Closing Santa Cruz Island Leaves Boaters Irate

There shows on the chart a string of four channel islands resembling an Indian necklace of free-form cut abalone shells. They are, plotting from east to west, the islands of Anacapa, lying roughly south of Ventura; Santa Cruz off Santa Barbara; Santa Rosa and the most easterly of the chain, San Miguel, off Point Conception, where the coastline starts to run north and south.

Of all the Channel Islands, including those farther easterly such as Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina and San Clemente, Santa Cruz is considered the most verdant and beautiful.

Santa Cruz Island is a favorite cruising and fishing ground for boaters of Santa Barbara and Ventura. Therefore, it is understandable that recreational boaters and commercial fishermen are upset over the Coast Guard and Navy restriction of a large part of the sea easterly of the island since last Feb. 1.

The restriction is such that access to many of the coves, offering safe anchorage in northwesterlies, are virtually impossible.

Coast Guard Notice to Mariners declares: “The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Los Angeles/Long Beach has established a restricted zone with a three-mile radius of position 33 degrees 59.69 minutes North, 119 degrees 38.98 minutes West. A safety zone has been established within a 10-mile radius of this position. No vessel may enter this restricted zone without prior permission of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port. Mariners are urged to remain clear of this safety zone.”

The restriction was adopted because the Navy is supposed to be conducting secret testing within the safety zone. The restriction is expected to be lifted by May 30. Mariners can learn when there is access to the Santa Cruz restricted areas by calling the Coast Guard or listening to VHF Channel 16.

Still, boaters claim the restriction infringes upon fishing, cruising and racing activities.

With almost year around enforced danger, safety and restricted zones off Point Mugu, San Miguel Island, San Nicholas Island and San Clemente Island, it does seem a pity the military, regardless of the importance of its secret activities, sees fit to restrict or close greater amounts of the sea adjoining the Channel Islands to civilian use.

Sailing Notes

The 12th annual Newport In-The-Water-Boat-Shows will be held at Lido Marina Village on the following schedule: Used Boat Show, April 11-14; Sailboat Show, April 17-21 and Power Boat Show, April 24-28. The shows will feature a large number of foreign yachts, including the $1 million Leopard Sport cruiser from Italy.

The Southern California Marine Assn. has announced its American Boating Jubilee ‘85, a major midsummer display of sail and power boats and equipment at Long Beach’s Shoreline Village Marina from July 26 through Aug. 4.

Doug Probst, president of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy, reports the island’s hills are bright green, and there’s an abundance of wild flowers.

Catalina Channel Express, San Pedro, is adding a 90-foot, 149-passenger ship to its fleet in June. The vessel, powered by two 800-horsepower GM diesel engines capable of cruising speed of about 25 knots, is being built in Washington.