Catalina and Channel Islands

Discover the world of cruising on three to five day cruise to Catalina Island, Santa Barbara Island, and the Northern Channel Islands.  These cruises are for sailors who have completed Basic Cruising 1, or have intermediate sailing skill.  Each trip is designed to introduce you to offshore sailing, help you gain confidence to cruise your own boat.


 

All About Anchoring and Navigation on a
Weekend Catalina Cruise

Discover the world of cruising aboard our Catalina 42, Betty. Your weekend starts off with an overview of safety gear and procedures.  You will then get underway and experience a full day of sailing.  Along the way, this course answers the practical questions you have about navigating your way to Catalina.  After arriving at Catalina you will anchor near Emerald Bay for the evening.  Saturday will be spend setting bow and stern anchors at Little Fisherman before working our way down east and anchoring in four or five coves underway for a tour of the best north side anchorages.  Sunday we will navigate our way home to Newport.  Crew members participate in all aspects of boat handling including steering, navigation, sail handling, log keeping, anchoring, and cleanup. Experience is the real teacher when it comes to navigation and anchoring.  For many new cruisers the primary, concern once they arrive at Catalina, is having to anchor out if no moorings are available.  This course will make solving that problem an interesting and satisfying experience and serves as the gateway to self-reliance and an excellent preparation for Bareboat Cruising Certification.

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Northern Channel Islands Cruising

A cruise to the Channel Islands aboard our Catalina 42, Betty is a great way to explore this incredible area for the first time. Known for their rugged and pristine beauty and their windy coastlines, the islands make for challenging and spectacular cruising. Weather permitting, the cruises include visits to Anacapa, Santa Cruz and either Santa Rosa or San Miguel Islands. Most nights are spent at anchor, with ample time for exploring ashore. Everyone rotates duties on board including sail handling, steering, anchoring, watch standing, and cleanup.

The cruise is designed for sailors who’ve acquired intermediate skills on smaller boats, and is perfect to sailors seeking an introduction to overnight cruising. The cruise fee includes all permits and meals.

Students who have earned a Basic Cruising Certification may complete their Bareboat Cruising Certification on this cruise. An additional fee of $50 will apply. Please contact the office if you choose this option.

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Cruising Catalina and Santa Barbara Island

Join us for a nighttime passage and three-day sailing adventure to Santa Barbara Island, the smallest of the California Channel Islands, located 38 miles west of San Pedro. 

After arriving at Santa Barbara Island, crewmembers will anchor the boat for the night.  You will have an opportunity to snorkel and explore ashore.  The following day will include a visit to Elephant Seal Cove, and a passage to Isthmus Cove on Catalina Island.  Crewmembers participate in all aspects of the offshore cruise including trip preparation, steering, navigation, watch standing, sail handling, log keeping, and cleanup.  This is an ideal opportunity to get beyond Catalina as you learn more about big boat cruising.

  • Prerequisite:  Completion of Basic Cruising 1 or equivalent.

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