|
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 smaller boats 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.
Approach The 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 do it, specifically We enter the anchorage from the southeast, keeping a safe distance from the rocks. We make our turn south, into the anchorage, checking the area for hazards and monitoring our depth.
Our Jeanneau has 400' of chain forward and 350' chain-rope astern. We typically pick a spot 40 yards from the western wall in 35' of water and drop the upwind anchor. We roll out 350 feet of rode before dropping the shoreside anchor, then adjust our position to get about 200' on the seaside rode and 150' on the land side. In light winds, we'll often drop the stern hook outside. That gives us a little better grip if the canyon winds pipe up overnight, which they frequently do. BTW, the Sailtime yacht pictured in graphic #7 is in the primo spot.
This anchorage can get crowded. I'd say five is the max, but we'll go some place else if there are three boats already lying to their anchors. 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. 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.
Hazards No hazards are charted near datum. Obviously, this is not safe haven in Santa Ana conditions.
Landing Permits Required If you intend to go ashore, you'll need a landing permit ($70 for all year) from the Nature Conservancy. Go to permit in the grid at the top to apply online.
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 top left.
 Photos:
 Map: Frys Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
 Video:
 Links:
|
|
|
