About the Fun Run, and what to expect.
Welcome
For 2025, we're excited to have you back for our powerboating event to Catalina Island with another epic 3-day agenda. Who's ready for more boating and more destinations?
Catalina Fun Run | September 26-28, 2025
TENTATIVE AGENDA - SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Thursday September 25 - Casual meet and greet.
7:00pm
For those wanting to save themselves a little time on event day, we will be at the launch site and available for you to pickup event shirts and goodies bags. Meet some new friends and enjoy a nearby bar or restaurant.
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Friday September 26 - Depart Newport Beach for Catalina Island.
7:30-9:00am
Registration Check-in at Newport Dunes:
CFR Staff will be near the launch ramp for you to pickup event shirts and goodies bags. Items not picked up before departure will not be brought to the island.
Launch:
We will have some space for temporary docking/loading. But likely not room for all. Upon launch and conclusion of the safety meeting, please make way to the Main Channel, clearing room for other participants to launch.
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8:10-8:20am
Mandatory Driver Safety & Logistics Meeting (At the launch ramp). Safety is paramount. We will outline the rules and logistics for a safe day on the water.
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9:00-9:40am
It's about a 40 minute idle to the exit of Newport Harbor. Don't be late!
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9:45am
Gather 1 mile straight outside Newport Harbor to meet up with the photo helicopter. @FastLoudPhotography and @OCPhotographics will be overhead as well as @ZipZapPower at sea level to capture pictures and videos of the entire run to Catalina.
We will depart single file down the Newport Coast to Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach before heading West to Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island. Grab a shore boat to come on shore and enjoy the town of Avalon.
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11:00-4:30pm
CFR Beach Party. Once on shore in Avalon, it's just a short walk North down the boardwalk to Descanso Beach Club. We have reserved several beach cabanas. There is also additional first come first serve seating at the adjacent observation deck, bar, restaurant, and on the beach. Grab a seat at the bar, roll out a towel on the beach, or lounge in a cabana while we enjoy the afternoon in Descanso Beach. There will be a cash bar and servers to take food orders. This is the responsibility of each guest.
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2:30pm - Sponsor Appreciation
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4:30pm - Return to Avalon for Hotel Check-ins.
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Evening - You're free to explore, socialize, make diner plans, and enjoy the nightlife on the island.
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Saturday September 27 -
10:00 am
Meetup, in your boats, out front of the Casino in Avalon Harbor for a 10:30 am group departure to Cat Harbor.
11:00-2:00pm
Tie-up in Cat Harbor (Windward Side of Two Harbors). Finger sandwiches, cheese, and fruit trays will be provided. But pack a cooler of drinks and feel free to pack extra food and snacks.
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For those that may want to skip the tie-up to explore the island there are many Things To Do.​
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Tours & Activities - To be booked direct
Catalina Aerial Adventure
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Descanso Beach Club will have a live DJ every Saturday during summer. Seating is first-come first-serve at and around the bar. You're also welcome to reserve cabanas or lounge chairs on the Descanso Beach Club website.
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Harbor Sands at Two Harbors. Take a short boat ride to enjoy a more low-key day at the beach. You're also welcome to reserve cabanas or lounge chairs on the Harbor Sands website.
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Evening - You're free to explore, socialize, make diner plans, and enjoy the nightlife on the island.
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Sunday September 28 - Depart Avalon to return to the mainland.
10:15am - We will meetup on the boats in Hamilton Cove (condo community North of Descanso Beach).
11:00am – Departure to mainland
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Hotel Information
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach (Across from Launch Ramp)
Aurora Hotel - Avalon
Bellanca Hotel - Avalon
Catalina Island Inn - Avalon
Metropole Hotel - Avalon
Hotel St. Lauren - Avalon
Others are available through Hotels.com
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Launch Information
Launch, Parking, and Cleanout Facilities
(949) 729-1100
101 N Bayside Dr
Newport Beach, CA
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Newport Dunes Launch Ramp
N 33° 37' 9.9177" W 117° 53' 29.7582"
Emerald Bay
N 33° 33' 2.0163" W 117° 48' 38.0906"
Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island
N 33° 20' 41.1435" W 118° 19' 26.5495"
Descanso Beach Club
N 33° 21' 3.5027" W 118° 19' 40.801"
Two Harbors Isthmus - Tie-Up Location
Cat Harbor - Windward side
N 33° 25' 55.5096" W 118° 30' 19.2909"
Registered attendees will be added to a Facebook Messenger group text 24 hours before the event. This has worked well for communications, comradery, and maybe a little sh!t-talking following arrival. Registered guests and their crew can join with the following link.
https://m.me/j/Abb5np7zkOmNzFLX/
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Mooring Information
Avalon Harbor does not pre-reserve moorings. However our relationship with the harbor master allows us to supply our list of registered participants for advance assignments. This speeds up the check-in process at the island. Since these dates are still the "off-season" there should be plenty of moorings available. Shoreboats are available to bring you, your guests, and any luggage to shore. Please be patient since we have a lot of boats/guests arriving at the same time.
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Pleasure Pier # 22
Avalon, CA 90704
GPS: 33° 20' 31.92'', -118° 19' 38.28''
(310) 510-0535
Avalon Harbor - VHF 12 & 16
Shoreboat - VHF 9
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We have also provided boat details to the Two Harbors harbor master to make mooring assignments. Two Harbors does allow mooring reservations beginning Thursday Evening for the upcoming weekend.
Two Harbors Mooring Reservations
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Safety Information
Vessel Assist - Newport Beach
VHF 16
(800) 391-4869
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VHF 16
(800) 391-4869
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US Coast Guard Vessel Safety Checklist
Our event is always registered with the US Coast Guard so they are aware of our agenda and can provide emergency support on an as-needed basis.
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Fuel
Avalon Harbor - (Next to the Casino on the South side)
2 Casino Way
Avalon CA 90740
33° 20.897’N - 118° 19.583’W
(310) 510-0046
Fuels:
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Pure 93 Octane (in cans)
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Mid-grade unleaded
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Red dye diesel
Hours:​ 8am - 4:30pm - 7 Days
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Expected Distance - * Don't cut it close *
Day 1 - 42 Miles (Newport Dunes, Laguna, Avalon)
Day 2 - 42 Miles (Avalon to Cat Harbor Round-Trip the short way)
Day 3 - 34 Miles (Avalon to Newport Dunes)
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Other Helpful Links
Emerald Bay Moorings
N 33° 33' 2.0163" W 117° 48' 38.0906"
Descanso Beach Club
Descanso Beach Club is our meeting destination upon arrival. This beautiful beachside bar features two outdoor bars, cabanas, dining, sandy beach, water activities, live music and amazing views while you take it all in.
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Fun Runners are welcome to explore the island as desired. But you'll almost always find at least part of our group at this beachside oasis.
Two Harbors
Located on Catalina’s west end, Two Harbors is a rustic village that sits on a narrow strip of land separating Isthmus Cove on the leeward side of the island from Catalina Harbor on the windward side.
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Saturday will include a short ride to Two Harbors for a day of relaxing in the cove in our own private cabanas located on the white sandy beach of Isthmus Cove. For more adventure, some may choose to run around the island and moor in Catalina Harbor on the windward side where you can enjoy a short 15 minute hike to meet up with the CFR crew.