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Forney Cove on Santa Cruz Island From The Channel Islands Cruising Guide
August 14, 2026 · 6 min · 5K views
What this video covers
Forney Cove, a protected anchorage at the western end of Santa Cruz Island in the Northern Channel Islands, offers good swell protection in settled weather, an easy sandy beach landing, and hiking across Fraser Point to Fraser Cove on the north side.0:34 James first anchored there aboard Triteia in December 2017 — his first solo sailing adventure — and describes it as one of his strongest sailing memories, notable for its complete absence of visible human development despite its proximity to Los Angeles.0:50 The anchorage features kelp beds, island fox tracks on the beach, and a wrecked ship's engine block on the rocks.1:28 He recommends Forney Cove as a departure point for an easy morning passage to Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island.2:39 The broader pitch is for the Northern Channel Islands as a world-class, uncrowded cruising ground — Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel — accessible to Southern California sailors on weekends or holiday weeks.4:00 The Channel Islands Cruising Guide covers 27 or 28 anchorages James visited personally, and includes a back section demystifying anchoring: scope, etiquette, and the case for anchoring out rather than relying on moorings.0:14
Boats in this video
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