Captains Log: October 2nd- October 5th 2025

Friday, October 3rd – The Winds of Change
The weekend started with a tough but necessary call—our Friday trip was cancelled due to strong winds exceeding 20 miles per hour. It’s a rare thing for us to call off an adventure, but safety always comes first. I checked in with the group, and after some thoughtful conversation, we all agreed to postpone. They were a fun-spirited bunch, and though we were all disappointed, there’s something to be said for respecting the sea when she tells you to wait. Sometimes patience is the best seamanship.

Sunday, October 5th – Sunset Over Silver Strand
By Sunday, conditions had improved, and the harbor greeted us with that perfect blend of calm seas and golden skies. We hosted two separate groups that evening—one local pair of best friends and another visiting couple all the way from Kent, Great Britain. Meeting the travelers from the UK was a real treat for me. There’s a special connection there—my great-grandfather, David, was a stoker for Great Britain, and now here I am, the first captain in my family, guiding adventures on the California coast. Felt like a full-circle moment at the helm.

As we departed under the Seabridge pedestrian bridge, the harbor was alive. Birds glided low across the channel, rowers cut through the water with steady rhythm, and the usual parade of weekend sailors and powerboats passed by with smiles and waves. We cruised toward the Commercial Fishing Marina, where I shared a bit about the harbor’s working history and the legacy of local fishermen.

Passing by the historic W.N. Ragland, the 100-year-old schooner still proudly docked here, we also glided past the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and caught a glimpse of the Bahia Marina reconstruction, which is moving along nicely (you can see photos of the progress in the last two logs). A raft of sea lions lounged nearby, barking their usual commentary as if on cue. They always seem to know when the camera’s out.

We were also treated to the sight of a 90-foot luxury vessel making its way into the harbor—an impressive sight that never fails to turn heads. Meanwhile, the harbor survey boat was running soundings, a sure sign that dredging operations are on the horizon once again. Though they did a solid job last year, the data shows it’s time for another pass.

As we turned seaward, the sun dipped low over the jetties, painting silhouettes of beachgoers against the fire-orange horizon. One of those shots ended up being selected as our Sunset Photo of the Week, and rightly so—it was a perfect capture of Channel Islands Harbor’s magic. Over Silver Strand, a brilliant full moon began to rise, casting silver light across the calm Pacific. It was absolutely stunning.

We eased past the breakwall into open water, where the rhythm of the ocean took over. The group loved the change in motion—gentle swells rolling beneath us, sea breeze in the air. I found myself wishing for a few dolphins to make an appearance, but the ocean decided to keep that surprise for another night.

As we made our way back toward the harbor, the evening light illuminated a busy and beautiful scene: a container ship loaded with cars waiting offshore, a sportfishing vessel returning from its long day, and the silhouette of Oil Platform Gina standing tall in the distance, all framed by the hazy outline of Anacapa Island. It was one of those nights where the harbor told a story of industry, recreation, and natural wonder—all in one sweeping view.

Reflection:
Despite the setback of Friday’s wind cancellation, the weekend wrapped up with an unforgettable evening on the water. Moments like these remind me why I do this—to share the stories, the beauty, and the rhythm of Channel Islands Harbor with anyone willing to come aboard.