Hello, In looking at our files and what it took to develop the protected harbor from wave action all year around was noted in the early development in Dana Point. The outer breakwater wall stopped all wave action that was noted as one of the best surf spots along the California coast line. but, that was not the only thing the first design showed. The outer breakwater was not just necessary, but the wave action still sent ripples to the inner waters in most models shown. Early sedans and cars, but mostly station wagons in this Dana Point Cove photo. At the far right in the photo, it looks like a 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery.!!! It is/was difficult to stop the consistent wave action along this portion of rocky coastline in Dana Point from all of the wave swells hitting the shoreline all year long. The South rocky jetty supposedly stopped all wave action from that end. But, the docks in the models took the brunt of residual wave surges and some waves that actually came into the harbor. So, despite the huge rocky headlands cliffside making a wall in the cove area of the harbor, one needed to see another rocky jetty inside of the actual breakwater was necessary to prevent any surges for the “protected” boats in their slips. So, Dana Point created an inner island rocky jetty to protect the slips for the boaters. They also destroyed the cliff side outcropping in the far upper part of the photo. At one point in time, these waves in the photo were not seen by the thousands that enjoyed Doheny beach around that large cliff point. Jnaki The calm waters shoreside of the Santa Monica rocky breakwater would have to withstand the winter storms, and the wave action all year around with that jetty. Plus, it would be difficult to build a calm inner water harbor with three sides and two openings, with out any consequences of surges to the boats in any dock. YRMV
The Jalopy Journal
