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Learn to Sail with Capt. Dan |
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Prisoners Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
The DebateDepending upon on whom you rely for expert advice - Fagan or the backside of the plastic charts - Prisoners is either almost as good as Pelican or Prisoners is only suitable if there is no room in Pelican.They're only a mile or so apart, and frankly, we side with the Pelican group if only because you generally get a smoother ride at anchor.
On the other, hand, Prisoners can accommodate far more boats and only a single hook is required. It's easy to get ashore and no landing permit is required. As long as you turn left when leaving the beach area, you're in the National Park. Turn right, and you're out of bounds unless you have a Nature Conservancy permit.
ApproachWe generally depart Ventura or Channel Islands about 1000. Most days, that means we're motoring toward platform Grace. By the time we get there, we usually have sailable wind. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. It's a pretty bad day if you can't spot Prisoners Anchorage, but in low visibility, it's still easy to work your way around from Cavern Pt. to Coches Pt. then across Chinese Harbor to Prisoners. The landscape is easy to recognize, but the pier, which you'd think would be very prominent is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. If in doubt of your position due to fog, stay on the 20 fathom curve and you'll remain clear of all obstructions. On a clear day, the sightseeing is spectacular in close.
How we did it, specificallyThe western wall of the anchorage is best protected; however, it's not THAT great over there that you want to risk getting in extremely tight. On the other hand, on holiday weekends, with a huge gaggle of boats lying to anchor, we have found ourselves lined up there on two hooks to keep from swinging into the cliff or each other. Normally, we head to a spot near the mooring ball. When we were there last, there were two yachts moored beach-side from us, and two anchored farther out. The boat closest to the beach had set his anchor in line with the end of the pier, which, according to the chart, put him in about 10' of water at MLLW. If you're going in that close, check the tide tables carefully. If you've got a fairly up-to-date chart plotter, that information is right at hand.
Click your cursor on the T on the chart and you'll have the info right at hand.
Going AshoreThe last time we visited, we enjoyed a very calm day and rowing the dinghy or kayak to and onto the beach was no problem. There is a steep gradient at the beach, so if you jump off on the seaside, you'll likely find yourself up to your armpits or, maybe, swimming. The beach is made of rocks of 4-12 inches. Not comfortable for bare feet. If the weather is less clement, head for the SE corner of the anchorage, where it stays smooth the longest. It's also possible to stay dry by landing at the pier and dragging your dinghy to the beach. You'll need about a 15' painter to do that.
HazardsNone that aren't charted or visible.
Landing Permits RequiredIf you intend to go ashore and head west, you'll need a landing permit ($40 for all year) from the Nature Conservancy. go to permit for a pdf form, mailing and e-mailing instructions.If you plan to stay in the vicinity of the pier or head east, no permit is required. UpdatesLatest update: Mooring Ball was nowhere in sight in July 08. Maybe out for repairs; maybe gone for good. If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. Dan. His e-mail link and phone are below.
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If you're not so equipped, use the link at the top of the page to get tide data, print it and take it with you ... particularly if it is a new or full moon.
