Albert Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island

Prisoner's Harbor, Santa Cruz WX

Loc: mid-south coast Santa Cruz Lat: N33-58.0 Long: W119-42.5 Last visit: May 06

Tide/Sun/Moon/WX Dist: 6

Chart 18729 Anacapa Passage 1:40000

Skipper: Jim Hervieux Boat: S/V Varakai Jim Port: Chan Islands

Landing Permit Required Nature Conservancy permit app

Albert is believed to be a nineteenth century surveyor, but no one knows for sure. This is an intimate anchorage with good shelter from West thru North winds. Though the anchorage is in shadow of the headland in late afternoon, it offers great views south and east in morning hours.

If approaching from the east, look for Bowen Pt, which is a mile or so beyond Albert's.

Bowen Pt. is the most prominent headland (far left) and has a large white rock at its base. With that in sight, look in the foreground for the headland that defines Albert's (right) and - BTW - Coches Prietas

Approach

When you reach the headland as you arrive from the east, Albert's Anchorage opens up to starboard. Just east of the cliff is the best area to drop the hook. Approach the beach slowly to avoid kelp and submerged rocks. Anchor in 25' to 35', sand bottom.

How we did it, specifically

After taking a very slow tour of the anchorage, we picked our spot and circled back, leaving about 4 boat lengths between us and the headland as we headed into the anchorage. When our depth was 10 below the keel. We executed a tight turn to port (toward the headland) and, as we rolled out parallel to the headland, we dropped our stern hook .

We veered out about 250' of rode, then set the stern anchor, keeping a little strain and dropped our bow anchor. We pulled ourselves back - with a little help from the wind - as we veered out 150' of rode at the bow.

We settled down with a bit more than a 6:1 ratio at the bow and stern. We set the anchor alarm for .01 nm, about 60'. That doesn't give much comfort or relieve one of frequent anchor checks since we were within about 75' of the rocks.

If approach is from the west (Coches Prietos), give the end of headland plenty of berth to avoid isolated rocks and kelp.

Hazards

Kelp abounds. We anchored clear of it but woke up in the middle of a morass. Also, be aware of rocks near datum at the headland and on the western wall of the anchorage.

The ride can be a little bumpy at Albert's, but it's a beautiful spot on a settled day.

Landing Permits Required

If you intend to go ashore, you'll need a landing permit ($40 for all year) from the Nature Conservancy. go to permit for a pdf form, mailing and e-mailing instructions.

Updates

If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. Dan. His e-mail link and phone are below.