More Ta-Ta Wind Would Be Nice

Wind for the first three SoCal Ta-Ta’s — the Baja Ha-Ha-style cruisers’ rally from Santa Barbara to Catalina with stops at Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands Harbor and Paradise Cove — was mostly excellent. Unfortunately, not so much so this year.

That said, the first leg from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island was actually quite nice — the best so far in this year’s event. While there wasn’t more than 10 knots of wind, it came up early and allowed for a close reach all the way to the island. A number of boats sailed the entire distance.

The second leg from Santa Cruz Island to Channel Islands Harbor, and the third leg from Channel Islands to Paradise Cove, were both much lighter. Everybody got in some sailing under spinnaker, but not as much as they’d like. The only boat to sail the entire distance in either of these two legs was Pat McCormick’s Beneteau 440 St. Somewhere, a vet of all previous Ta-Ta’s.

Today is the last and longest leg, a 33-miler from Paradise to Two Harbors, Catalina. While we might get some afternoon breeze, it won’t be a rip-snorting last leg, as it was in several previous Ta-Tas. On the upside, though, the seas have been calm and — except for the first leg — the sun has been bright; very mellow out on the ocean.

Fortunately, the Ta-Ta is as much about socializing as it is about sailing, and we’ve had great get-togethers. The kick-off dinner on the beach at the Santa Barbara YC was as you’d expect, then there were two sundowner parties aboard the committee boat Profligate for captains and first mates. There was some group hiking on Santa Cruz island, and a great BBQ on the dock at Channel Islands Harbor. Not only do the folks at Channel Islands Marina and Vintage Marina know how to throw a great BBQ, they provided almost every boat in the 34-boat fleet a free berth. You don’t see that often.

Anyway, great times. We wish you could be here for the last leg and the Awards BBQ and slide show. Maybe next year.

Update: We are reminded to be careful what we hope for, as in terms of more wind. A local radio station in Malibu is reporting there is a chance of "light Santa Ana conditions" on Saturday and Sunday. Being on the ‘face’ of Catalina is problematic in Santa Ana conditions.