On Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:58:30 +0000, Hoges in WA wrote:

Hi peoples

Well, the family is off to Laughlin and Las Vegas for Xmas and New Year.
My m-i-l lives in Golden Valley Arizona and we're going to visit.
There's me, my wife, 20y-o son and 16y-o daughter.

I've heard that there's a large lake in NW Arizona - do people sail on
it? Is it the one that has the Hoover Dam at the blocked-up end?

We're going to make our way from LV back to LA between New Year and 10th
Jan,which is when we exit USA for home. Can you charter a day sail in
LA or do you need to go south a bit?

This is confusing me - the internet has so much information I need a
human with experience to tell me what to look for!

Would appreciate people's recommendations, including non-sailing stuff
to do.

First, re-post your message at www.sailinganarchy.com, where a lot of
locals hang out. You'll get some pointers for sure, and maybe even some
offers.

You can certainly charter in LA. The closest place is Marina Del Rey,
just north of LA airport. It's a very large small boat harbor, with many
marinas and I'm sure several charter operations. I've never rented a boat
there but I've sailed there plenty. The harbor is a bit tight for sailing
but the ocean outside is great. This would be the most convenient if
you're staying in LA, plus there are neat places to see nearby like Santa
Monica, the best "walk-around" part of LA.

About 30 minutes south is Long Beach / Alamitos Bay, and LA Harbor proper.
You can sail in the harbor itself or venture outside. See the ships come
and go in the busiest port in the world.

About an hour to the south is Newport Beach, my home town. The harbor is
similar to Alamitos Bay, surrounded by houses.

Both Newport Beach and Marina Del Rey claim to be the "world's largest
small boat harbor."

You can enjoy sailing inside any of these harbors in a small boat (25').
With a larger one you'd probably rather go outside. In winter there are
far fewer boats, which makes sailing inside a lot easier, and smoother
seas (fewer wakes) just outside.

Winds are indeed light in southern CA, but enough to move boats. I spent
my youth on Newport Harbor and there was always enough wind to get around.
Not fast, but it's sailing just the same.

Winter weather, between storms, is spectacular -- 60s and 70s F, and
incredibly clear. Winter brings the occasional Santa Ana winds, strong
winds which blow off the land. There's nothing like 20kt of offshore
breeze with perfectly flat water. Very gusty though. Otherwise expect
light and variable winds in the morning, with the afternoon sea breeze
filling in at around 10kt.

So plan to sail in the afternoon.

Some charter places:

www.windwardsailingclub.com -- Newport Beach -- I used to rent there a
lot. It used to be a lot cheaper!

www.pacificsailing.net -- Long Beach -- dunno about 'em, only that they
exist

www.marinasailing.com -- Marina Del Rey -- ditto

I'm sure there are more.

I don't know what these places require now for qualifications to rent a
boat. I would check.

Happy Sailing!

Matt O.