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Frys Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
This is a very popular spot. And, in summer, you've got to arrive early. Be prepared to seek another spot such as Diablo to the West or the Grotto to the East. Frys is sheltered from elements rolling down from North or West. If you manage to be the first in, you can go deep into the canyon. We've seen yachts nestled into the SW corner with their stern hook well up on the beach. A permit is required to go ashore for that maneuver, but you can achieve a similar result putting stern anchor down just off the beach in less than 10 feet of water. Definitely a dinghy maneuver. The anchorage is fairly well sheltered from both west wind and the accompanying swells and we have friends who have stated that they've spent comfortable nights while 40 knots roared from the west.
ApproachThe approach is straight forward as the anchorage lies below Diablo Peak, the highest point on the western part of the island. Making the approach from the east into the summer afternoon sun can make the initial run a bit uncomfortable, but you can aim a bit inside of Diablo point. The anchorage will open up to your left, with its sand beach in the NW corner and the remains of a quarry loading area on the east side.
No tricky hazards appear on the chart, though if it is crowded, finding a spot that your anchorage mates agree is far enough away can require considerable diplomacy. As you see in the panoramic, kelp can be an issue.
How we did it, specificallyWe entered the anchorage from the southeast, keeping a safe distance from the rocks. We made our turn south, into the anchorage, checking the area for hazards and monitoring our depth.
On crowded occasions, you're forced seaward, and the drop off is rapid. With only 4 boats preceding me, I found myself in water far too deep for my 300 feet of rode fore and aft. I could have made it work if I hadn't been too lazy to inflate the dinghy. I'd have been in about 40 feet at the bow and 20 or so astern. That time I bailed out and went to Diablo. The yachts pictured below are in the primo spots. Fagan writes that he's seen 20 yachts in here. They must have been really small or stacked up. Five or so seems like the max to us.
Just like other anchorages at river mouths, you can experience some exciting canyon winds coming off the island at night. Don't skimp on the anchor rode laid toward the beach. HazardsNo hazards are charted near datum. Obviously, this is not safe haven in Santa Ana conditions.
Landing Permits RequiredIf 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.
UpdatesIf 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.
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And yes, this is definitely an anchorage that requires anchors bow and stern. Even then, I would keep an extremely vigilant eye out as the cliffs and outcroppings of rocks are most unforgiving at very close at hand.
