HUNTINGTON BEACH : Shuttle May Set Sail From City to Catalina

Santa Catalina Island soon may be more than just a lovely vision on Huntington Beach’s horizon.

The state Coastal Commission has already approved proposed tourist shuttles via sailing vessel between Peter’s Landing in Huntington Beach to Avalon on Catalina. And on Tuesday, the state Public Utilities Commission held a public hearing in Huntington Beach City Hall on an application for commission approval for such shuttle service.

Orville Wright, the administrative law judge who conducted the hearing, later will write a decision either recommending for or against the shuttle application, said Kyle Devine, a spokeswoman for the utilities commission. She said the five-member commission then would vote on the matter, probably by next fall.

The applicant, Sail Catalina, proposes to use a sailing vessel, rather than a ferry, to transport visitors from Huntington Beach to Catalina.

Gregory A. Parker, president of Sail Catalina, said that he wants to provide motor-sailing to Catalina in the mornings, taking about 75 minutes from Peter’s Landing. He said the vessel on its return to the mainland would take from 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

“The Huntington Harbour (Peter’s Landing) location will be more convenient for the residents of Huntington Beach,” Parker said in a letter to city officials.

City officials, in turn, have been enthusiastic about the proposal. They envision the proposed island shuttle service as bringing more tourists to the city. The shuttle would be a boon to the Peter’s Landing commercial complex at Huntington Harbour, said Diane Baker, president of the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau.

“The bureau views this project as another asset to add to the list of what to see and do while in Huntington Beach,” Baker said.

Deputy City Administrator Barbara Kaiser said a shuttle link to Catalina Island would be a new economic stimulant for the city. The new service also would be unusual, she noted. “None of the existing Catalina carriers provide an opportunity for passengers to enjoy sailing,” Kaiser said.