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Sailing to San Clemente Island (March 2023)
24 March 2023 · 20 min · 2K views · San Clemente Island
What this video covers
Sailing to San Clemente Island from Catalina Island requires checking the U.S. Navy’s military exercise schedule at scisland.org, as the island serves as an active ship-to-shore firing range with restricted zones.0:59 During a March passage from Avalon Harbour to Pyramid Cove, the crew encountered live-fire exercises that were audible from three miles offshore.5:13 The anchorage at Pyramid Cove features significant kelp beds, requiring careful navigation to avoid fouling the anchor.6:05 While returning to San Pedro, the crew monitored a 189-metre cargo ship, the Top Elegance, using AIS and manual bearing checks with Nikon binoculars to confirm a safe passing distance.16:27 The crew determined collision risk by observing the change in the ship's bearing over time; a constant bearing indicates a collision course, while a shifting bearing confirms the vessel will pass clear.18:34 The passage involved light winds, motor sailing, and intermittent rain, with Starlink used for connectivity while underway.14:01
Boats in this video
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