At 05:55 AM 7/5/01 +0000, You wrote:
>Ok Bill,
>
>We're all waiting for your observations, and pictures of the trip to 
>Santa Cruz Island.

Okay... You asked for it...

This trip ranked up there as one of the best sailing experiences I've ever
had. At one point during the trip, Gary had mentioned something along the
lines that having a relatively long range destination adds a whole new
element to cat sailing. I had a similiar observation when I started racing
my boat, that it differed very much from recreational sailing. Now, I can
add a third element to my cat sailing inventory: Channel crossings to the
Channel Islands. 

I must say, I approached this trip with some trepidation. The last crossing
attempt resulted in a failure. (See www.catsail.com). While I had
experienced conditions nasty enough to turn me around, I still had not seen
the Channel at it's worst. Nice days can go to hell quickly in this area. 

So we prepared for the worst.

One comforting aspect of this trip was that Gary's appreciation for safety
was right up there with mine. The boat was tuned for heavy air. The safety
inventory included communications, 2 GPS units, food and water, a compass,
whistles, and various signalling devices, including marker dye, aerial and
handheld flares, and smoke. (Actually I once commented that the radio may
be needed in case of explosion, since we had so many incinderies on the boat!) 

We had both kept a close eye on weather conditions. There are numerous
resouces on the web which allow monitoring of wind and wave conditions in
this area. Also, Mark Michealson had provided an accurate synopsis of
conditions in the area, saying "You are going to have a beautiful weekend."

Once rigged, the boat had an "expedition" look to it, with the 2 bright
yellow waterproof bags on the forward cargo trampoline. Gary had the
foresight to rig the bags with both a short tiedown, as well as a long
lanyard. In this way, we could cut the bags loose in a capsize (should they
inhibit righting the boat), then retreive them with the lanyards after
righting. 

About 1 foot aft of the forward beam was a large tramp bag, which would be
used to stow stuff we'd use during the trip. Just foward of this bag and on
the bag itself were the sheets, halyards, and furling lines I'd be handing.
Quite a change from my H16, where I've got 2 jib sheets. If you want to get
an idea of the crews area of Gary's boat, go to your local Italian
restaurant and order up a plate of fettucini alfredo. The jib furler would
that noodle near the center of your plate.

Once out of the harbor, we had relatively light winds under a marine layer
with maybe a mile of visibility. Around 12 noon, the wind had become very
light.  It was a strange feeling to be sitting in glassy water with no land
reference in any direction. I noted a strange illusion, in which surf
appeared to be breaking on the horizon. Maybe a distant fog bank playing
tricks with the eyes. Anyone else on the list seen this?

Soon the wind picked up, and we were making progress again. Somewhere
around 1:30 or 2pm I noted shapes appearing in the mist. "LAND HO!!!!" we
both yelled. The GPS's had us right on target. 

Approaching our first landing point, the wind was very light. At one point
Gary started paddling, but abandoned this effort when it was obvious it
would take too much time out of the day. (Note: When you are approaching a
land mass with no man-made objects, it is not real easy determining
distance. Hmmm...is that rock as big as a breadbox or as big as a car?)

To get back out, I took my turn at the paddle, at which time the wind
picked up, and I put the paddle away. Hopefully, the next trip will produce
similar results as we take our turns paddling. 

As we approached the beach at Scorpion, the wind was very light again, and
the boat slowed to a crawl just short of shore. I had the dock line at hand
as I prepared to jump in. Now... The water is VERY clear in this area, and
the distance estimation thing came into play again. Is this water 2 feet
deep or 10 feet deep? As the boat stopped, I needed to make my move. Waist
deep was the answer, and I walked the boat in. 

We enlisted the help of some other island visitors in getting the boat
pulled up high on the beach, then went for a short walk to the campground.
There is a ferry which brings visitors to the island, and the campground
was near capacity. We also met a ranger who gave us quite a bit of
information for our future visit. He mentioned good places to hike, as well
as "Painted Cave", a quarter mile long sea cave with a 160 ft high entrance
that we could sail the Mystere into. (Mental note: No wind in caves. Only
enter if Gary's turn to paddle).

When it was time to go we needed to get the boat turned around at the
water's edge. I winched at the sound of rocks on the hulls. We encountered
some fickle winds at the east end of the island, and decided to abandon our
landing at Smuggler's Cove. At 5:30pm, it was getting late and time to head
for home. The conditions on the way home were better, with moderate winds
in the area of 18 kts or so. It was enough to fly a hull most of the 2hr
trip home. 

The journey ended at the Ventura Harbor ramp dock, as we pulled up in the
golden light of a setting sun. It was a feeling of accomplishment unlike
any other I've had in quite some time. Later, a friend had congratulated me
on "conquering the Channel". I told him no one "conquers" the channel, nor
any part of the Ocean. Rather, the Ocean decides if you make it through or
not. The only control you have is to try and predict conditions and prepare
for the worst. Even in the calm conditions of that day, I felt we were "on
the back of a sleeping lion." 

We first talked about an organized group trip for our second journey. But
later we realized that such an outing may attract those not entirely
qualified for the hazards this trip can produce. Rather, we have have
decided to let those on the list know the specifics of our next trip.
Anyone is welcome to join us on the island, with the understanding that
your trip would be independent and must be fully self sufficient in the
area of safety and provisions.

Bill