West coast south in October?

[massnspace]

Seriously thinking of sailing down the west coast of USA in October. Seattle to at least San Diego….maybe further south.

I have looked at the pilot charts.

Anyone have experience or advice with this?

David
Seattle

[Cheechako]

It would be a rough trip in windy Oct and Nov. As you probably know that's our big blow time of year. They can come up quickly sometimes, and up to 70mph gusts. Maybe you could squeeze south quickly very early October.
I'm not up to date but I think one philosophy is stay outside the 20 fathom line for less heavy seas.
WA to N. Cal is "the graveyard of the Pacific"

[sv_pelagia]

Harbour hop down to San Francisco keeping careful eye on weather forecasts, and be prepared/willing to wait it out in harbours along the way. We had significant gales in 1st week of September....



Really no point going only to San Diego... keep going to at least Sea of Cortez. California "cruising" aint great.



(However, neither holds a candle to Salish Sea and further north. Been there done that... we prefer BC.)

[Cheechako]

The trouble with harbour hopping that coast is there aren't that many harbors, and it may take a day to get in or out with timing daylight, tides, treacherous bars etc. All delaying getting South if you try.

[JPA Cate]

What boat, massnspace?

I wouldn't think the 28 ft. power cat would like what the weather can dish out that time of year.

Not many closely spaced harbors that are quick and easy in and out. The Columbia R. bar is well known as a dangerous one, lost a family friend there years ago, RIP, Phil.

I'm not saying it couldn't be done, but not sure why you'd want to do it in Oct.



Ann