V Sancerre Capt. Dan Channel Islands

Landing Permit No

Chart & Pic

Chart 18729 shows several rocks in both Smugglers and Yellowbanks that uncover near datum as well as a dangerous wreck in Smugglers. The rocks in Smugglers are close to shore, but the Yellowbanks hazards are in deeper water. Anchoring in daylight poses little problem. Anchoring at night requires very careful study of the charts before approaching.

This is a panoramic shot of Yellowbanks (retouching by Matt Abbe Ilsodesign, taken not far from the x in the Google Earth photo below. This is one of our favorite spots in strong westerlies.

There's a sand bottom and a mountain between you and the westerlies. Not that they don't sneak by. Our last night there never saw anything less than 20 knots after midnight. Unless there is a southerly swell, this is a smooth spot.

The Go To Anchorages

In reality, Smugglers and Yellowbanks constitute one big anchorage, but everyone has a strong preference for one or the other.

No matter which becomes your favorite, we're pretty sure it will be your "Go To" spot when the wx is making life uncomfortable.

I know, it's Southern California and is rarely very inclement, but there is nothing like the feeling of blasting down windy lane aimed at Pt. Pedro. Maybe you're shivering a little bit, but as soon as you round the point you're in a whole new world. Hats come off, jackets are stripped.

Though the distance from the point to your favorite anchorage is only a few miles, it's like going to a new hemisphere.

You usually have to motor if you round the point close aboard, but by the time you're at your anchorage, your sails are doused, you've got a beverage in hand and you're feeling much better than you did a few miles back when you were wondering why you'd made the decision to leave the long johns at home.

Attractions

Going ashore can be very interesting.

If my pal Randy shows up, you might get to see his dinghy surfing techniques. I think the score stands at Randy 2 or 3 the dinghy 10 or 12.

The dinghy wins when it gets ashore without Randy.

Pick your spot carefully, wear your pfd and tie everything to the boat that you want to keep.

Bag everything you want to keep dry.

Weather Considerations

With a west wind and swell, both places are great. An east wind is deadly. If it gets warm and dry and the wind starts blowing from the east, get underway. If you see smog at sea, get underway.

South swells can make both spots uncomfortable, with Yellowbanks feeling those effects first.

The west wind can be very sporty and can (and frequently does) develop late at night. Veer out plenty of rode even if the conditions are benign when you arrive.

Approach

This couldn't be much more straightforward.

Get to the East end of the island, head for the SE corner. You're there.

From the north, you'll round San Pedro Point, pictured at the left, and shape a course toward the headland. You'll pass several small anchorages. Eventually, Smugglers will open to your right, the olive grove unmistakable.

Aim for the center of either anchorage and stay far enough off to avoid the ground swell.

Caution, there is a small reef between the anchorages that can be identified by the low lying point.

Anchoring

Another nice thing about this place: one hook. That's all you'll need.

But it can get a bit crowded in here. We've started using an anchor buoy routinely. It helps other boaters figure out what your radius is and tends to spread everyone out a bit.

Most everyone likes to snuggle in pretty close to the beach. The depths don't really require that. You can find 30-35 feet quite a way out and stay out of the heavy traffic.

The closest I've gotten to having trouble in this anchorage is when I snuggled in. I hadn't given the spring tide enough consideration and found myself listening to the surf get louder as the tide ebbed. I'd anchored in 25+ feet and ended up nearer 10 when the tide went out, the wind died and we drifted to the other side of the anchor buoy.

The bottom is sand, pebbles and shells. Kelp can be a problem, but the anchorage has been fairly clear on recent visits.

Departing

If your next day includes a trip west toward any of the anchorages on the south side of the island, leave the anchorage and head south. Keep a lookout for kelp, which gets very thick near Sandstone point at the SE corner of Santa Cruz. Capt. Randy advises standing off at least a mile south of the island, maybe more, to avoid the entangling vegetation.

Landing Permits NOT Required

Permits not required; it's your national park. For information about camping ashore, guided tours and facilities (not much), go to National Park Service" http://www.nps.gov/chis/

For additional information about the joint conservation efforts of Nature Conservancy"

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.