High Seas and Big Laughs: Our Anacapa Island Adventure

Picture this: a sun-drenched morning, the salty breeze whipping through your hair, and the open sea calling your name. Last week, while the ladies were busy at a baby shower, the boys and I decided to turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure with a lunchtime voyage to Anacapa Island. We had no idea we were in for a wild ride, full of laughs, high seas, and just a hint of chaos that would make this boys trip one for the record books.

Before diving into the adventure, a huge shoutout goes to Brian Fagan and Captain Dan at Sail Channel Islands. Though I haven’t met either of them, Brian Fagan’s cruising guide is a treasure trove for navigating California’s coast, including the Channel Islands. One hidden gem not in the book is “Fagan’s Lunch,” an anchorage I discovered on Capt. Dan’s website. Nestled by Arch Rock under the lighthouse, the view is nothing short of spectacular. Both sources provide detailed insights on anchoring and weather conditions, making them invaluable for any sailor.

My friend Jason arrived at my house around 8 a.m., and we headed to the harbor to prep the boat. The sky was a milky gray, and the smell of saltwater hung in the air, hinting at the adventure ahead. By 9:30, my dad and cousins Jeff and Noah joined us, and we set sail around 10 a.m.

After a quick stop at Channel Islands Sport Fishing for those needing fishing licenses, we hit the breakwall. The sea was calm, with two-foot swells at nine-second intervals, making for a smooth motor across the channel. Around noon, a few miles from the island, we fired up the grill for burgers, ensuring it didn’t cut into our fishing time.

Grilling underway was a bit challenging. My first batch of burgers ended up more like hockey pucks, due to me being distracted by the approaching island. Jason took over the grill while I navigated around the rocks, and lunch turned out great. The aroma of grilled meat mingled with the ocean breeze, making our mouths water.

Once we finished eating, we searched for a spot to anchor. We edged closer to shore, mindful that anchoring in shallower waters put us uncomfortably close to the rocks. With my all-chain anchor, we settled on a 3:1 scope, dropping 150 feet of chain in 55 feet of water. Noah handled the anchor, but we seemed to be dragging. I realized I’d forgotten to drop the mainsail—rookie mistake! Once sorted, we grabbed the fishing gear.

Not being much of a rod and reel fisherman myself, I showed Jeff and Noah how to rig their lines. We launched the dinghy, aiming for the reef near Arch Rock. The moment we hit the water, we realized the current was much stronger than anticipated, and the south swell was significant. Our small dinghy was no match for the conditions. Jeff was on the bow, as we tried to push forward into the swell, but we quickly nosed into a wave and took on a good amount of water. The dinghy lurched and swayed with every rise and fall of the swell.

With water sloshing around our feet, it became evident we were ill-prepared for the conditions. I had forgotten to bring a bailer and a paddle, crucial items for these conditions. The waves were relentless, and without a means to efficiently bail out the water, we were fighting a losing battle. We decided to head back to the boat for the forgotten gear. As we maneuvered the dinghy back, the rough conditions made even this short journey feel treacherous.

Back on the main boat, we grabbed the bailer and paddle and considered our options. We decided to head west, hoping the current would ease closer to the island. As we approached the island, the swell grew larger, and our concerns mounted. The waves threatened to carry us onto the rocks, and fishing from the dinghy was proving to be too dangerous. We were at the mercy of the sea, every movement calculated to avoid capsizing. The thought of getting tossed onto jagged rocks kept my adrenaline pumping.

Realizing the futility and danger of our situation, we made the decision to abandon dinghy fishing and return to the safety of the boat. The rough conditions had turned our fishing trip into a high-stakes adventure. Back on the boat, we set up our fishing gear and started fishing. The sonar showed plenty of fish, but none took our bait.

As the day wore on, the wind picked up, blowing around 10 knots from the west. By 4 p.m., it was time to head back. The wind had strengthened, and we all took turns cranking the windlass to haul up the anchor, with my dad at the helm keeping us off the rocks. I raised the main, killed the engine, and unfurled the headsail. The boat heeled sharply and the shrouds began to whistle as we exited the lee of the island, prompting me to adjust the sails.

With an inexperienced crew and strong winds, I considered reefing the sails but soon the wind eased, perfect for sailing, around 10-12 knots. We sailed comfortably for a while until we encountered breaking waves ahead. It was surreal—calm where we were, a stormy patch ahead, and calm again beyond. I eased the sails to prepare for the rough patch, which brought over three-foot breaking waves and almost no wind. We rolled up the headsail and motored through the tumultuous seas, wary of the shifting winds.

After we rolled up the headsail and started motoring back, the atmosphere lightened. The earlier tension faded, replaced by laughter and storytelling. We reminisced about past concert experiences, swapping tales of wild performances and unforgettable moments. Jason shared his love for country, while Noah championed the old heavy metal bands, Jeff shared his Warped Tour experience and I introduced everyone to thrashgrass. Each story was more animated than the last, and before long, we were all laughing, grateful for the shared experience that turned an ordinary day into an epic adventure.

As we neared shore, the weather buoy readings showed sustained winds of 15 knots, gusting over 20, and fluctuating directions. It explained the chaotic waves we encountered. We motored the rest of the way in, tied up the boat, tidied up, and headed to Buffalo Wild Wings for a well-earned dinner.

The day was filled with adventure and camaraderie, and I’m so grateful for my family and friends who enjoy these nautical escapades. As we look ahead, I’m gearing up for a thrilling race this coming Wednesday, with steep waves and strong winds expected. It promises to be another wild ride on the water! What’s the strangest weather you’ve experienced on the water? Let me know in the comments!