Sailing Solo to Catalina Island and an overnighter at the Hen Rock Anchorage (April 2024)

In this episode, we depart for destination unknown. The was a gale with 30 kt winds the evening before and there was a small craft advisory the rest of the day. We contemplated anchoring at Island White within the Long Beach breakwaters or heading to Catalina. After poking our nose out of Angel's Gate, we quickly learned the seas were not as bad as we feared. We had a pleasant motor sail across the channel and did some casual light-wind sailing before eventually deciding to go to Hen Rock on Catalina Island. We Dropped the hook in a little over 45 feet of water and had a very pleasant overnighter. Easterly winds on the return meant for a great close reach back to San Pedro. We spotted 1 grey whale inside LA harbor when departing and cross our bow with a large fin whale on the return.

[@wonderboy6511]

Best advertisement for Catalina. Great content, as always, Mark.

[@keeldragger]

Thanks, James. I often feel that most people are attracted to the attractions at Avalon vs. enjoying the peace and quiet of the less developed coves. I certainly prefer the latter.

[@RandyWHorton]

Nice time out ❤

[@rbrt1465]

Love Hen Rock. Nice video Captain

[@keeldragger]

Thanks, Robert!

[@vincentrush7458]

Enjoyable viewing as usual, very chill this time over. Looks like a fella was sailing on the way back, Bravo !

[@keeldragger]

Pleasant surprise with the morning sail, especially that East wind.

[@sailingsole]

Nice whale sighting and it looked like a “super chill” time! 🤙🏼😂

[@keeldragger]

Here I was expecting rough weather and it turned out super chill.

[@ibra5]

Looking good Mark!

[@keeldragger]

Thanks! You making your way back down here one of these days?

[@Seabee441]

I am so jealous of you Keeldragger, sipping beer after a dinner if sausage tortilinna . Man a trip to Hen Rock is better than a trip to the doctor. . Hang in there good buddy

[@keeldragger]

Really enjoyed that last trip to the island!

[@glenngray1201]

We don’t say Good Buddy that’s a poke and someone you don’t like ..

[@svAeroNautical]

Looked like an excellent weekend trip. Sorry we came back early but looks like the weather is in our favor now for a while. Time to do some sailing!

[@keeldragger]

You had a good run for a few days!

[@glenngray1201]

I honestly didn’t think I’d see you the day after the blow , west end was rocking 13 -15 ft Two harbors had a lot of wind on it . Well you got away with it and turned out nice for you … By the way nothing in a jar or package is made from scratch Lol.. Thanks for sharing …

[@keeldragger]

I fully expected to stick my nose out of Angel's Gate and head right back behind the breakwaters but it turned out to be pretty mild overall. Conditions were way easier than NDBC NOAA forecast.

[@MasterBaiterFishing69]

I was wondering if you ever drop some bait in the water on those runs out? Keep on sailing!

[@keeldragger]

I have trolled with tuna plugs and spinners from time to time but not very often. Mostly bonitos.

[@TheInsultInvestor]

Hey wanna sail with me? Just got a boat in your area...

[@keeldragger]

Yeah, I'm down. What did you get?