Boy, folks have some high expectations for Channel Island boats.
I was on last Sat. Bunk area has been refitted and no smell with new pads. Yes they are still bunks but what the heck, its better than paying a hundred at the 4 Points for a night. I actually look forward to getting there the night before, getting set up, getting dinner and talking with the other divers.
The boat can get a little crowded but its easy to deal with. You can also go off the stern but most people don't know about it so the gates can get crowded with anxious divers. That only lasts for the first 2 dives and then everybody starts getting tired and the whole process of a big giant stride slows down. And yes, I still prefer Friday's because there is less of a load and usually more experienced divers.
I've been diving on that boat for 15 years so I guess its like a comfort zone for me. I know that Ted will always take care of us and will always find the best possible spots, even if he has to travel the entire circumference of Anancapa and over to Santa Cruz. I have been on the boat many times when we got back late to the dock.
Tri tip was tasty as usual. Breakfast has evolved over the years and since the $120 cost is all inclusive, breakfast is more continental now but you still get the Mc Diver breakfast sandwich.
The vis last week was not great because of the swell direction(s). They hit the island from all directions. We didn't even get over to Santa Cruz. Ted tucked us in some spots that were as protected as possible. Vis was 25' on first dive and 10-15' on the other 3. We shared the same areas on the back side of Anacapa with Vision, Peace and Explorer and I think Raptor. The water temp was 61F on the surface and as low as 59F at 50'.
One good thing was the crossing was smooth out and back; thanks to the long period swells.
Everyone on the boat had a great time even with reduced vis. We all saw stuff that we normally wouldn't see and it didn't rain on us! In fact, the weather was perfect.
Go and have a good time!
