entrance advice marina del rey

[xxhat]

Would appreciate any entrance channel entry and exit advice for sailing in and out of marina del rey.


Something i am worried about is losing power in the entrance.


Thinking of having main up while motoring.


Also about the entrance buoys and markers.



Thanks,


jim

[GordMay]

All here:

➥ https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/sailing/harbor-guide

➥ Marina del Rey Navigation & Regulations – Beaches & Harbors

➥ Marina Del Rey | Wind & Compass

[SparkyDorado]

Originally Posted by xxhat

Would appreciate any entrance channel entry and exit advice for sailing in and out of marina del rey.


Something i am worried about is losing power in the entrance.


Thinking of having main up while motoring.


Also about the entrance buoys and markers.



Thanks,


jim

The world is a big place, could you be more specific? Valencia? California? Puerto Rico?

[LoudMusic]

Originally Posted by SparkyDorado

The world is a big place, could you be more specific? Valencia? California? Puerto Rico?

I was going to say - "Marina del Rey" seems a tad generic! I grew up sailing from "Eden Isle Marina", thinking it was a cool unique name. HA HA! No.

[GordMay]

Marina del Rey Harbor is located in Santa Monica Bay about 15 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Constructed in 1960 on an 804 acre site, Marina del Rey is the largest artificial small-craft harbor in the world.

[Capt.Don]

MDR is an easy marina to enter. Enter the north entrance, between the seawalls; the south entrance often has shoaling and shallow areas just inside the entrance. Aim for the north-entrance. As you approach, stay clear of the Venice pier. Once you enter, turn to stbd. If you are motoring, cross to the other side and turn into the marina. If sailing, you can sail (usually DDW) down the center. You can gauge the swell as you enter. There's often a bit larger swell as you enter - nothing to worry about (unless high surf like we are seeing now).

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Capt.Don

...Enter the north entrance, between the seawalls; the south entrance often has shoaling and shallow areas just inside the entrance...Once you enter, turn to stbd...

Actually just the opposite. It is the north entrance that has the worst shoaling problem, which must be periodically dredged, though both shoals are marked. And, if you enter the north entrance, you must turn to PORT, not starboard!

[Capt.Don]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Actually just the opposite. It is the north entrance that has the worst shoaling problem, which must be periodically dredged, though both shoals are marked. And, if you enter the north entrance, you must turn to PORT, not starboard!

I disagree. Never had shallow water problem entering the north entrance. The south entrance often has shallow areas. As far as turning port vs. stbd, when entering, you need to turn to stbd to cross to the south side of the channel. Once across, you then turn to port. See attachment.

[Rough Magic]

MDR is designed for north exit, south entrance... no boat will have to cross another's course in limited seaway, especially on a busy weekend. When no one's around...

[Terra Nova]

I can assure you that, when entering the NORTH entrance, you will be travelling in a southerly direction. If you turn to starboard you will immediately hit the outer breakwater!
The extreme shoaling can clearly be seen on the north jetty in the chart you provided.

[Caleb C]

Agree with you on all points. 👍

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Actually just the opposite. It is the north entrance that has the worst shoaling problem, which must be periodically dredged, though both shoals are marked. And, if you enter the north entrance, you must turn to PORT, not starboard!

[JD-MDR]

I love going in and out of there in big weather. The first time 12'ers were breaking over the breakwater. I waited just inside waiting for the sets to pass. With double reefed main and storm jib. I think it's easier to go out the north because heading into the swells I have more control. Same coming back better to enter the south. But sailing alone I would go in from the north with the wind on my stbd quarter. If your worried about losing power keep an anchor ready .get inside the breakwater any way you can and throw it out before you go aground in the channel.

[roverhi]

Always have an anchor ready to deploy instantly. In close quarters it's the only way to be reasonably sure of not embarrassing yourself in a close quarters propulsion failure.

[Don C L]

Googling Marina Del Rey will get you plenty of info. Contact harbor patrol on channel 12 for info when coming in. They are supposed to have shoal buoys out if there is shoaling. Both entrances can shoal but both have been fine when I have visited, but that was summer. Winter is a different story. Going in or out during a set of storm swells will make the USCG very grumpy.

[Montanan]

If entering from the south end, be sure to not turn to starboard to early and going up the channel of Ballona Creek without a paddle.

And yes the harbor design does favor a south entrance / north exit to avoid crossing traffic but then shoaling / weather conditions must be factored, e.g., swells and wind direction. It can get crazy busy at times. Reference videos of power boat navigating into the shoal [driving by braille mute to avoid the truly terrible chuckle, laughing at someone else's misfortune] and of a tacking sail fail in high winds, we all have been there and done that, and an image of harbor entrance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IpX...Ho9zEkWQIbbMRM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flO5wWRBMNg