keeldraggervideo

Sailing to Catalina Harbor (September 2020)

7 September 2020 · 36 min · 1K views · Catalina Harbor, Santa Catalina Island

What this video covers

A 38-ft sailboat transits from San Pedro, California, to Catalina Harbor during Labor Day weekend, opting for a pre-reserved mooring to avoid holiday anchoring congestion.0:13 The crew motor-sails the initial leg, navigating shipping lanes while monitoring the CMA CGM Libra and the Horizon Enterprise via radar.8:06 During the return trip, the vessel encounters dense fog near the northwest end of Catalina Island, requiring the use of a vintage Raytheon R20XX raster scan radar to maintain visibility and track nearby traffic.27:17 The crew manages light, variable winds by motor-sailing with the mainsail and staysail, occasionally adjusting the traveler to balance the boat in gusts reaching 20 knots apparent.32:08 The passage concludes with a stern-to-wind docking at the home slip in San Pedro.35:21 The trip highlights the utility of radar for coastal navigation in low-visibility conditions and the necessity of motor-sailing to maintain speed when wind angles are unfavorable or light.

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Valiant Yachts 40-2Their boat

More from keeldragger

Sailing to Keeldraggerpalooza (July 2026)Aug 2026Single-handed sail to Two Harbors, Catalina Island (June 2026)Jun 2026Sweet Home Catalina... and Island White (May 2026)Jun 2026OPB: Crewing aboard Beneteau 57, "Vanishing Point", from LA Harbor to San Diego (May 2026)May 2026

From keeldragger — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue