Catalina 30 has washed ashore on East Beach.

Dead boats on the beach is representative of the dead zone on famous State Street "promenade".

Dead boats on the beach is representative of the dead zone on famous State Street "promenade".

Don't really see the point of your comment. I've lived in SB for 24 years, and for 24 years boats have been washing up on the beach, irregardless of the condition of State Street.

Don't really see the point of your comment. I've lived in SB for 24 years, and for 24 years boats have been washing up on the beach, irregardless of the condition of State Street.

Sounds like it’s Patrick’s fault. He’s lived here for 24 years and they’ve been washing up for 24 years… sounds like a confession! This is a joke for the easily offended Edhat crowd

Sounds like it’s Patrick’s fault. He’s lived here for 24 years and they’ve been washing up for 24 years… sounds like a confession!

This is a joke for the easily offended Edhat crowd

lol@ 174 i'm surprised it didn't gather a flurry of DVs too....these over sensitive cry babies squawk at anything that's not black n white.

lol@ 174 i'm surprised it didn't gather a flurry of DVs too....these over sensitive cry babies squawk at anything that's not black n white.

Dead boats tell no tails

Dead boats tell no tails

"Arrrrrrrrgggggggg! That was HMS, I gave the orders for me lads to fire the cannons upon her, then we boarded her, fought her crew bravely, took the Kings treasure, boarded back to me ship and then sank the HMS, and what was left of her washed up on these shores. "Aye lads!! Set sails to Jamaica so we can celebrate at the Shark's Tavern drinking ale, rum and have our way with the wimmen!!" (The crew cheer loudly with great joy.)

"Arrrrrrrrgggggggg! That was HMS, I gave the orders for me lads to fire the cannons upon her, then we boarded her, fought her crew bravely, took the Kings treasure, boarded back to me ship and then sank the HMS, and what was left of her washed up on these shores. "Aye lads!! Set sails to Jamaica so we can celebrate at the Shark's Tavern drinking ale, rum and have our way with the wimmen!!" (The crew cheer loudly with great joy.)

So continues the saga of Santa Barbara Harbor's infamous Marina 5

So continues the saga of Santa Barbara Harbor's infamous Marina 5

I like the Marina 5 name better than Fools' Anchorage.

I like the Marina 5 name better than Fools' Anchorage.

That is a nice boat for "Fool's Anchorage" . This time of year it always happens.

That is a nice boat for "Fool's Anchorage" . This time of year it always happens.

I think Fool's should be pluralized (i.e. Fools'), since there are obviously more than one!

I think Fool's should be pluralized (i.e. Fools'), since there are obviously more than one!

If the boat owner had used better anchor(s), would that have prevented the problem?

If the boat owner had used better anchor(s), would that have prevented the problem?

not necessarily....there is a formula (i'm a sailor FYI). First you need to point the boat correctly depending on swell and current and wind. double hooks. bow/stern. Many anchorages at the islands need you to double hook up, otherwise you'll end up on the rocks at high tide. Anchor off the bow and get it set, anchor off the stern, get it set. Allow enough scope for changes in tide. this happens due to bad weather, and marina 5 having a flat sandy bottom with little to nothing at all to grab onto and a gnarly current/tide. i've been aboard a 52ft cruiser with a captain that's circumnavigated the globe. not enough scope, hooks ended up dangling at high tide and we bounced several hundred feet to the north east in coachese anchorage, captain managed to hit the engines and reverse the direction within moments of us crashing into another yacht which would have pushed us both up onto the rocks. 3 am wake up, ALL HANDS, we scooted right out of there and dropped hook at Smugglers around the corner. Marina 5 has some derelict boats and owners, but also have great boats and owners too....kinda like the street each of us lives on. there are always neighbors that run the place down. Fools anchorage is not 100% tweakers and drunks. i'd say about 50%. the smart ones grab a transient slip when storms hit. Some of them park their yacht there for several months if they don't live in the area.

not necessarily....there is a formula (i'm a sailor FYI). First you need to point the boat correctly depending on swell and current and wind. double hooks. bow/stern. Many anchorages at the islands need you to double hook up, otherwise you'll end up on the rocks at high tide. Anchor off the bow and get it set, anchor off the stern, get it set. Allow enough scope for changes in tide. this happens due to bad weather, and marina 5 having a flat sandy bottom with little to nothing at all to grab onto and a gnarly current/tide. i've been aboard a 52ft cruiser with a captain that's circumnavigated the globe. not enough scope, hooks ended up dangling at high tide and we bounced several hundred feet to the north east in coachese anchorage, captain managed to hit the engines and reverse the direction within moments of us crashing into another yacht which would have pushed us both up onto the rocks. 3 am wake up, ALL HANDS, we scooted right out of there and dropped hook at Smugglers around the corner.

Marina 5 has some derelict boats and owners, but also have great boats and owners too....kinda like the street each of us lives on. there are always neighbors that run the place down. Fools anchorage is not 100% tweakers and drunks. i'd say about 50%. the smart ones grab a transient slip when storms hit. Some of them park their yacht there for several months if they don't live in the area.

Short of installing permanent heavy ground tackle and anchor, (actual mooring) a vessel self-carried anchor and tackle can only withstand so much wind/waves/swells. Knowledgeable sailors, if they know they have a weak rode will temporarily re-locate the vessel within shelter of the harbor (book a transient slip); or tie off to a permanent mooring can; or sail out into the open ocean and ride out the storm until it passes.

Short of installing permanent heavy ground tackle and anchor, (actual mooring) a vessel self-carried anchor and tackle can only withstand so much wind/waves/swells. Knowledgeable sailors, if they know they have a weak rode will temporarily re-locate the vessel within shelter of the harbor (book a transient slip); or tie off to a permanent mooring can; or sail out into the open ocean and ride out the storm until it passes.

Anchoring is not simple - the following (at least) must be considered and / or incorporated: - Type of bottom - sand, mud, rocks, amount of kelp, topography (ridges, holes, etc.). EB is a good place to anchor in many ways. - Prevailing wind direction / average strength vs. historically dangerous direction / strength. - Type of anchor(s). They need to suit the seabed and be appropriate for the size / weight of boat involved. Also, some boats require 2 anchors in normal conditions and perhaps more in more extreme conditions. - Anchor rode system - length, size and type of anchor chain involved as well as the length, size and type of anchor rope involved. These must be set up with proper scope so that the majority of chain lays on the seabed. - Fittings and fasteners - the connection points where the anchor and chain join and where the chain and rope connect to each other must be secure . Typically these involve threaded fittings and care must be taken to insure that the parts don't unscrew. This is usually accomplished with seizing wire. There's more as well based on the boat and conditions. But, most importantly the entire system needs to be checked frequently, especially during heavy wind, wave and ocean current events. On top of that some sort of oversight, inspection, regulation and penalty system should, IMO, be enacted to keep the boats off the beach.

Anchoring is not simple - the following (at least) must be considered and / or incorporated: - Type of bottom - sand, mud, rocks, amount of kelp, topography (ridges, holes, etc.). EB is a good place to anchor in many ways. - Prevailing wind direction / average strength vs. historically dangerous direction / strength. - Type of anchor(s). They need to suit the seabed and be appropriate for the size / weight of boat involved. Also, some boats require 2 anchors in normal conditions and perhaps more in more extreme conditions. - Anchor rode system - length, size and type of anchor chain involved as well as the length, size and type of anchor rope involved. These must be set up with proper scope so that the majority of chain lays on the seabed. - Fittings and fasteners - the connection points where the anchor and chain join and where the chain and rope connect to each other must be secure . Typically these involve threaded fittings and care must be taken to insure that the parts don't unscrew. This is usually accomplished with seizing wire.

There's more as well based on the boat and conditions. But, most importantly the entire system needs to be checked frequently, especially during heavy wind, wave and ocean current events. On top of that some sort of oversight, inspection, regulation and penalty system should, IMO, be enacted to keep the boats off the beach.

Thanks for all the details. Interesting.

Thanks for all the details. Interesting.

During the '83 El Niño, a storm slammed the open harbor of Cabo San Lucas, Baja. More than 30 anchored boats were beached, including Bernard Moitessiers famous steel hulled boat, Joshua. The storm surge was so brutal that some anchor rodes melted from the extreme forces, at the point where they bent over the bow roller, I never expected that. Nothing is for sure when the sea is truly angry.

During the '83 El Niño, a storm slammed the open harbor of Cabo San Lucas, Baja. More than 30 anchored boats were beached, including Bernard Moitessiers famous steel hulled boat, Joshua. The storm surge was so brutal that some anchor rodes melted from the extreme forces, at the point where they bent over the bow roller, I never expected that. Nothing is for sure when the sea is truly angry.

And how many of the people with boats out there perform any sort of regular maintenance/inspection on their rode. Answer: almost none.

And how many of the people with boats out there perform any sort of regular maintenance/inspection on their rode. Answer: almost none.

So is everyone assuming these people are rich or are you saying that they should be rich enough to afford a slip to have a boat?

So is everyone assuming these people are rich or are you saying that they should be rich enough to afford a slip to have a boat?

Doesn't have that much to do with rich v. poor. It has to do with responsibility. No matter where a boat resides the owner must also assume responsibility for upkeep including anchor system and / or dock mooring lines. Nothing about the ocean is set and forget and the obligations of boat ownership far exceed sunny days, cold beers and hangin with your besties.

Doesn't have that much to do with rich v. poor. It has to do with responsibility. No matter where a boat resides the owner must also assume responsibility for upkeep including anchor system and / or dock mooring lines. Nothing about the ocean is set and forget and the obligations of boat ownership far exceed sunny days, cold beers and hangin with your besties.

Tiz, you're correct to a point where you say responsible. I have to interject here, just because, as a sailor and someone who spends time at sea and i mean time as in months at a time....you can be as responsible as you like. It doesn't matter to Neptune. If he wakes up ornery and cranky, even 3 hooks set in the sand won't help you. Tidal surges can remove the chain, rope, anchor(s) and beach your boat in a few hours. You can't be responsible with the sea as the sea is in control, not us. He gives life and takes life just as easily. I know very responsible captains and me being one of them, and no matter what measures you take, shit happens. a responsible sailor knows how to manage the situation under duress. An irresponsible sailor does not, and probably doesn't even have an EPRIB, tether, life boat.

Tiz, you're correct to a point where you say responsible. I have to interject here, just because, as a sailor and someone who spends time at sea and i mean time as in months at a time....you can be as responsible as you like. It doesn't matter to Neptune. If he wakes up ornery and cranky, even 3 hooks set in the sand won't help you. Tidal surges can remove the chain, rope, anchor(s) and beach your boat in a few hours. You can't be responsible with the sea as the sea is in control, not us. He gives life and takes life just as easily. I know very responsible captains and me being one of them, and no matter what measures you take, shit happens. a responsible sailor knows how to manage the situation under duress. An irresponsible sailor does not, and probably doesn't even have an EPRIB, tether, life boat.

Agree to a point. But vigilance and taking the longer view, to include checking long range weather forecasts, can help. I've been caught in some serious shit as well (coastal and mid-Pacific) but you and I and lots of others have survived some, no doubt, horrific situations in part due to preparation and keeping a serious eye on things. Too many boat owners anchored off EB are rarely seen on their vessels and observing things like sail cover condition, halyards, general cleanliness, obvious corrosion areas, etc. tells a lot about their attention to detail and may provide a clue as to the status of their anchor setup. I don't disagree that when the Gods of sea and nature decide to hit you, the punch can be the ultimate blow and may happen quickly - sometimes in a cascade of events that leave no path for escape.

Agree to a point. But vigilance and taking the longer view, to include checking long range weather forecasts, can help. I've been caught in some serious shit as well (coastal and mid-Pacific) but you and I and lots of others have survived some, no doubt, horrific situations in part due to preparation and keeping a serious eye on things. Too many boat owners anchored off EB are rarely seen on their vessels and observing things like sail cover condition, halyards, general cleanliness, obvious corrosion areas, etc. tells a lot about their attention to detail and may provide a clue as to the status of their anchor setup. I don't disagree that when the Gods of sea and nature decide to hit you, the punch can be the ultimate blow and may happen quickly - sometimes in a cascade of events that leave no path for escape.

Agree to a point. But vigilance and taking the longer view, to include checking long range weather forecasts, can help. I've been caught in some serious shit as well (coastal and mid-Pacific) but you and I and lots of others have survived some, no doubt, horrific situations in part due to preparation and keeping a serious eye on things. Too many boat owners anchored off EB are rarely seen on their vessels and observing things like sail cover condition, halyards, general cleanliness, obvious corrosion areas, etc. tells a lot about their attention to detail and may provide a clue as to the status of their anchor setup. I don't disagree that when the Gods of sea and nature decide to hit you, the punch can be the ultimate blow and may happen quickly - sometimes in a cascade of events that leave no path for escape.

Agree to a point. But vigilance and taking the longer view, to include checking long range weather forecasts, can help. I've been caught in some serious shit as well (coastal and mid-Pacific) but you and I and lots of others have survived some, no doubt, horrific situations in part due to preparation and keeping a serious eye on things. Too many boat owners anchored off EB are rarely seen on their vessels and observing things like sail cover condition, halyards, general cleanliness, obvious corrosion areas, etc. tells a lot about their attention to detail and may provide a clue as to the status of their anchor setup. I don't disagree that when the Gods of sea and nature decide to hit you, the punch can be the ultimate blow and may happen quickly - sometimes in a cascade of events that leave no path for escape.

OG I’ll tell you what I know (not assuming) from seeing that ‘fleet’ out there regularly from the water as I drive near them - dereliction, accidents waiting to happen, boats left to die one way or another. I have no idea whether owners are rich or poor, and I’m not talking every single boat out there but take it from someone whose seen a lot of boats and ocean conditions.

OG I’ll tell you what I know (not assuming) from seeing that ‘fleet’ out there regularly from the water as I drive near them - dereliction, accidents waiting to happen, boats left to die one way or another. I have no idea whether owners are rich or poor, and I’m not talking every single boat out there but take it from someone whose seen a lot of boats and ocean conditions.

Always wanted a Catalina 45' but that 30' would do. There should be a lottery on those boats in "Fools Anchorage".

Always wanted a Catalina 45' but that 30' would do. There should be a lottery on those boats in "Fools Anchorage".

Sorry - EdHat kept telling me to wait and send later - never said my message had been sent. Is there a way I can delete my extras??

Sorry - EdHat kept telling me to wait and send later - never said my message had been sent.

Is there a way I can delete my extras??

tizak - I had noticed the same post @4:45, those we cleaned up, then persistence prevailed & a couple hours later you tried again... So per: https://www.edhat.com/about-edhat it says to immediately email ed: info@edhat.com actually it says "ASAP"!!! I usually do a copy of the post, click SEND (hope for the best...), then refresh the page & "verify the comment # went up".

tizak - I had noticed the same post @4:45, those we cleaned up, then persistence prevailed & a couple hours later you tried again... So per: https://www.edhat.com/about-edhat it says to immediately email ed: info@edhat.com actually it says "ASAP"!!! I usually do a copy of the post, click SEND (hope for the best...), then refresh the page & "verify the comment # went up".

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