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The Channel Islands Trip Part I by Bill Mattson I have been a recreational sailor for about 30 years, which is close to 3/4 of my life. (Go ahead, do the math). While I started on small day sailors, I started sailing catamarans about 10 years ago. Compared to the Sea Snark and Sunfish monohulls that I started sailing on, I found the cats to be a step above in more than just performance. They demanded a bit more attention, competence, and skill. I hold nothing against small monohull sailors. While I have not been on a Sunfish for a long time, I know I could take one out tomorrow and have a great time. But I know I would not approach the "edge" you experience trapped out on a catamaran in decent winds. You’re at high speed as far as sailing is concerned, with the boat and wind demanding your full attention. While I have a high regard for sailing safety, and the need to "know one’s limitations", it is important to push these limitations to a reasonable degree. You are not going to advance your skill level unless you do so. The trick is to know the risks, minimize what ones you can, and evaluate the ones you will be forced to deal with. Originally from the Chicago area, most of my sailing has been done on lakes. I moved to California in 1980, and still spent most of my time on lakes or the occasional ocean harbor. My "limit pushing" was usually encountered when the winds would come up. Every sailor has been there. You stand on the shore looking at the whitecaps and bending tree tops. The heart rate goes up. You either decide to take it on, or you pack it up and go home. Note that both decisions are honorable in their own way. While you should be proud of taking on challenging conditions, never ever be ashamed of knowing your limitations. But again, you should push them on occasion. While I sailed quite a bit in Channel Islands Harbor near Oxnard California, I began to flirt my limits by venturing out past the breakwater. Later, ocean sailing became routine, and maybe a bit too comfortable. While on a 17’ McGregor Venture Cat with my nephew, we capsized in heavy surf off of Silverstrand Beach and just about destroyed the boat. The sea has a habit of humbling sailors every now and then. It’s time to crank up the limits another notch. This year, my 15 year old son and I, along with Frank Pineau and his crew will attempt to cross the Santa Barbara Channel in 2 Hobie 16s. The destination is Santa Cruz Island, part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, approximately 20 miles from Santa Barbara Harbor. We plan on camping overnight on the island, and returning the following day.  While this trip may be a picnic for advanced sailors, I am not ashamed to say it will be a challenge for us. The channel has some of the most unpredictable conditions around. At 10 miles off shore, the depth is only 80 feet. This shallow water, combined with Santa Ana winds which can attain gale force with little notice can create some very hazardous conditions. Fog can materialize quickly if the conditions are right, which can pose significant problems since the channel accommodates a major shipping lane. Another significant risk will be the cold water temperature. If we have any problems out there, we are going to have to be dressed to deal with the cold. Since Santa Anas occur from November into April, and fog is possible thorough a good part of the summer, we will most likely be taking this trip in late July or August. |
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Until then, we will spend time researching, training and equipping our boats
for the trip. All aspects will be documented for our readers, from the
technical aspects of the trip to the scenic beauty of the island.
Note that this series is by no means a "how to" guide. If this series gives some sailors ideas for a similar trip, it may provide some basic information. But we expect all such readers to make these articles a | 
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small part of their overall research, and most importantly, to know their own limitations. But
whether you plan such a trip or not, I hope you share in our adventure
through these articles. Also, we welcome any contributions and information
you may have regarding this trip.
Thanks for tagging along. Bill Mattson mattson@earthlink.net Back to Features |