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The Channel Islands Harbor community lost a business this past month that will be missed by many. Coast Chandlery had an exceptionally long history that spanned pretty much, this harbors’ entire existence. At one point, we understand there was more than one outlet that included a store in far flung Cabo San Lucas.
It was more than convenient to have a nautical hardware store that many could walk to from their boats. But alas, when West Marine moved into a large space just outside the harbor a few years ago, many boaters, including us, would likely go there to save money. The Chandlery reacted appropriately by morphing into a nautical gift shop – that still stocked nautical hardware for its’ loyal following.
I was just falling asleep when the TV news reported the Japan earthquake and proceeding tsunami. I sleepily said to myself that I hoped to wake in the morning and promptly slept all night! But the news was ominous upon awakening. The good news was Hawaii had not sustained alot of damage and the first surge was expected here at 8:30 AM. I called the owners of the boats in our fleet to let them know if they wanted to take their boats to sea, doing so before the first surge would be advisable.
The good news was we were involved in a one tide day. Only one low tide would occur, thankfully at 8:30 AM as well. The high tide would come about 12 hours later and was set to be one of the lowest high tides of the year! Compare that to now, a week later when we are going to have some of the highest high tides of the year, which could have spelled disaster for the boats in the marinas. We were lucky! The first surge was more or less a non event. There were helicopters hovering above the harbor and news crews and what not, about. Soon after they were gone and in fact KCAL provided some excellent coverage of a stronger event up the coast in Ventura harbor.
This winter has been a good season for whale sightings in the Santa Barbara Channel. One lucky member even was treated to Orcas. Numerous spottings of blues’ and greys’ are more a norm than an exception. It’s not over yet, either. The Northward migration runs through the Spring.
Channel Islands Harbor has set aside Sunday, March 20th for an annual “Celebration of the Whales Festival.” It runs from 10am to 4pm with free parking and free admittance. We’ll be available to show our Hunter sailboats to those of you who are thinking of either buying a new sailboat into our program or want to learn more about our membership sailing plans. Combine the visit with everything else going on and you have a fun filled day for the whole family down at the waterfront!
