Catalina Island
Just 26 miles from the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels a world away. It’s the perfect introduction to offshore sailing—often beginning with a coastal departure from Marina del Rey and building into a true open-water passage.
Along the way, you’ll stand watch, learn nighttime navigation, and gain confidence as the mainland fades behind you. You’ll also begin working with the onboard systems that make real cruising possible—power management, water systems, anchoring gear, and the day-to-day operation of a fully equipped bluewater vessel.
Arriving at Catalina, you’ll anchor in protected coves, refine your boat handling skills, and settle into life aboard. Clear water, rugged hillsides, and quiet anchorages make it an ideal setting to practice anchoring, dinghy operations, and the routines that define successful cruising.