Big Ocean Small Boat

What a great trip. What a special place.

Heading back from Santa Rosa Island

It was great to take H and C on our first real family cruise to anchor out in beautiful coves somewhere this genuinely wild.

Seals, dolphins, eagles, starfish, abalone, and pelicans. Sailing, swiming, kayaking, and zooming around on the Zodiac. Sea caves, beaches, canyons, and trails. Great to be a kid cruising the California Coast.

It’s part of how we’ve always imagined we would help Charlotte see the world and grow up well rounded and adventurous.

Thanks to Brian and Bambi for joining us.

When does it blow 20+ knots NW at sunset in Santa Monica bay? When you need to deliver your boat double-handed overnight to Santa Barbara, of course!

Brian gets some shuteye

Turns out that there was a fairly steep pressure gradient in the area from Tropical Storm Ivo hanging around off Baja.

In truth, we got some nice sailing in, which we didn’t expect, but if made for a longer trip than expected, since the wind was (of course) right on the nose.

Buy:

• 25′ 5/16 chain + Anchor swivel
• Chafing Gear
• Chain Hook
• Left stove burner thermocouple

Do:

• Batten pocket end protector for cruising main (buy from North?)
• NPS San Miguel Hiking Permit?
• Nature Conservancy Landing Permit
• Fishing License

Remember (car):

• Zodiac w/ oars + Pump + Outboard
• BBQ and rail clamp + Fuel
• Railmount cupholders
• Fishing tackle
• Railmount fishing rod holders

Remember (delivery):

• Shorepower

Double-check (pre-delivery):

• Fuel
• Water
• Ice
• LPG
• Anchor Roller Bolts
• Channel Island Charts