This is San Diego which, depending on what part of the last century you’re thinking of, is the biggest or second largest port on the West Coast. That means it has history and you can find it at the excellent Maritime Museum. For $12 a person (or $7 for children) you can get on board of the famous 200+ foot Star of India, the world’s oldest iron hulled merchant tall ship still floating, a B-39 submarine, a replica of an 18th century British frigate, and not least of all the San Salvador, which has the distinction of being the first European vessel to reach America’s West Coast. That’s not bad for one harbor and we haven’t even mentioned their maritime museums, library or shops. If you’re more into modern ships, there’s the USS Midway in the harbor, an aircraft carrier complete with jet planes on board.
With all these things in one bay, you imagine it’s a big place at about 12 miles long and 1 mile wide. Really, you can sail around the waters protected by the a long, narrow strip of land called the Silver Strand all day long. There’s one local website that has culled information about San Diego sailboat racing, charter, clubs, marinas, sales and news you can visit here. Generally speaking, keep in mid that, if you’re headed far South of Santa Monica Bay, the currents and winds will carry you there easily, allowing for a glorious spinnaker run but the way back is a trek. Going North from Mexico or even San Diego, you have to motor-sail much of the way because you’ll be heading almost directly into the wind.
San Diego is also the last stop before you hit the Mexican border, so if you’re thinking of making it down to Baja California (for pleasure or to find discounted boating services in Ensenada) you will need to stop by the U.S. Customs offices in the harbor for inspection. It’s among the first things you see when entering the San Diego: just past Point Loma on the left side you will see on Shelter Island (a misnomer as it is connected to land) the Harbor Police Dock where the customs officers do their inspections. There’s an annual $27.50 sticker fee you’ll need to pay and you can reach them directly at (619) 685-4300.
