Morro Bay to Cojo Anchorage

We left Morro Bay right after breakfast. The mist was just lifting out of the harbor as we made our way through the breakwater and into the open ocean.

Ka'sala anchored in front of "The Rock"

Silas Crosby and Ka'sala anchored at Morro Bay

Fishing boat at Morro Bay - for my sister

More siblings at Morro Bay

The sun broke through the haze as we raised our sails and pointed the bow in a south westerly direction. The breeze was just perfect and we coasted along at 5 knots, enjoying the scenery as it unfolded before us. In the late afternoon, the wind picked up and we found ourselves reefing the mainsail to balance the helm.

By nightfall we were approaching Point Arguello and the winds increased some more. I felt a little apprehensive about the passage between this point and rounding Point Conception, because it had been given the dubious name: the “Cape Horn of the Pacific”, and was known for high winds. When you look at the chart, the land takes a ninety degree turn here and cruisers say when you pass by you pack away your wet weather gear and break out the bathing suits. Hmmmm - didn't happen. There is no doubt this place a very dramatic geographic area.

As we passed Point Arguello, the wind did, indeed, pick up. We blasted along at 6.5 to 7 knots, peaking at 8 in gusts of 30 knots. It was an exhilarating ride – one I won’t soon forget as the beauty and perfection of the boat and the landscape which made me feel alive in a way that you can only feel in the moment. The moon was full, our wake surged white foam in the moonlight, you could hear the rush of the water against the hull, the wind in our faces, spray all over the place. When we saw 30 knots twice we reefed the mainsail again, which slowed Ka’sala down, and we rounded the “Horn” about midnight. Soon afterward we slipped into Cojo Anchorage and dropped the hook beside Silas Crosby.

Cojo Anchorage

Cojo is a very exposed place to anchor. It is literally around the corner from Point Conception, is very barren, with little vegetation. There are bluffs and sand and the surf pounds against the shore. The swell rolls and the boat rocks.

Silas Crosby at Cojo Anchorage

Steve very kindly pointed out to us the wrecked sailboat on the beach. We spent a very unsettled night and woke up to find ourselves on a lee shore. In the increasing light, we also happened to notice there were TWO sailboat wrecks, not one! We wanted to leave this creepy place as soon as we could, so after a quick breakfast, we hauled anchor and set our course for Cuyler Harbour on San Miguel Island, the most westerly of the Channel Islands group.

Wrecks at Cojo Anchorage 

 (I've scoured the Internet and cannot find out how these sailboats came to rest here)