Sailing a Hobie Tandem Island & Norstar Flicka from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island, October 2023

A quick overnight sail with my brother. Amazingly calm conditions for the Santa Barbara Channel on the way over, requiring us to motor for the entire outbound leg. Decent wind on the way back with all sailing once we left the island and got past the infamous "potato patch" between Santa Cruz Island & Santa Rosa Island. I have never seen so many Humpback Whales in the Channel! We had maybe 20 different sightings (including blows) but, unfortunately, we were never quick enough to catch any on camera. Also many bottlenose dolphins, birds and a curious seal. It was a GREAT trip aboard two (2) small but very capable vessels.

[@seewind]

Glad you got the sail up on the return leg. Can't beat that Suzuki 2.5 hp with the TI. Glad you had a wingman! Keep the videos coming!

[@tomlewis509]

Thanks. I love that Suzuki. There was no way to do this trip the day we left without it, unless you have world class leg power! It was a long slog, though, and earplugs were nice. We were ecstatic to be able to sail back.

[@seewind]

Yes, I am amazed how many times my Suzuki get used while in my TI on long sails.... Good to have when you are fighting head winds or currents too. @@tomlewis509

[@maxwellmark]

Thanks for sharing! That is a trip I’d like to do with my TI. I’ve been over several times on 25’ sailboat but haven’t had a chance to make it on the Hobie. My goal is to explore Painted Cave on Santa Cruz, stay the night then head back. This is a great time to go over too, weather permitting. Thanks again.

[@tomlewis509]

It really is a fun trip. This is our second trip. The first one was quite a bit tougher with rougher seas. Overnight is a definite as it's too far, even with good wind, to go out and back in one day. It can be done, but it would be a long, butt-killing journey. I hope you have a motor.

[@LittoralPinniped]

I recently purchased a Tandem Island. I really like your Ama Boards, can you tell me where you got those? What are their Brand names? Are they made for the TI or just improvised?

[@tomlewis509]

Regarding my hakas, check this out (hopefully the link works!) m.facebook.com/groups/1074859459313126/permalink/2825757514223303/?ref=share&mibextid=CDWPTG