Prime Cruising Time in Southern California

The good news for those of you who cut a fat hog or were otherwise able to take off early on a leisurely cruise down the California coast prior to sailing into Mexico is that it’s prime time in Southern California. We’re out at Catalina Island, laying to the hook on Harbor Reef, where yesterday’s weather was as nice as we’ve ever seen it. Temps in the high 70s, winds to 12 knots, pancake seas — and a moon that was either full or darn close to it. Even the lights of evil ‘Town’, 25 miles to the northeast, kind of made it look pretty. The one downside is the water temp, which is going to remain cold until such time as there is serious global warming.

For those of you headed south to join the few Baja Ha-Ha boats that are already here, we can’t recommend the Isthmus highly enough. If you’re on a budget, you can easily anchor for free on the backside in Cat Harbor, and a little less easily on the face. Or you can grab a mooring by just calling the friendly harbor staff. If you’re looking to get into cruising shape, there is terrific hiking all around the Isthmus area, with some spectacular vistas from the higher peaks. But it can be very hot and dry, so bring plenty of water. There is also plenty of flat water on both sides to practice SUP-ing.

Once you’ve gotten in all that exercise that feels so good, you can swing by the patio bar/restaurant for a cold beverage and/or food. The spinach salad is a delicious and healthy choice, while the Kobe burger is more of the former and less of the latter. And if there’s a game on, it will be on one of the flatscreens. If you spend all week on boat projects or catching up on sleep after a lifetime of work, you can look forward to live music and dancing on weekends. After all, it’s prime time.