Santa Cruz Island - West Cove, Fraser Cove anchorage

West Cove

Loc:Western tip Santa Cruz Island	Lat: N34-03.7	Long: W119-55.3	Last visit: Apr 07
Tide/Sun/Moon/WX	Dist: 5	Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa	WX
Chart	18728	Santa Cruz Channel	Google Map
Skipper: Capt. Dan	Boat: S/V Rainbow	Capt. Dan	Port: Chan Islands
Landing Permit	Required	Nature Conservancy	permit app

Getting There We stopped here for lunch on a very calm Fall day. Fagan says this is a good spot if you get caught in a Santa Ana, which would appear to be true as the mountains are between you and the wind. If you're fleeing a Santa Ana, anchor as close to the cliffs as possible. You won't be totally sheltered, but the forces of the storm will be blunted. Other than a Santa Ana, anchoring here is foolhardy unless you are in very calm conditions. We were: zero wind and no swell.

Approach We scoped out both sides of the anchorage. As there are many rocks near datum on the south side, we stayed in the northern half of the anchorage.

How we did it, specifically There's nothing particularly tricky about the north side of the cove, though in past years kelp has made passage very difficult. This year (Fall of 2007), the anchorage was clear of kelp. We dropped our hook in 23 feet. Since we were only here for lunch and conditions were sublime, we did not set the hook, but veered out 4:1 chain. In the right conditions, this is a most beautiful spot, reminiscent, I think, of Maui. My guess is that you can only do what we did in the Fall and only on very calm days, otherwise the swell and wind will drive you onto the beach. Take a look at the satellite photo above - that's some nasty surf. A normal day in these parts.

Hazards None that aren't charted or visible in the north cove.

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 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 top left.

Photos