Sailing Solo to Emerald Bay - Dana 24 (July 2019)

The first mate and I make an attempt to head for the Isthmus, Catalina Island on the 4th of July. Unfortunately, a bout of seasickness forces a change of plans. Instead, I sail solo to Emerald Bay.
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[@scable-eq7bp]

The Dana 24 is such a good boat, we have a 2003 Dana 24, we are based in Key West, Florida we sail to the Bahamas quite often and have taken her to St. Croix and back, its blue capabilities are truly amazing...

[@allans7281]

Pretty cool sleeping on the boat in that gorgeous island

[@keeldragger]

Yes it was!

[@RandyWHorton]

Another great v-log, I am still catching up from your past videos, very enjoyable. Cant wait to be doing the same in the near future. I have a little nonsuch 26' in Sand Diego that I have actually never sailed, bought her online site unseen....

[@keeldragger]

Nonsuch 26' looks like a fun boat! I do miss having a pocket cruiser--less expensive, easier to maintain & manage.

[@RandyWHorton]

@@keeldragger yes once you step up above 30 ‘ everything seems to cost more, I would love a bigger boat but just could not justify the added expenses at this time.

[@keeldragger]

The reality for me is the Dana 24 would have met most of my cruising needs and it would have no problems crossing oceans. It would just be slower and less comfort than my Valiant 40. That comfort and speed comes with the premium of added expenses but also additional complexity. So many systems and a few things are over engineered to the point there is always something needed to be addressed. That being said, having the ability to take a hot shower after a passage, make more water, and turn on the heater when it's cold outside is pretty damn nice!

[@RandyWHorton]

@@keeldragger yes creature comforts are always great. Personally I would love to have all the options but I also enjoy less maintenance. I guess it’s a individual choice and finance based. I am tempted to ad this ad that and then I stop myself as I always consider trying to keep it simple. I had purchased a Maldives 32’ catamaran in the Philippines however it didn’t pass inspection and didn’t go forward I guess that is why the price was great at only $39k 😃 PS but anything is better than decaf ….

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Emerald Bay is (almost) one of our favorites. It can be rolly and it can be crowded, but if neither, it is a great place to be! We always anchor out behind the rocks, but there are only a few spots there. We're heading out in the morning and are going to sail around the back side to Cat Harbor. Will probably stay about six days and anchor there and at Little Harbor. Look forward to your next vid!

[@keeldragger]

Enjoy your trip! Curious where you most like to anchor at Cat Harbor and what depths you're in.

[@WestcoastButcherBlock]

Ahoy Keeldragger, Clear as an Emerald in the 1970's. Thanks for your 4.0 knot video and sorry to see your mate return to Port on the abort... Happy Fourth of July 2019!!

[@keeldragger]

Thanks for the comment. To be fair, this was a 4.6 knot video! :-) Cheers!

[@brendanbarrow7301]

Hey love watching your videos! I have a macgregor 25 in dana point. My wife and I are heading to little harbor catalina this weekend. Maybe we will see you out there sometime!

[@keeldragger]

Little Harbor is awesome. Next time I go I'll make sure to use a stern anchor. Hopefully you won't have much a West swell. I don't think I'm headed to Catalina this coming weekend but definitely keep an eye out for me and say, "Hi!".

[@SailBeforeSunset]

@@keeldragger Hey, always kedge out a stern anchor at Little Harbor.

[@travellingsimon]

Great to see another Pacific Seacraft on the water. S/v Sastrugi, Pacific Seacraft 27, San Diego

[@keeldragger]

Appreciate the comment? Do you have an Orion?

[@sailingsunlinenorth3154]

great vid man.. I love it. thx for sharing this mate ..cheers

[@keeldragger]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@poche660]

I hear there are better seasickness remedies. I also hear others say the band does not work.

[@keeldragger]

She's tried a few. The prescription transderm scop patches have been generally successful, so this was a bit of an exception. Dramamine, ginger tablets, etc. have not been very effective.

[@carsonsadventures9665]

What yacht club do you belong to?

[@keeldragger]

I have not belonged to a yacht club for nearly 20 years

[@carsonsadventures9665]

@@keeldragger oh

[@carsonsadventures9665]

@@keeldragger Do you plan on joining a yacht club anytime soon or nah

[@keeldragger]

@@carsonsadventures9665 Nah. I am not anti-yacht club, but I have different priorities. Reasons I would consider a yacht club: 1/ if I got back into racing, 2/ if the yacht club provided access to slips or marinas that I could otherwise not use. I choose to prioritize my spare time these days actually cruising vs. attending yacht club social functions. Now if I lived somewhere where I only sailed seasonally vs. year-around, I'd reconsider joining a yacht club for the social aspect. Something to do in the off season.

[@carsonsadventures9665]

@@keeldragger oh ok well my grandpa has a power boat unfortunately he died in 2017 I think and now my dad and his brothers take over the boat but we take the 44ft power boat to Catalina every summer we go to moonstone and Avalon it’s pretty nice over I like watching your videos it relates me going over there so keep up the good work man and maybe I’ll see you over there some time

[@YourMom777-x3x]

First rule of yachting, always wear deck shoes. Second rule of yachting is, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR DECK SHOES!

[@keeldragger]

Now I'm thinking I should be wearing my deck shoes to FIGHT CLUB as well!

[@YourMom777-x3x]

@@keeldragger I’m looking for a Dana to buy. Any Leeds?

[@keeldragger]

I don't know of any specifically up for sale and it looks there are just a few on Yachtworld. Last I heard, the new owner of my Dana 24 wasn't using her very much. Maybe she will pop back up on the market. Not sure where you are looking to buy, but you could reach out to Mike @ Mariners Yacht & Ship Brokerage (he handled my sale).