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John Conway of SV Felurian Talks About His Favorite Anchorages on Santa Cruz Island
September 14, 2020 · 15 min · 2K views · Ventura Harbor
What this video covers
Santa Cruz Island offers diverse anchorages for sailors departing from Ventura, California, though prevailing northwest winds and sudden weather shifts require careful planning. Smugglers and Yellow Banks provide reliable protection from northwest winds and serve as accessible starting points for trips to the island.1:39 Alberts remains a preferred, sheltered alternative to the more crowded and rolly anchorage at Coches Prietos.4:13 Forney Cove offers scenic, remote hiking but requires tight anchoring, often involving stern-to techniques.5:56 Fries and Prisoners provide consistent, protected options, with Prisoners offering easier, single-anchor swinging room.7:08 A recent experience at Little Scorpion demonstrated the danger of using a stern anchor in a tight, rock-bound cove when an unexpected 18-knot easterly wind shift occurred.9:18 The crew remained pinned against the rocks overnight, unable to safely release the stern line without risking a collision.11:11 Maintaining an exit strategy and avoiding being pinned by a stern anchor are essential for safe anchoring in shifting conditions.14:24
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