy-an open roadsted, 80ft+, and
often rolly from boatwakes if nothing else. So I would suggest any other
weekend in May-June and check in with the facility there to see if
it is booked by anyone else. Also the participants need to decide how
organized an event they want. Is this strictly an informal get together to
swap stories or do you want to organize a regatta as well? Who wants
to head up this posse? I've already tried this a few years back-with the
support of Pacific Seacraft and let's just say that the turnout of
Ericson owners for that event was disappointing.

Martin

[Jeff Asbury]

I agree that the big holidays can be busy but so can any weekend in the middle of the summer. I also know if you get there a day early it's easier to get a mooring before all the big stink pots start arriving.

Lets just try to find a date that at least some of us can agree on. I am not looking for a Regatta or anything that is too organized. I also would not be disappointed if I was the only Ericson at the Isthmus. This would simply be a trial run to see if a Gathering of the Vikings flys. Of corse we would know what to look for, other Ericsons. We could simply establish a VHF channel to communicate on and organize a shore gathering for a specific time and do some kind of pot luck BBQ. That has been my experience at a couple of Cal meetings I crashed at Howlings Landing.

Jeff :egrin:

[Davis Modlin]

Jeff

The trip sounds good. The only problem on my end is that I'm just now putting my engine back in. And I'm also getting new canvas and sails.

The other problem is that my weekend is Monday and Tuesday. I also won't know when my vacation is for another couple of weeks. If I don't make it down there this time, then maybe next year. I will be going to Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa alot this summer, And if anybody makes it up here let me know.

Davis
E-29
#226
Holy Guacamole :egrin:

[bigtyme805]

Jeff

Since you started it I am nominating you for the captain of the team. I will go whatever date we decide on. I will just need some advance notice so I can have the luxury of letting my patients know that I am going to Catalina.

Jeff one thing I do know is that most of the sailors in this area will not be up for sailing until the end of May. Weather is a big key for most of them along with safety.

This winter I have not encountered many people out sailing. The seas have been rough and the winds generally big. To have a good turnout we would probably want to go during the primetime.

Is it possible to secure some space at one of the anchorages? Since I have never been to Catalina I have no idea how it works. I know from talk that it is usually first come first serve. Is that true?

At the Channel Islands Harbor I will post up some flyers on the event when I know some set times. Each Marina has a billboard and I will make the flyers. I will do it for Ventura Harbor also. A lot of the Ericson owners in this area don't use this website, maybe don't know about it or have little time.

I will do my part.

Don Anderson
E-27 Amigo
Channel Islands/Bahia Cabrillo Yacht Anchorage

[Jeff Asbury]

Yes, weather has got to be a concern this year. Maybe spring is to early. I know I will be sailing to Catalina as early as April though. I have an advantage living in San Pedro where I can watch the weather closely and get up and go if it permits. Making long term plans and trying to predict what it will be like a Month from now is a little more difficult. As far as how it works at Catalina is, that it is first come, first serve. I will call the office at Two Harbors and see if they have any suggestions. In the mean time I would like to hear as many opinions from other interested Ericson owners as to what dates would work for a majority.

Summer may be better for all.

I appreciate your hanging in there Don! So far there only seems to be a handful of only some what interested parties. All I know is I will be sailing to Catalina every chance I get this spring and summer.

Skipper Jeff, standing by.

[Brisdon]

April seems to be the only month of the year that my sailing plans are consistently cancelled due to high wind and general nastiness. We usually have good luck heading over to the Isthmus in the month of May though. I will certainly try to make what ever weekend you guys decide on. I have been enjoying this forum for a few years now, but I'm yet to meet anyone from it. I would very much look forward to seeing the fleet.

[Geoff Nelson]

As a side note... I am planning an excursion from SD to the Channel Isl in July (over the July 4th w/end). Prob stop and explore some other Isl as well mid-trip (it is the journey, not the destination, right?). Is there any interest in a(nother) gathering there/then if May fails? (not to steal your thunder, Jeff- I'm still in for May)

Any suggestions on where to go- I have only been to San Clemente and Catalina and want to see cool landforms, hike, scuba and kayak.

Cheers,

Geoff

[Davis Modlin]

Geoff,

If you make it up to Santa Cruz, There is good hiking from Pelicans to Prisoners ( about 2mi). And also from Prisoners to Smugglers and Scorpion coves (14.5mi). Coches Preitos on the back side also has some good hikes. If you don't make it up this way too often you must see the Painted Cave. I could go on and on about this Island and the rest of the rocks up here. If I can get vacation around that time maybe I'll see you out there. Also if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Davis
E-29
#226
Holy Guacamole :egrin:

[Sven]

Gathering of the So. Cal. Vikings at Two Harbors (Isthmus) on Catalina Island


Right now we're expecting to head over on 3-18 or 19, returning to MDR on the 20th or 21st, turning it into a 3 or 4 day weekend. That's assuming that the weather cooperates and nothing else gets in the way. I think there is at least one other Ericson which is tentatively heading over that weekend.

-Sven

[Jeff Asbury]

Sounds good enough for me Sven. Yes weather has to be a consideration but I am game for a 3-18 or 19 visit to two harbors. As long as the weathers good it should be nice an green over there. Lets keep in touch! Any others interested in a March Gathering?

Skipper Jeff, "Pride of Cucamonga" 1973 E-27 Hull # 355 :egrin: :egrin:

[Mikebat]

I'm a new Ericson owner and a new boat owner (this is my first!). I sail out of MDR, and would love to meet up at the Isthmus. I imagine if you pick any weekend, you might find me there anyway, being a new sailor and all, with a new boat. Although, some more experienced sailors made some comments about weather in the channel during April, which may modify my enthusiasm if they turn out to be true. :egrin: I'm planning to sail this weekend, even if it's just to poke my nose out of the harbor.

Oh rats. March 18/19 is a weekend I am scheduled for on-call at work. I could exchange weekends with a co-worker if that's the weekend we decide to meet. The bottom line is that I'm down for it. :cool:

[Sven]

I'm a new Ericson owner and a new boat owner (this is my first!).


No wonder you seem so happy :-)

Congratulations !



-Sven

[Sven]

Right now we're expecting to head over on 3-18 or 19, returning to MDR on the 20th or 21st, turning it into a 3 or 4 day weekend. That's assuming that the weather cooperates and nothing else gets in the way. I think there is at least one other Ericson which is tentatively heading over that weekend.

Last night we met up with Glyn and Marilyn and they confirmed that they are on for that weekend. If Jeff and Mike also decide to go we'll have four of us.

Now we just hope that the weather holds !

-Sven

[Jeff Asbury]

It's been a bit gusty lately. Will have to keep a close watch on the weather conditions.

For those of you interested in monitoring the Southern California Weather conditions, check out these two web sites.

Offshore Surface Wind Conditions
http://www.nawcwpns.navy.mil/~weather/mugu/mesodata/loop_wshr.html

NOAA's Marine Forecast Site for Southern California
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/west/loxmz.htm

Samples of web sites I monitor:

[Sven]

Last night we met up with Glyn and Marilyn and they confirmed that they are on for that weekend. If Jeff and Mike also decide to go we'll have four of us.

Now we just hope that the weather holds !



Slight tweak to the plan ... that weekend is the beginning of spring break so we will sail over on Thursday 3-17 and return on Sunday 3-20. Might as well beat the crowd if there is one. La Petite can always fit on the stringline, but Dawn Treader certainly can't and morings are a lot nicer, with more space.



-Sven

[Mikebat]

Slight tweak to the plan ... that weekend is the beginning of spring break so we will sail over on Thursday 3-17 and return on Sunday 3-20. Might as well beat the crowd if there is one.

You think there will be a crowd? I haven't got decent ground tackle for my (new to me) E32 yet, so I am dependent on the moorings at Two Harbors. The boat was only day-sailed on S.F. Bay before I bought her. I have two anchors and some chain, but they are small and there is not enough rode for deep water anchoring.

[Jeff Asbury]

Mike,

I plan on getting a mooring can as well. I really don't expect that big of a crowd. Still early in the season. At worst they would put you a few hundred yards away around the corner at Cherry Cove or 4th of July Cove. Can't wait to get over there! :egrin:

[Sven]

Hi Mike,


You think there will be a crowd? I haven't got decent ground tackle for my (new to me) E32 yet, so I am dependent on the moorings at Two Harbors. The boat was only day-sailed on S.F. Bay before I bought her. I have two anchors and some chain, but they are small and there is not enough rode for deep water anchoring.


Since we've only been there 4 or 5 times I'd hesitate to give you an answer. At the hight of the sumer there were two times when we ended up on the stringline because the regular moorings were full, but that was when we arrived Friday or Saturday night and we usually arrive late since we usually sail unless there is no wind. On both occasions there were moorings available in Cat Harbour (the other side on the Isthmus) but that adds a few hours to the trip if you change destinations at the last minute.

Maybe someone who knows the Isthmus better can give some more useful feedback ?


What a great excuse to pick up some nice ground tackle :-)




-Sven

[Mikebat]

Well, I had to take a whole week of on-call from my co-worker, who has agreed to do my on-call duty Mar 18-21 when I was scheduled for regular rotation (we're internet engineers, by the way, not doctors).

So the bottom line is that I am cleared of obligations for Mar 18-21, and so I can confirm my vessel's participation, weather permitting. My crew is my nephew Daniel, who is staying with me while he attends school here in So. Cal., and maybe a friend or two of his, perhaps even a girlfriend if he can get his game on by then. Always nice to have a bow ornament... :egrin:

[Jeff Asbury]

Sounds like a fine Crew Mike! I just received confirmation from my crew. They are a couple that were former owners of a Cal 29. Rob & Julie. I have crashed a couple of their Cal meets with the LA Yacht Club in the past at Howlings Landing. They are great crew and we are all excited about the first Island trip of the season! Let alone the first Ericson gathering we will be attending.

So let me attempt to take roll call here.

Mike with crew on the 1989 32-200 "Valinor".

Sven with crew on the 1975 Ericson 23-2 "La Petite".

Jeff with crew on the 1973 27 "Pride of Cucamonga".

Sven mentioned another couple, "Glyn and Marilyn". Are they Ericson owners as well?

Is that all of us? Sounds like a good start.
:egrin: :egrin: :egrin:

[Jeff Asbury]

One other thing. We will not be arriving until mid afternoon on Friday March 18th. We then will depart mid morning on Sunday the 20th.

I will give a shout out on VHF Channel 68 when we arrive so keep your radios on scan if you can. I'm sure we will find each other. Lets try to raft up as close as possible. Mikes boat is the largest so he will probably be in the second row of moorings closest to the shore. I usually get a mooring in the first row because of my size and shallow draft. :egrin:

[Jeff Asbury]

Here's a great link to So. Cal Beach Cams. There are also two cameras at the Isthmus if you want to see how many boats are there and how the weather looks.

http://watchthewater.co.la.ca.us/ :egrin:

[Sven]

Sven mentioned another couple, "Glyn and Marilyn". Are they Ericson owners as well?



Most definitely. Glyn is (one of ?) the instigator(s) behind the http://e31.no-ip.com/index.asp site. If you subscribe to the ericson@list.sailnet.net discussion list you've seen 100's of posts by him. He's actually the one who suggested the weekend of the 19th for a gathering.

We'll try to remember to keep one radio on Ch 68. We're pretty easy to recognize because I fly the Swedish flag under the port spreader when on board, or out of the slip.


-Sven

[Mikebat]

My neighbor in the next slip over is a guy named Ken, who lives on his Ericson 29-2. If I see him this weekend I'll ask if he would like to join us at Isthmus Cove.

[wiland]

I know i am late to respond to these posts regarding a trip out to Catalina, but i thought i would throw in my support. although some plans have been made for as early as next weekend, i would love to get out there on any weekend in the coming months with enough advanced notice. i just took a trip out there from oceanside and caught a wonderful window in the weather we have been suffering through this winter. please keep the plans rolling, this newbie would love to hook up with a few of you salty dogs to get some info about the boat and good destinations in the area. - andy

[Sven]

i just took a trip out there from oceanside and caught a wonderful window in the weather we have been suffering through this winter.

The cruise this coming Thursday through Sunday is still on, but the weather looks questionable. We don't mind rain as long as it happens while we are at the mooring, but a 6-8 hour crossing in chilly rain would be less fun. Right now there's a 30% chance of rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with lows of 50 degrees.

Maybe the weather gods will come to their senses. We don't want another sail like the one where we were running before the Thanksgiving storm, even if it was beautiful :-)



-Sven

[Jeff Asbury]

I really hate to make this post but the crew that I thought were going with me have had to cancel because of the flaky world of escrow commitments. The weather predictions are also looking questionable. At this point I am very much in the air. I have secured the time off and have the boat outfitted and ready to go, but I may not make the decision to make the crossing until the last minute. Apologies in advance if you don't see myself and the "Pride of Cucamonga" over there this time. I feel badly that I may not make it because I was partly responsible for instigating this gathering. I will keep you posted as far as this trip goes, and be sure to always announce my future trips to the island. :boohoo:

[Jeff Asbury]

Thursday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.

Thursday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.

Friday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the 60s.

Friday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain. Lows in the lower 50s. Highs in the 60s.

Saturday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain. Lows in the lower 50s. Highs in the 60s.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light rain. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

[Sven]

I may not make the decision to make the crossing until the last minute.

The weather doesn't look too promising, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We'll adjust our plans as needed to enjoy the sailing experience, or not.

There's always the next time if you don't make it out there this time.

Where's that Woodstock "rain - rain - go away" chant soundtrack ?



-Sven

[bigtyme805]

Hi Guys:

I have been following the postings from all of you regarding the Catalina trip. I did not think the weather would be that good. It has been a crazy winter and looks like its not over.

My Hawaii trip was filled with bad weather so that is why I chose not to go over with you guys so early in the season. I have had my fill of bad weather. I hope it improves for all of you. Plus the trip is a little longer for me from the Channel Islands.

I will be up for a trip after memorial day.

Don Anderson

[Sven]

We're still hoping to cross on Thursday, but if the prospect for rain on Sunday starts increasing we may change our minds. Sailing back in the rain would not be all that much fun.

Fingers still crossed :-)




-Sven

[Sven]

Hi Mike,


You think there will be a crowd?

No, probably too cool and damp, but I just checked with Glyn and he and Marilyn (and Bruce, their guidedog in training) are good to go. We'll also plan on going, leaving MDR around 11 tomorrow morning.

If you do go, how should we hail you on 16 ?
Looking forward to a great 4 days :-)



-Sven

[Mikebat]

If you do go, how should we hail you on 16 ?

I thought you said you'd be listening to ch. 68? One could also monitor ch. 9 and listen for people checking in with the harbor master for a mooring.

I still plan to head out Friday morning. Forecast seems to be improving a bit (chance of "showers" instead of "rain").

THU NIGHT
W WIND 10 TO 15 KT...BECOMING VARIABLE 10 KT OR LESS.
WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 2 TO 3 FT.

FRI
VARIABLE WIND 10 KT...BECOMING W 10 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.
WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 2 TO 3 FT. CHANCE OF RAIN IN
THE AFTERNOON.

FRI NIGHT
S TO SW WIND 10 KT...BECOMING VARIABLE 10 KT OR LESS.
WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 2 TO 4 FT. CHANCE OF RAIN.

SAT
SW TO W WIND 10 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT. W SWELL
7 TO 9 FT. CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUN
W WIND 10 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT. W SWELL 7 TO
9 FT. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

[Sven]

I thought you said you'd be listening to ch. 68? One could also monitor ch. 9 and listen for people checking in with the harbor master for a mooring.

I still plan to head out Friday morning. Forecast seems to be improving a bit (chance of "showers" instead of "rain").


When out and about we always stay tuned to 16 for hailing and other traffic. I'd forgotten that you were leaving on Friday and wouldn't be crossing at the same time so hailing you on 16 wouldn't make much sense during the crossing.

Yes, we'll scan 68 for you when there but we'll also listen to 9 to know what's going on.
Just finished hemming the Sunbrella rain cover. We don't have a dodger so it gets wet down below when the companionway is open unless we cover it. The big yellow and blue umbrella seems a bit funky so the rain fly will be nice.



-Sven

[bigtyme805]

All you brave sailors that ventured out to catalina this weekend hope you all are safe. I woke up to go to work and the winds are blowing 20k and the seas have white caps. I live on the pacific so I see the conditions right away.

I cant wait to hear the stories. Sven wrote he had no dodger, I am sure he has foul weather gear.

I just wish I was with you all instead of writing.

MikeBat gets to really test his new E32 out.

Talk to you all soon

Don Anderson
Channel Islands, CA
Amigo E27

[Jeff Asbury]

Hi Don,

I did not join the guys as you might have read. I live in San Pedro and it is much calmer down here. Just very gloomy with rain clouds that see like they will start dumping any time. Check out this web site and you can monitor the wind patterns for the previous 12 hours. http://www.nawcwpns.navy.mil/~weather/mugu/mesodata/loop_wshr.html

I think our fellow Vikings will be fine and smart enough to stay put if things get nasty. Here's the NOAA report, no small craft warnings down here.

TODAY
WIND VARIABLE 10 KT OR LESS...BECOMING SE 10 TO 20 KT IN
THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS...BECOMING 3 FT IN THE
AFTERNOON. W SWELL 2 TO 3 FT AT 13 SECONDS. RAIN LIKELY.

TONIGHT
SE WIND 10 TO 20 KT. WIND WAVES 3 TO 5 FT. W SWELL 3 TO
5 FT AT 12 SECONDS. RAIN.

SAT
SW WIND 10 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 5 TO
7 FT AT 12 SECONDS. RAIN.

SAT NIGHT
SW WIND 10 KT...BECOMING W AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES
2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 7 TO 9 FT. CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUN
WIND VARIABLE 10 KT OR LESS...BECOMING NW 10 KT IN THE
AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 6 TO 8 FT. CHANCE OF
SHOWERS.

SUN NIGHT
NW WIND 10 KT. WIND WAVES 3 FT. W SWELL 6 TO 8 FT.
:rolleyes:

[Mikebat]

I've decided to wait it out. That's a big chunk of rain moving in I see on the radar maps. If I wait until tomorrow and it's better, I'll go then. Could also have some additional guests if I delay until Saturday.

[Jeff Asbury]

Here's what it looks like over there via web cam at 3:15 pm today. :confused: :boohoo:

[Mikebat]

There was a pretty steady rain most of the afternoon, but it stopped a couple of hours ago. The radar is showing scatters showers now, but earlier most of the area was voered by a big green blob.

[Mikebat]

So my car was towed overnight, forgot to put the resident permit in the window. Getting it out of impound delayed our start enough that we ended up turning around, because it was apparent that we wouldn't get to Two Harbors before dark. It was drizzling as we left dock, and I had to get fuel, so there was more delay. By the time we got to the breakwater at MDR at about 12:20pm, it was no longer raining and we could see some clearing skies out to the west. The wind was from the south-southeast and fairly light, and we could only make about 3 knots in it without the engine. But motor-sailing was OK and with our foulies on it was pretty comfortable, not too cold and not wet at all.

But after an hour or so the wind turned more to the south, dead on our nose. We dowsed the jib because it was just flapping in irons, but I could keep the main full of wind for a little while longer. I decided to take it down about due west of the Palos Verde lighthouse, because the wind was shifting back and forth across the bow, and it was hard to keep the heading without the main flapping back and forth more than I liked. By this time, however, it had become nice and sunny, and was warming up. The clouds had parted and only the land was covered. Palos Verde looked like it was wearing a hat. The swell was also increasing, and coming right at us from the south. Without a sail up, we were rolling around quite a bit. It looked at that point like we had about 3 1/2 hours more of that to go, and would arrive after dark. But the island like the mainland, looked to us like it was shrouded in low clouds and fog. This seemed not very promising to me, not having been there on my own before, to arrive in the dark and fog. So that's when I called it and turned around.

But we had fun trying, my nephew Daniel and I. Next time I am sure we will make it all the way across. :egrin:

[bigtyme805]

Mike:

The weather was just down right bad yesterday. With the rain there was no wind, I would have have done the same thing Mike. Although, it was nice to see a speck of sun for at least a little while.

I don't know if any of you Southern Cal boaters saw the write up in the log as of yet, but Santa Cruz Island is going to be closed to hiking on the Nature Conservatory side, basically the entire island. Get this until 2007! Reason is to replenish the fox population and kill all the feral pigs. We can still go there but they will issue very few permits to enter the island. I am disappointed to say the least.

The nature conservatory is not one of my favorite org's, I suspect alternative means with their group. But that is another issue in itself.

We have not heard the last of this!

Don Anderson
Amigo E-27
Channel Islands

[Sven]

Here's what it looks like over there via web cam at 3:15 pm today. :confused: :boohoo:

Yup, that was La Petite at the top of the picture, right next to the rocks. Dawn Treader was right behind us, just to the left in the picture.

Wild ride at the mooring Friday afternoon and evening. Nancy and I could just barely get into the inflatable to row over and visit Glyn and Marilyn for dinner because of some serious chop and swells from the North. After a somewhat aborted but still wonderful dinner we headed back and the wind had shifted to southerly so I didn't have to row against it, just the waves :-)

Marilyn, Glyn and Bruce (the guide dog in training) are still out there, for one more day. Unfortunately Nancy and I had to return for Monday morning meetings :-(

Our return trip was wonderful. We took in one reef (all we have) just as we passed by ship rock (as close as I'd ever want to because of the rocks just west of it). 5 hours and 39 minutes after dropping the can we ducked behind the MDR breakwater and almost exactly six hours after dropping the can we tied up in the slip. The swells were supposed to be huge and they were pretty big, with whitecaps all the way and real green water breakers. At Palos Verdes we added the foul weather gear bottoms to the tops we'd been wearing almost from the begining; not because of rain, just sheets of water coming over the windward side. The reefed main was wet halfway up the sail with the sun shining throughout.

No issues with container ships or tankers, saw 4 of the first and 1 of the second, that was it.

The rainfly worked like a charm but we sure didn't get much rain !

Cold, sometimes wet, bumpy and windy - it sure beats not sailing :-)



-Sven

[bigtyme805]

Sven:

What a great narration. Congratulations on a successful trip. I am looking forward to meeting all of you. I am a little envious of all of you that went.

The trip home sounded like fun. Sunday was a great day for sailing, I went out myself and had the boat on it's rails most of the time.

Sven how many boats ended up going? Run into any whales?

Unfortunately for us in the channel islands area Catalina takes a little longer for us to get to. What that really means is more hours on the sea and that is a good thing.

Don
E27 Amigo
Channel Islands :egrin:

[Sven]

Hi Don,


Sven:...
The trip home sounded like fun. Sunday was a great day for sailing, I went out myself and had the boat on it's rails most of the time.

Sven how many boats ended up going? Run into any whales?

Unfortunately for us in the channel islands area Catalina takes a little longer for us to get to. What that really means is more hours on the sea and that is a good thing.


Sunday was a beautiful day, enough wind and swells to make it a bit of a thrill ride too.

Didn't see any whales and on Sunday we didn't even see any dolphins ! On the way down there we saw 3 or 4 separate pods of dolphins, including one pod just lying around on the surface as if they were having a meeting. Those dolphins had pointy fins that were swept back much more than usual. I haven't had time to look them up yet to see what kind they were.

In the end, it was Dawn Treader and La Petite that made up the regatta. The whole cove probaby had less than a dozen boats total.

Crossing down from the Channel Island area would be a bit more than our 30 NM. This summer I'm hoping we'll get a chance to do an MDR-Catalina Harbor-Santa Barbara Island-Anacapa-Paradise Cove loop, but we'd want a week for that :-)



-Sven

[Jeff Asbury]

Sven,

Congratulations on your adventure on "La Petite"! Was "Dawn Treader" the name of Marilyn, Glyn's boat? What size Ericson was it? I haven't seen any posts from them. Sounds like it might have not been one of the most comfortable evenings at Two Harbors. Your passage back sounds a little rough as well. What was the reading on your wind speed? It looked like white caps all the way to the Island from San Pedro Sunday afternoon. Big swell too. It was raining cats and dogs Friday afternoon, which was when I originally intended on leaving. Rained Saturday AM as well. Let's all keep in touch and let each other know when we will be at the island in the future. I'm sure a bigger turn out is in the future.

Jeff :egrin:

[Sven]

Was "Dawn Treader" the name of Marilyn, Glyn's boat? What size Ericson was it? I haven't seen any posts from them.

It is an Ericson Independence 31 in perfect working order.

Glyn is a moderator on some of the forums here, but he's been pretty busy lately.


Sounds like it might have not been one of the most comfortable evenings at Two Harbors.

Correct. Friday night was not comfortable :-)


Your passage back sounds a little rough as well. What was the reading on your wind speed? It looked like white caps all the way to the Island from San Pedro Sunday afternoon. Big swell too.

It was supposed to be less than 15 mph but in my book you get whitecaps at 10 m/s which is about 20 mph, and these whitecaps were quite solid.


It was raining cats and dogs Friday afternoon, which was when I originally intended on leaving. Rained Saturday AM as well. Let's all keep in touch and let each other know when we will be at the island in the future. I'm sure a bigger turn out is in the future.

Surprisingly enough, I don't think we had even real pitter-patter on the deck rain throughout. We did have some light rain and a lot of mist, but that was it.

I think we made 4 trips to Isthmus and 2 to Cat harbor last year, so I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities during the coming year !



-Sven

[Jeff Asbury]

Thanks for answering all my questions! Wish I could have made it! :egrin:

[Mikebat]

Crossing down from the Channel Island area would be a bit more than our 30 NM. This summer I'm hoping we'll get a chance to do an MDR-Catalina Harbor-Santa Barbara Island-Anacapa-Paradise Cove loop, but we'd want a week for that :-)

-Sven

Sven, that is just what I want to do this summer. I wonder if you'd want to try and plan for the same week off and allow a newb like me to tag along. By the way, where in MDR is your slip? Mine is at Panay Way Marina, basin D, right next to the new condo construction. I think it's the second worst dock in the entire harbor. Have to walk across plywood scraps laid over mud to get to the gate. :esad:

[bigtyme805]

Sven and Mike

If you end up doing that trip I will undoubtly meet you on Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island. Lets stay in touch and really try to do this. I am just fitting my boat out for a Sea of Cortez trip late fall so all the sailing I get in the better. Going to San Carlos and will have Amigo hauled back. Anybody interested please let me know.

Has anybody been up the Sea of Cortez? The more educated I can get the better.

Don
E-27 Amigo
Channel Islands

[Mikebat]

I've driven down Baja, does that count?

While eating lunch seaside in Santa Rosalia, a pickup rolled by and one of the ninos in the bed hollered "Gringo puta!" and flipped us the bird. I thought afterwards that maybe Gringo Puta would be a good name for a boat. :egrin:

Maybe not.

[Sven]

Hi Don,



Has anybody been up the Sea of Cortez? The more educated I can get the better.


We were there in October (?) on the Don Jose dive boat. Probably not the kind of info that would help you, except that after a week of diving we were impressed by how hot it was. Make sure you have ample water.

One evening we were in the middle of a mile (?) long row of dolphins hearding fish ahead of them. It was stunning to see the dolphins jump out of the water and slap their tails on re-entry to scare the fish while staying in a nearly straight line that went as far as we could see on both sides. I think that the 80-foot Don Jose caused enough noise to disrupt the hearding because we never saw the bait-ball form.

Should be a great sailing trip !



-Sven

[Martin King]

Don,
We bought our current Ericson in La Paz, made our way north
to San Carlos and then shipped her home to Long Beach. Anything
specific you want to know?

Martin

[Sven]

Don,
We bought our current Ericson in La Paz, made our way north
to San Carlos and then shipped her home to Long Beach.


I'd forgotten about that. When we were chatting on Dawn Treader at Isthmus Glyn mentioned that he got to go with you on that trip.



-Sven

[bigtyme805]

Martin you ever heard of a place called San Felipe? This is my destination. I will also have my boat shipped back.

How were the seas? How about the marinas?

I have not met anybody that has been to San Felipe, small fishing village that is being developed into a real estate haven. That is what I know and what i have read on the internet.

I don't know of any sailors that have been up the sea of cortez, only what I have read.

Thanks

Don
E-27
Channel Islands

[wiland]

Don - I've never sailed down in San Felipe, but do go there just about every new year. Fun town- two years ago my friends and I spent the whole evening drinking Tequila with Harrison Ford. but that's a story for another time. the Marina is a pretty grungy and simple and used primarily by local fisherman. it is a bit south of town, but getting rides into town should not be a big issue. The marina at Santa Rosalia is very accessible, and a little less grungy.
I envy you for being able to set out on your proposed trip, and hope to do the same in the near future. hope to hear more about what you are learning in the planning process.

Andy Wilson
E-28
Oceanside

[Martin King]

>We've driven through San Felipe but I've never sailed there. That's
pretty far north. Our cruising route had us hopping up the coast
to Bahia Concepcion from where we crossed the Sea of Cortez over
to San Carlos. San Carlos to Tucson is the major trucking route for
boats going back to the US.

Regarding conditions in the Baja, they say it's either blowing too
hard or not at all. Having done numerous camping trips in Baja,
I would go along with that. Plan on doing alot of motorsailing. The only
marinas I saw were the ones in La Paz and of course San Carlos. They
were better than expected however plan on bringing alot of spare
parts as there are no serious chandleries anywhere down there and
shipping in parts is expensive.

Despite the fact that we were on an unproven and new (to us) boat with
no mast, I had a great time down there and found the area to be a fascinating cruising ground. So much so that we have discussed shipping
our boat back down to San Carlos after the restoration is finished.

Martin

[Davis Modlin]

Unless you are a lesbian, I wouldn't put that name on your boat.

Davis
E29
#226
holy Guacamole :egrin:

[windjunkee]

I've done the sail down to Cabo and up into the Sea of Cortez once, on a full keel 38' Island Trader Ketch. We did the run south straight through, so we didn't stop any where along the way, but you can almost day sail your way down if you work it right.
On the way up through the Sea, there are great places to stop. We went as far north as Bahia De Los Angeles before crossing to the mainland, but the sea life and cruising are absolutely impeccable.

There are wonderful and detailed cruising guides covering the west coast and inner coast of baja. We had several on board and used them religiously.

I'm jealous. I'm hoping to take "Voice of Reason" south as well, but I have to wait for the kids to grow up a bit and convince my wife that she really CAN find shoes to match her green face. :eek:

[piezzi]

Was a date ever firmed up for the Isthmus gathering? I'll be arriving at Catalina Island on Friday, April 22nd, from San Diego and would love to see you vikings out there.

Best regards,

Paul
E-29
#49
:egrin:

[Jeff Asbury]

I will be at Two Harbors (Isthmus) from Friday afternoon May 6th until Sunday Morning May 8th. I'll give a shout out on the VHF to see if any other Ericson Owners are around. If any one wants to Gather I will comply!:egrin:

[Sven]

I will be at Two Harbors (Isthmus) from Friday afternoon May 6th until Sunday Morning May 8th. I'll give a shout out on the VHF to see if any other Ericson Owners are around. If any one wants to Gather I will comply!:egrin:

I wish we were going ... enjoy on our behalf :-)



-Sven

[Don Smith]

I sail an E26 out of King Harbor, Redondo Beach, and am interested in attending a Viking round up at the Isthmus. June or July would be best for me, but I have some flexibility as long as I have a couple of weeks advance notice, as I've got to deal with work issues (the curse on the the sailor and the drinking man!)

[Glyn Judson]

All, FYI, I got a phone call from a Harbor Patrolman friend at Isthmus who told me there was a major accident at the pier today, 5.9.05. Apparently a charter boat (don't know the company name but the red and white ones that are about the size the Catalina Express boats and frequently pick up scouts, etc.) failed to stop at the floating dock and rammed the pier. The impact was so great that the shock traveled down the pier toward shore, breaking windows in the office across from the dive shop. The pier has been closed off completely pending USCG inspection. I can tell you that the pier was in iffy shape before the incident today and was nearing it's service life. I have no idea how this will impact the use of it in the near future. Maybe those who know more about this can share with us as the details start to trickle in. Glyn

[Sven]

Hi Glyn,


All, FYI, I got a phone call from a Harbor Patrolman friend at Isthmus who told me there was a major accident at the pier today, 5.9.05.

Amazing.

Will it be practical for you to take Bruce ashore by beach landing or are they able to rig some temporary dingy dock on the beach ?

I guess you could head for Cat harbour instead for the weekend ?

I feel sorry for those who earn their living serving the boaters, just as summer is about to start up.



-Sven


BTW I tried the epoxy on the hatch as you suggested, looks a lot better but now I need to put on a cover to protect it from UV :-)

[Sven]

Hi Glyn,



Amazing.


The LA Times (registration required) carried the following:

=------>
2 Injured When Ferryboat Crashes Into Catalina Pier
From a Times Staff Writer

A 127-foot ferryboat suffered a mechanical failure and slammed into a pier at Two Harbors on Santa Catalina Island on Monday morning, injuring two of the more than 200 passengers aboard, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Deputies said one victim refused medical treatment and the other was released after examination at a medical center on the island.

The accident occurred about 11:30 a.m. as the captain was preparing to dock the Catalina Classic Cruises boat at Two Harbors after a 22-mile trip from Long Beach, officials said. Two Harbors is at the island's isthmus, about 12 miles northwest of Avalon.

"As he came in, he threw both engines into reverse, but the transmission failed to engage on one of them," said Sgt. Martin Dailey of the Sheriff Department's Avalon station.

Dailey said the unequal thrust caused the boat to spin and strike the pier. The collision's force reportedly knocked several passengers off their feet, including the two who were hurt.

The vessel was not seriously damaged, but the pier was severely battered and may take up to a week to repair, deputies said.

Catalina Classic Cruises could not be reached for comment late Monday.
<------=

A pretty credible explanation. I was wondering why he'd strike the dock instead of just running aground.



-Sven

[Sven]

The URL is http://thelog.com/news/newsview.asp?c=158973



-Sven

[Jeanne]

I was there for Cinco de Mayo and will be at Cat Harbor for Memorial Day. The Pier is out (no water or fuel) due to the Catalina Express crashing into it but they are hoping to have something workable by Memorial Day. Let me know what date you have in mind. Mid-summer, non-holiday weekend is probably best. It is always first come, first served.

Jeanne