Sailing Solo to Catalina Harbor for a 3-day cruising weekend (June 2024)

In this episode, we solo sail from San Pedro to Catalina Harbor, on the back side of Catalina Island. We join up with ‪@svAeroNautical‬ at the island. Under way, we work thru some light rain/reduced visibility and spot at least 5 blue whales and one (possibly) minke whale.

[@sebrofseven]

Wonderful Captain. I have been remiss lately watching your superb videos.

[@keeldragger]

Good to see you here again. Hope you are doing well, Mike!

[@sebrofseven]

@@keeldragger good to be back

[@martinreynolds7688]

Like watching your videos a lot! Looking forward to your off shore adventures very much

[@keeldragger]

Glad you like them, Martin. Planning for many more in the future.

[@wonderboy6511]

Hey Mark, love the sections of the video from the midst of a pod of whales. Next time you can stream it and show these creator kids what a real “podcast” is …

[@keeldragger]

Love it!

[@kylemacarthur3177]

Your video has me scanning the area for Grolsch Beer... Well done as always! AND, it is ALWAYS better to look good than to sail good...

[@keeldragger]

Stater Brothers in Riverside has it... I've seen it elsewhere but can't recall specifically.

[@wonderboy6511]

Used to be drinking buddies with a former member of a noteworthy Seattle grunge band, now the founding member of a yuge socal rock band. His bev of choice was Grolsch … which nearly matched his name.

[@keeldragger]

He does the best Christopher Walken impersonation.

[@robbraxmansailing]

Neat that you got there when the "Cat and Back" race is happening. You missed the partying at Two Harbors then :)

[@keeldragger]

It was pretty mild at TH before they arrived. I didn't see or hear the partying at anchor.

[@lhollander6335]

Love cooking with Keeldragger as always. My Cardiologist is accepting new patients, highly recommend 🤪

[@keeldragger]

No kidding. I need to clean up my act

[@maritimetees2315]

Good video, Mr. Keeldragger. I see you wearing your tees. Good for you. The boat looks great! Hope to see you at the meet-up. It's a bit of a haul for me from Ventura, but I will definitely try.

[@keeldragger]

Hope you make it. If not, I'll catch up with you in Ventura one of these days. Love the tees! I'll be ordering more.

[@markwright3005]

Been watching your videos for awhile, always look forward to them. I have a question for you, how are you solar panels mounted to the Bimini top? I would like to add some to my but not sure about putting hole in it. thanks

[@keeldragger]

Hi Mark. The prior owner had some cut outs on the bimini frames to accommodate the solar panels. In essence, holes but they were purpose built with the bimini. I currently have 2 x 125W panels and will soon be upgraded to 2 X 250W panels. The new panels are almost the same size.

[@markwright3005]

@@keeldragger thanks for the info, keep up the story telling very entertaining.

[@greencoastdesigns9492]

What do you think the crossing conditions will be like this Sunday ?

[@keeldragger]

Forecast is still a few days out but I expect the typical mild conditions with light winds in the morning, possible from SE turning into 10 kts give or take from W in the afternoon. 4-6FT waves from W and SW. Hopefully you can sail it, would be a little lumpy if you had to motor.

[@greencoastdesigns9492]

Thank you !!

[@keeldragger]

Not going to the island this weekend but give me a shout if you see me out there!