On Mon, 30 May 2005 12:35:29 GMT, 5200 wrote:

Are there customary stopovers for fuel and parts, half&half etc? Or do
you stay 200 miles out the whole way down? Are there smaller marinas
outside huge industrial areas like SF and San Diego? Thanks.

That's always the question....harbor hop, or go offshore. According to
the "World Cruising Routes", the best route between Seattle and San Francisco
is to go offshore 100 miles. This assumes the boat and crew are up to it.
Part of the reason is that you'll have a favorable current and steadier winds.
The whole west coast is a lee shore when the prevailing winds, out of the W and NW
are blowing. The Capes are no fun either if it's stormy. As another poster pointed
out, entering the few ports enroute usually require crossing nasty river bars.

If you want to avoid SF, aim for Pillar Point (Half-Moon Bay)....small and well protected.
From there it's a day's hop to Monterey..another nice stop. From there it's a long one
to Santa Barbara, you'll pass Cape Conception enroute. If you have to duck in because
of weather, be sure to treat Morro Bay with caution...may be better to "go outside"
From SB to San Diego, with an optional stop at Catalina, and you're home free.
Don't miss San Diego just because it's a 'big' city. Besides you'll have to do the
paperwork 'stuff' to continue on to Mexico. Try Shelter Island Marina. I've been there
several times, and always have enjoyed it.

Charlie's Charts of the US Pacific Coast may be of help too.

Norm B.