Exploring California by Yacht
Have you ever wondered why the California Coast is the object of so many movies, stories, hopes, and dreams? It’s because its beauty is unparalleled. Its roughly 840 miles meander and change from north to south, revealing the state’s magical, diverse terrain. Although California’s coastal highways and beaches are stunning in their own right, what better way could there be to see the coast than from the waterside?
Where Can You Yacht in California?
There’s much more to California than Hollywood, despite all the hype around movie stars and mansions. Great places to yacht in California include San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. However, depending on what you want to see and how familiar you are with boating, there are plenty of less populated places to take a yacht in California, like Avila Beach, Catalina Island, or Santa Barbara.
Can You Cruise up the Coast of California by Yacht?
You can certainly cruise up the California coast by yacht. Although some people prefer to sail down the coast, for example, starting in San Francisco, there’s no reason you can’t begin in San Diego and sail north. Before you decide on a route for your yachting trip, consider the seasonal conditions and predicted weather. You’ll have a more challenging time sailing in the Bay Area or up the Central Coast during the winter king tides, but the seas are less likely to be rough in the summer.
Exploring by Yacht in Northern California
The most popular Northern California yachting destination has to be the San Francisco Bay Area. If you want to try river sailing, you can enter the Sacramento River through San Francisco Bay and make it all the way to the state capital. You can stop along the way at Redwood City, Rio Vista, and Walnut Grove. If you’d rather stick closer to the Pacific, you can go all the way up to Eureka by yacht. However, the waters get choppy and rough in lots of Northern California as you approach the Oregon coast, depending on the season.
Exploring by Yacht in Southern California
Yachting in Southern California gives you the perfect opportunity to explore everything from San Diego to Big Sur without worrying about highway traffic or washed-out roads. If you’ve been exploring Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, don’t miss the chance to sail out to Catalina Island. Catalina is an idyllic island of around 4,000 residents where no cars are allowed. It’s a great place to explore, with hiking trails, shops, restaurants, and lots of fellow sailors.
If you prefer to stick to the coastline, think about starting in San Diego and making your way north to Big Sur. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. If you stop in San Simeon, take a trip across the highway to visit the famous Hearst Castle before continuing to Big Sur.
Where To Charter a Private Yacht in California
Suppose you’re an experienced sailor with some equally skilled friends who can crew for you. In that case, you could consider getting a barebones charter from one of California’s more populated harbor cities. However, a crewed charter is a better bet for most people, especially those unfamiliar with the California coastline or who don’t have a lot of sailing experience. The best part of a crewed charter is that you don’t have to worry about provisioning the vessel, filling water, pumping out heads, or trying to remember who has the right of way in a shipping channel. With a professional crew at your service, all you need to do is enjoy the view. What are you waiting for? Book a private charter today.