Where to Find Slips in San Diego
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
With the start of the 2008 Baja Ha-Ha rally just three weeks away, the 180-boat fleet is now trickling into San Diego Bay, having bid goodbye to homeports as far north as Alaska. The question on many skippers’ minds is "Where can we find a slip?"
While temporary berthing is typically tight in San Diego, many boats are finding slips this year, especially in the smaller sizes. At this writing, for example, there are at least a half dozen slips available at the Shelter Island Harbor Police docks, for the very reasonable rate of $10.50/day (for the first five days) for boats 55 feet and under — double that for larger boats. Call the Police Mooring Office for details at (619) 686-6227. Also on Shelter Island, Koehler Kraft has availability in a great location for $7.50/ft/week or $1.50/ft/nt — $60/nt for a 40-footer (see www.koehlerkraft.com).
At nearby Harbor Island, both Cabrillo Isle and Sunroad Marinas have availability in various sizes. Cabrillo Isle, a longtime Ha-Ha sponsor is offering all registered boats a 10% discount off their normal rates — i.e. about $55/nt for a 40-footer. Call (619) 297-6222. Sunroad is offering temporary slips at a pro-rate off their normal monthly rates — i.e. about $25/nt for a 40-footer. Call (800) 350-0736.
Ha-Ha sponsor Pier 32, in Chula Vista, has already accommodated a couple of dozen Ha-Ha boats, and they have room for more at 30% off their normal $1/ft/nt rate — about $28/nt for a 40-footer. Call (800) 729-7547.
As mentioned earlier, the Mooring Office has set up a special Ha-Ha anchorage at Glorietta Bay. Swing by the Shelter Island Police dock to get your permit.
Note also that Ha-Ha sponsor Downwind Marine will be holding their annual Welcome to San Diego Party, October 19 at noon (registered crews only). Call (619) 224-2733 for details. Downwind is also hosting a series of worthwhile cruising seminars all month long.
Many past participants say the best thing about the Ha-Ha is the concrete deadline it gives potential cruisers. And that deadline is fast approaching — so tear up that ‘to do’ list, skippers, pack the essentials and cast off those docklines!