Catalina Island, the Quick Escape from Los Angeles

Two Harbors at the isthmus of Catalina remains in 2022 as it was 30 years ago, an emerald green safe harbor just offshore, accessible only by boat. Lots of boats.

[@heimbatman4516]

Great vid, also reading your book...quite a delightful read - hoping to do the same someday, from San Diego...also originally from New Jersey (Cranford)

[@adrenazanetti3660]

I learned to sail some 50 years ago growing up in Sicily and my first sail after going to the usa was to Catalina! I loved 2 harbors! Then spent the next 20 odd years sailing the caribbean and trips back to Europe, home in Palermo living aboard my sailboat. The first boat I bought as a young girl Erwin was a precision sloop 23’ and became a stick boat captain lol! Now after retirement I’ve finally 55 years later lol got my Beneteau Oceanis 40 as my home and am heading from the Caribbean to the pacific once the Panama Canal is well not a month long voyage 🙄. I can’t wait to sail into 2 harbors again! Love your sea storytelling and well your experience knowledge and vision of life sailing and the world! Thanks so much for sharing! Fair winds and fins up salty dog!!

[@wednesdaycherenkov2633]

A delight seeing you sail with your better half -- please tell her thank you for being on camera. Once again, a marvelous video!

[@NotYourEverydayTrav]

this channel never fails to amuse me. the humor is as dry as my excema but i love it much more than that

[@keeldragger]

I've been to Catalina so many times and it never gets old.

[@ZuZuPeddles1]

It was nice to share some time with your better half. Bless you both. Happy sailing Capt.

[@rollonfresh]

Just brilliant. Love the narration and philosophical nuggets. 10.00..

[@treywest268]

Welcome back my friend!!! I have missed your wit, wisdom, and travels! I hope this becomes a bit more regular in the postings. You truly are one of my most favorite channels to watch.

[@sailingsjofagel]

Oh Mr Williams, again a masterpiece in storytelling. I've been ever so amused, as with all of your episodes. Thank you.

[@jeffersonfreet]

Love your narrations. They're fun, honest and playful. They remind me of the original Endless Summer.

[@MrDazP1adv3ntures]

I love your story telling Christian.

[@matteo.borbonese]

Love your way of describing experiences, and love your sailing style...much more than all this new generation "sailor-influencers".

[@briane173]

I've decided that some people are impervious to change -- and I'm one of them. When I was a kid my family owned a Columbia 50 -- at the time the largest production sloop made, and the sleek lines and it's gorgeous cabin, from the mind of Bill Tripp, made it my #1 favorite racing/cruising supersloop. The designs coming out today, while admittedly _fast,_ have the look of a trowel with a keel on it. Space-age sail material, multiple rudders, multiple keels, multiple wheels, do away with the sleek lines of a classic sailboat and reduce it to a simple one-design racing machine that loses the mystique of classic offshore sailboats with classic designs -- tons of overhang, angled-in transoms, flush decks, and gorgeous lines. The Beneteau, in my opinion, has got to be the ugliest fashioned sailboat in existence; Jeanneau is not far behind. Just 'way too techy and looks like it was designed by a teenager who just added stuff as they went along. I pine for the time I sailed competitively a half century ago, in a boat that turned heads and people envied for its beauty and its prowess on the race course.

[@matteo.borbonese]

@@briane173 I used to be a sailor, even professionally, when i was young (44 now, and unfortunately I didn't find a way to go back sailing in the last few years... especially when i moved to L.A., not having any sailing connection s here) and i was there when the changes in design arrived. I have to say that some newer projects are nice anyway. I love the new Amel for example. But the classic boats are really unforgettable!

[@raulthepig5821]

You make me miss the days of sailing to Catalina Island, especially to the isthmus. Fun times. Glad to see you using the plastic spatula this time instead of a metal one on the Teflon-coated pan. Good to see you on KZbin again.

[@hideycrank]

Hi Christian, my husband and I have been waiting for a new video from you, it has been a while so we were concerned. Thank you so much for sharing your dream with us. Lisa Crank From Michigan.

[@mikewendorf19682009]

Very well done!!!!! Keep them coming, take care!

[@svamour4574]

Love your story telling and humor and knowledgeable view of life. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@stevewhite791]

Awesome...the drumming at the end got me, totally my Dad. You're a gift Christian.

[@rockymnthodad3047]

heavy drum riffs, you Rock !, I mean ...you Jazz !..swinging man !! :))

[@stephenrichie4646]

You help me remember fondly my active sailing years, now-in my dotage-some 30 years astern. I salute you for the life you’ve built for yourself.

[@JohnSmith-ed1sr]

Christian , your videos are among my favorite on KZbin. I watch your videos almost every night to help me sleep. Your voice is soothing and I love the learning you offer. You subtle humor is magnificent please keep making videos. Wish I could buy you a beer for all the nights you have helped my stress level , thank you so much

[@doubleuponbob3397]

Christian, you are a great storyteller. Thank you for your videos ❤

[@fasteddy07]

Thank you for inviting us along on your family Holiday on beautiful Catalina Island!

[@thejp6713]

Your narrations and videos are a treasure!

[@clifflong1203]

Wow, what else is there to add? A complete tour de force of Catalina replete with jazz kitchen syncopation to boot! Love it!💪👌

[@steveclaxton5833]

I just love watching your videos. Could watch again and again .

[@victoriarisovanny117]

Thank you for featuring my beagle! It was lovely to meet you and your wife :)

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Where would evolution be without the Beagle? Good on ya, and Tracy is a fan.

[@pamelabewley1685]

Truly love your videos, makes me want to face my fear of the ocean. Your family and wife are amazing! Keep the videos coming!!!

[@goodiesspeedmarine6783]

always good to see you out on the water great video with a little history.

[@thebentley71]

Doug Bombard owned that restaurant for years. He's 96 now. He was born & raised on the island. He also owns both the Catalina Express ferries, & his two sons are the Captains. I believe Greg is 74 & the other son is 72. Still working. Probably retire when there around 80 like their father Doug. Doug's my hero. He knew all the movies stars. John Wayne considered Doug one of his best friends. Right before the Duke died, he went to The Isthmus & to Doug's restaurant & said Bombard get out here. I'm sure they greeted with a big hug, the Duke told Bombard the cancer has spread all over. He said he would be going to his wife's ranch in Mexico, she was a beautiful mexican woman from Mexico. I believe he died in a hospital near his home in California. He was going to build a big nice estate there on Catalina, & had even asked Mr Rigley for permission, but it just wasn't in the cards for him. Bombard also found Natalie Woods' body, he knew the island & the water currents in the ocean like the back of his hand. I hope to make Catalina my home very soon. May Peace, health, happiness, & love, be over abundant in your lives. Bentley.

[@jasonvg5598]

I always find your stories are like a favorite book that I enjoy reading over and over again. Thanks for sharing.

[@lastmanstanding1954]

thanx chris another fine show ......

[@tropepe]

An amazing episode. So much artistry, time, thought, and effort you must have put into it. A-shame KZbin rewards the quickly shot, but ever consistent, (v)logger style creators. Please do not stop making your style videos.

[@brianstevens9924]

I so love your narratives, and your writing. I hope that one day folks will awake to you and your spirit…

[@JohnSmith-it4sv]

Looking good my friend. Thank you for sharing

[@theodorecivettajr1163]

Another winner. Thank you mr w.

[@michaelholden3049]

So many people on your boat. Us YT viewers are not used to this. Hope you had a great time, thanks for bringing us along.

[@joelw2023]

Your wife is a good sport. I'm happy to se her join you aboard for one of your safer journeys. Thanks for another great vid, cap.

[@BarrisShao]

The Dinghy Raft Up at 15:50 is part of the Beneteau Rendezvous event at Two Harbors. I was at the Isthmus a week prior with another yachting company for their Rendezvous. Thanks for showing this!

[@redtailpunk]

Christian, as a Palos Verdes kid, this video hit closer to home than most. Even in a second watch, your videos never fail to add a little smile to my day. Please continue to inspire us with your youthful, joyful adventures on the seas. All the best now from the far east Med

[@redtailpunk]

PS: The southern tip looks remarkably what I imagine much of the PV and local area looked liked before Europeans arrived. Apparently there was hardly a tree you couldnt look over on the peninsula before we started planting all you'll find there today

[@jeep1070]

So glad you are back.

[@burkelong4376]

Your whimsical travelogues are always entertaining. Often, they're informative. Sometimes adventurous. But always a delight. Thank you, Christian.

[@richardrouse2283]

Enjoyed the transom tour. And the teakettle bebop is a nice finish!

[@Nicoantonio42]

Such great content. I’m very excited to say I found an Ericson Alberg 35 that will become my first ocean sailing vessel

[@DougieL]

Another wonderfully shared adventure. Your narration is addictive, your habits are similar to mine (minus the pipe), although my wife shouts at me when I play the drums with kitchen utensils... :(

[@hannahrosa5485]

Thank you once again. I'll watch this again tomorrow. Fair winds.

[@SeaYaSailing]

I love it, I just found your channel. Going back to the beginning. Nice to see an old grumpy sailing codger like me in the mix. Love the no non sense reporting, say hey to the missus, and hope you have a safe sail always.

[@richard9316]

This is the gold standard of sailing channels.

[@stub2022]

Loves me a Mai Thai. Great seeing Mrs. Thelonius, 😁🍷

[@christiangarner9819]

You captured it! I grew up there in the early ‘70s enjoying a Cal 40, the Isthmus YC (civil war barracks) and remember the guy who would walk the road playing bag pipes at sunset. It’s still there! Cheers.

[@obieandlaurie]

Just missed you as we were there with Capt Lori (Asa 104, 114). Cat Harbor was a magical place to anchor and wake up to, hope to return soon. Cheers, 🍻

[@jaydubya4727]

"Oh boy! A new Christian Williams (sailing?) video!!" - what a magnificent early morning surprise! Thank you for making my morning.

[@rosco950ss7]

Brilliant. Thoroughly enjoy your story telling with a mix of humour, wisdom, history, its all in there. Was quick to view once I saw you in my feed again! Have always wanted to see Catalina Island but its quite distance from NewZealand, unless I one day purchase that sail boat on the West coast and sail home - via Catalina island of course! And your right - kids dont remember, at least not the things you want them too! (Said with a laugh)

[@rockerbob949]

It’s a wonderful place. I grew up going over on my Dads boat since before I can remember. I love Catalina island!

[@louisfbrooks]

Another great video by my favorite sailing channel. All we can ask for is MORE!

[@dougburton001]

I live in Vancouver, Canada and I'm just about to leave for a week of sailing in the Gulf Islands. How perfect to kick it off with your tour of Catalina on Thelonious. I've always wondered what it's like there. Surprised to see how calm that water was on the trip over. Is that normal for summer? Thanks for continuing to make these little gems.

[@ulrichwinkler2139]

The drum solo at the end was fantastic. Does your wife think so too? Thanks for the great video.

[@southernpaths2986]

Your percussion skills have improved markedly from the Hawaii trip!! I will soon be buying an Island Packet 380 to be named “Charlie Bird” in homage to your “Thelonius”. We’ll be cruising the Gulf coast of Florida with plans to see the Bahamas and later swing south through the eastern Caribbean.

[@KenWallaceFilms]

Many great memories sailing our Westsail 28 to Two Harbors with friends in the mid 90s. We would leave Marina Del Rey at night and arrive on the island after dawn. The night sails across were lovely.

[@OgamiItto70]

I grew up on a boat in Marina del Rey. We often sailed over to Catalina for a weekend or a 3-day weekend or maybe even longer if Dad's vacation could be lined up with school vacation. We saw the touristy Avalon a few times, then gravitated toward the West End: Isthmus Cove and Cat Harbor. We found a hole in Cat Harbor where we could anchor way far in. Many adventures were had over the years there. One night, early on, I was lying there in my berth, trying to go to sleep, but something seemed wrong. It took me a few minutes to figure it out. I was lying in _my_ bunk on _our_ boat, the bunk I slept in all the time, but something was different. Then it hit me: No traffic noise. Back on the mainland, every minute of every day there's the background radiation of traffic noise--a companion so constant that you forget it even exists. And there was no light pollution, either. It gets _really_ quiet and _really_ dark there at night. I rolled over and slept deeply. I always slept well at the Isthmus or Cat Harbor after that.

[@cnc75adventures49]

You always do such a nice job sharing a little time with us thank you 👍👍

[@robertisley798]

Familiar blissful memories of Two Harbors. Thanks for the view to my memories. Bob F27 #444 Oceanside Ca.

[@makingwaves8393]

Thank you 🙏 Christian, loved this video. What a cool spot. I really appreciate your videos. They are wonderful and very entertaining!☀️

[@GPSJayDog22]

Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@gokhanozertan]

I am surprised to see a more personal video this time and have totally enjoyed it. Your previous videos were mostly based on the relationship between you and your boats. You may think that you have shared enough of your long trips 😊 Thank you.

[@y0ur_name_here]

Thank you sir for another wonderful gift.

[@mnbsay9548]

Thank you for another sailing escape. Maybe some day.

[@dtbetter2277]

Hello from Long Island NY. I am planning to finally take a few sailing courses at the start of 2023 and hopefully starting sailing on my own by spring. Always looking forward to and enjoy watching each of your new episode. Cheers!!

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

You might enjoy Introduction to Sailing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqjCcmmudpuZfpo

[@dtbetter2277]

@@ChristianWilliamsYachting Thank you. I will definitely check it out.

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

Just a couple of days ago I was thinking, Geez, seems like a long time since we've seen Christian -- and then here you are. Another delightful video. It's always great to spend time with you. Enjoyed the tour of that part of Catalina. I'm a San Diego native -- now living in TN, however -- and I've never been there. If/when I get back to So Cal, I'll have to make it a priority. Good to see your wife, and nice that you got to make that trip. Looks like fun and very relaxing. Continued good health and happiness!

[@parkerssafes]

Always great. Thank you sir.

[@margiegandy9189]

Really enjoy your videos. Loved the implied annoyance of your drumming, but I can tell, she secretly enjoys your special skills ;)

[@hughfoley1609]

Christian Williams- The thinking sailors sailor!! Loving your view on sailing and living.

[@stub2022]

The genius of perspective. Maybe the CabSauv talking. 😁

[@delta85us2000]

Man I love love your films!!

[@waterman3230]

Great video and I love the commentary and humor! Keep it up!

[@danpinsonsax]

Haven’t sailed to the isthmus since 1973. Cool to hear Lullaby of Birdland in the background. You must be a Monk fan.

[@roswellrogers6355]

Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it.

[@Ramenscooter]

Love your post!

[@azv503]

Love every minute of your videos.

[@SVZonda]

The big FOAM thing that kids can play on, while their parents watch from the safety yet dry cockpit, is called a Lilly Pad!! Go figure... All the best Richard

[@mikeb9223]

Spent many days there as kid on my folks boat, what a great life

[@Boardupman]

Very enjoyable, thank you for sharing.

[@Josh-of-all-Trades]

Instant 'like' before the video even starts. I can't get enough!

[@danielwardin4688]

If you keep track of these things, I didn't get a notification (am subscribed two three years now) but found you on my KZbin queue. Great video -- I've always wanted to go to not Avalon but Two Harbors. Regards.

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Thanks. As I understand it, notifications are on/ off by choice of KZbin users (in KZbin settings). Content providers have no control of alerts to their new videos, I suppose because such an ability would be radically abused....

[@larswetterstrom7209]

Yea Christian Williams again. It was some time ago. But I like his attitude. Greetings from Sweden.

[@jasonm4695]

You were missed. Thanks for this.

[@observer7418]

She shows such restraint with you drumming. haha jk. I like your channel. Living the good life.

[@AllenIsbell]

After binging all of your videos, I've been waiting patiently for a new one! Thanks!

[@stevenholton438]

Bingeing methinks

[@AllenIsbell]

@@stevenholton438 Either way is acceptable

[@nameRICHARD]

Just lovely - Thank you!

[@stub2022]

Ah, the much-awaited jazz interlude. 😊

[@elinicfurniture6860]

Another beautiful and informative video. Thank you from Georgian Bay sailors, Canada

[@paulsautocm]

Come for the sailing stay for the knife and spoon accompaniment. Thanks for taking us along

[@sammyvh11]

Thank you for the Catalina tour!

[@kailaniandi]

Now I really miss my little kettle! Great spot, and I will be there soon

[@MikeB-in1nd]

40 years ago I would sail my Laguna 26 out of Newport to Avalon which was a 210 compass heading it's beautiful there.

[@mikenelson1387]

Just return from the Isthmus today. However we didn’t have a drummer or a story teller as good as you.

[@dutchflats]

Always wonderful...

[@billgilroy6008]

Excellent - Thanks!

[@jonathanalea]

Great video Christian… as always

[@user-retsailor]

I completed a boat dive in Avalon Harbor in 1977 as part of my dive qualifications. Kelp bed right at the edge of the moorages back then, 70 feet of water, small sharks, garabaldi. Didn't go ashore but it was enjoyable for an 18-year old kid who had almost 1-year into the Navy and was seeking a diving adventure. There was an old story of diamonds in a safe at the bottom of that harbor from years back; don't know if that was real or fictional. Exciting nevertheless.

[@cardudeman6104]

Loved this video! Thanks so much for sharing.