Based on current information as of September 5, 2025, here are key events focused on sailing, boating, or related activities in the specified areas. I’ve prioritized those happening this month, including today and upcoming. Note that some events may require registration, and details like weather could impact them—always confirm with organizers.
Ventura Harbor Area
- Blue Water Race #3: Hosted by Ventura Yacht Club on September 1. This is a recent ocean race event for sailors.
- Wet Wednesday Series: Weekly evening races every Wednesday through September 10, organized by Ventura Yacht Club. Post-race dinners and trophies included; great for casual competitive sailing.
- Light-Up the Night Boat Rentals: Nighttime pedal boat adventures with glowing character-themed boats at Ventura Boat Rentals, available on weekends like September 13-14. More recreational than competitive, but popular for harbor boating.
- Lady Driver #2: Women’s sailing race on September 27 by Ventura Yacht Club.
Channel Islands Harbor Area
- Concert On the Sea: September 6 from 4-6 PM. Boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders can anchor or launch to enjoy live music on the water—a unique floating concert experience.
- Trivia Night at Channel Islands Yacht Club: September 4 (recent), followed by CIBT Kickoff Dinner on September 5. These are club social events with a boating community focus.
Santa Barbara Harbor Area
- Santa Barbara City Race (Mandalay Spar to SB): Today, September 5. A competitive sailing race from Mandalay to Santa Barbara; registration is limited.
- Women’s Skipper Championship & Shalhoob Women’s Invitational: September 6, hosted by Santa Barbara Yacht Club. Focuses on women sailors.
- Tequila Derby (SB to Mandalay Spar): September 7. Return leg of the City Race series.
- Charity Regatta & Harbor 20 Single Handed: September 13, benefiting VNA Health, organized by Santa Barbara Yacht Club.
- Sipping on the Sea: September 18 from 5-7 PM (time approximate based on series). Wine or brewery tasting cruise on the water.
- Sips & Ships Fundraiser: September 27 from 4-7:30 PM at Marina 1, hosted by Santa Barbara Sea Shell Association. Includes wine tasting and yacht tours.
Ventura Channel Islands Area (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Nicholas)
- Autumn Equinox Cruise: September 25, a fundraiser cruise to East Santa Cruz Island by Channel Islands Restoration. Focuses on environmental education and island exploration.
- Ongoing boating options include day trips to Anacapa and Santa Cruz via Island Packers from Ventura Harbor, with opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and landing (day-use only on Santa Rosa without permits, with beach restrictions through September 15).
- Whale watching excursions are active through summer, departing from Ventura or Channel Islands Harbors, with chances to see whales in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Weather Concerns
No major active storms or warnings were identified specifically for the Southern California coast around Ventura, Santa Barbara, or the Channel Islands as of September 5, 2025. However, typical concerns for boating in this area include variable conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel, such as strong winds, fog, and unforgiving ocean swells—only experienced boaters with suitable vessels should venture out. Heavy rain or humid days can lead to sudden changes like the Catalina Eddy, which can roll in quickly. For real-time marine forecasts, check NOAA’s Los Angeles office (weather.gov/marine/lox), as conditions can shift rapidly. Always monitor for rip currents, high waves, or advisories before heading out.
Related News
- Whale Watching Season Highlights: Island Packers announced summer excursions from Ventura Harbor, running through September, with high chances of spotting whales in the Santa Barbara Channel. Trips are available Fridays-Mondays, including Thursday options through mid-September.
- Tall Ship Visits: The Mystic Whaler is offering public day sails in the Channel Islands Harbor area, providing scenic trips along the Santa Barbara Channel.
- Boating Safety and Community Events: Recent coverage includes the 15th Annual Safe Boating Expo in May at Channel Islands Harbor, emphasizing safety for boaters. Summer camps for kids focused on sailing skills wrapped up in June.
- Racing and Harbor Updates: News on races like Santa Barbara to King Harbor (July) highlights ongoing sailing enthusiasm in the region. No major incidents reported recently, but environmental efforts like island restoration cruises are gaining attention.