Happy to be flying Code Blue once again
Team Madrone has thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of weeks exploring Santa Barbara, the surfing point break waves at the Ranch, and anchoring in the northern Channel Islands. The weather has been absolutely perfect every day, and the scenery is spectacular. But hurricane season in Mexico should be starting to wind down, so Madrone needs to continue pointing the bow south.
Relaxing in the warm SoCal sun- enjoying the downwind ride
Instead of continuing eastward from Santa Barbara to Ventura, Malibu, and the LA area, we decided to stick with the slow pace of the last several weeks. So, we set a course for Santa Catalina Island.
Sailing past Ribbon Rock on Santa Catalina Island
Leaving at dawn, we motored for several hours until a light breeze filled in from the northwest. Up went Code Blue, and Madrone sailed slowly but steadily to the southeast. Our early start was planned to give us plenty of time to cover the 60 or so miles before dark, given the typically light winds in southern California.
After another hour or two, the peaks of Catalina emerged above the horizon. We pulled into Cat Harbor on the west side, dropped the anchor, and toasted another good passage.
