Channel Islands Harbor chart update

The Local Notice to Mariners includes a link to an updated chart of the approaches to Channel Islands Harbor.

http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/nm/SupportImage.asp?ItemID=148873

Open the link to the chart and note that the chart clearly shows shoal water on the NW side of the N jetty that extends beyond the line connecting the ends of the jetties. In other words, the NW channel is considerably more constrained that many people think. At low tide on a full or new moon, it would be pretty easy to drag your keel in the mud … or worse.

Interestingly, that’s also where the harbor patrol politely advised us to set our hook the next time we anchored behind the breakwater. That didn’t seem like a good idea then and hasn’t gotten better with the publication of this chart.

Shallow water now officially extends a couple couple of boat lengths from each of the jetties. It’s imperative that mariners under sail stay close to the centerline when entering, particularly on days of high WNW wind and swell. There is less margin than ever on both sides.

Finally, when entering the channel, keep heading for the center until you can see Red 4s. If you can’t see it, you’re too close to the jetty (or it’s out).

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Channel Islands Harbor chart update