Pacific Mexico Cruise

We had a day sail to our next overnight anchor. Chamela is a great stop. In the morning I swam to a nearby boat. I introduced myself and he asked if my wife was at Disneyland? Huh? He says we met on the Haha and I had told him my story. Good to see you Andrew. We then headed to Parioso just down the way. One of my faqvorite anchorages and we are the only boat. After lunch we head to the beach for bocce. Losers have to cook dinner. Game on. Lets just say our team did not cook that night. Next day we head for Tenacatita. A cuisers's paradise. 30 boats in the bay and bocce on the beach. We went to the dingy raft up with some food and met the fleet. We annouced there wold be a jam session on our boat at 7:30. Sure enough 8 or so dingys showed up as well as lots of guitars and flutes. We had a blast and I met some folks I hope to see in Ztown. Had a noice swim the next morning. One gal reported she swam with dolphins nearby. That evening we headed over to Delta Swizler for drinks and food. Good times and a chance to meet more cruisers. Off for an overnight sail tonight and then the Guitarfest in Ztown.

sers.

Trouble in Paradise

I arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday afternoon. My friend Jim and I had no problem finding the boat only 2 miles from the airport. A swimming pool nearby was refreshing. All was well. Sunday morning, all hell broke loose. We walked out the marina gates to see a bus on fire on our way to provision. That's wierd. We continued to the store and the streets and sidewalks were almost empty. We provisioned and I went to see about a cab. The manager told me there were no cabs available. What? Then we heard about the drug cartels and the distruction. We found a cab and saw alot of smoke in different areas of the city. We sheltered in place that night to let things cool down. We took off on Monday and were one of a handful of boats on the water. We headed for Yelapa and hit the beach for food and bocce. It was nice to be far away from the violence. On Tuesday we headed out early for a 40 mile run to Ipala. Its well protected and that was welcome as the winds hit 25 on the way down. Big waves and a bit of surfing on our 45' ketch. Our next big stop is the cruisers paradise of Tenacatita. More soon onboard Heather Elizabeth. Below: Yelapa waterfall.

Departing for a Sojourn in Mexico

I am heading back to Mexico to meet up with my Haha boat and sailing the best that Mexico has to offer. The 350 miles between Puerto Valarta and Zihutanejo are spectacular. Lots of beautiful anchorages, stunnung sunsets and tons of wildlife. We are heading south to experience Guitarfest. 20 or so artists play on the beach in a concert setting. After the first event, they all scatter to venues in the city. I was there during my 2019/20 voyage and vowed to come back. Six onboard and temps in the mid 80's every day. We have Starlink aboard and I plan to update the blog a few times during the voyage. Stand by!

Diving in Indonesia

Wow!

Terrible Crash at Sail GP

SailGP, like most events with a “Grand Prix” theme, promises excitement and adrenaline while testing the edge of danger. Saturday’s SailGP event in Auckland crossed the danger line when the French and New Zealand teams collided after Peter Burling and team on Black Foils appeared to lose control in front of the French, who did their best to avoid a collision. They didn’t make it. The fleet boats were traveling at around 90 km/h (about 56 mph) in “breezy conditions” when the DS Team France F50 smashed into the side of Black Foils. Two sailors suffered significant injury, and the boats were badly damaged.

Meanwhile in Santa Cruz...

All six occupants were rescued. Who would do this???

Another Top YouTuber Says Goodbye

La Vagabond to Sell Boat and Move On

I have been following this channel since the beginning. These guys have seen it all and done it all since 2018. They became the top sailing Youtube channel and made millions from their videos. Now they have two boys who need the stability of land as they grow older. I don't think we have seen the last of them as they transition to sustainable living at some tropical location with a much more humble boat at the dock waiting for them. Bon voyage!

Forecasts For SF Bay Are Not Accurate

The NOAA releases forcasts for the day and the coming days. In the winter, most of the forecasts are usually 5-10. Here is this weekends forcast:

Today was the same, 5-10. I got out on the bay about 11am. By the time I got to Treasure, it was 20. As I approached Angel it was gusting to 27. I got behind the island and the waves deminished but the wind was nice at 15. This same thing happened the three other days I sailed this week, but not as strong. I do sail in the windiest part of the bay and I believe the Tule Fog in the Central Valley is making a huge difference in the winds this winter. For the first time ever, we have had a serious blanket of fog from Fresno to Redding. A distance of over 300 miles of dense fog. The fog has been there for 8 weeks or more. Most winters, a good day is 10 knots of wind. This winter it has been more like 15-20 most days. Not that I am complaining. I am just glad I still go out when the forecast is 5-10. Today was epic!

100' tri breaks Jules Verne Record for a lap around the planet!

Pro Tips

From a sailor in the Med. Keep your dreams alive – Never give up on your dreams, however long they may take to come to fruition. It was Garcia Marquez who said: ‘It’s not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.’ Big isn’t always best – At 6ft 4in, headroom was a major consideration for me, so I was lured towards a biggish yacht; that also allowed us to entertain family and friends in real comfort. But in hindsight I discovered that decent headroom is available on smaller yachts. Such a choice would have reduced the capital cost enormously. Be budget savvy – Don’t underestimate the continuing costs of boat ownership, particularly as the boat ages. Keep meticulous accounts; they help to keep you grounded and to plan ahead. Learn to anticipate at least one unexpected four-figure expenditure every year. When do your insurers demand that you replace the standing rigging? That is a very substantial expense. How old are the sails, and in what condition? Then plan ahead for sail replacement, another major expense. Drop the hook in harbours – Avoid marinas if you possibly can. Village harbours are much cheaper, and generally more attractive. Peaceful anchorages are free and truly blissful. Prepare for the night sails – Passages involving one or more nights at sea demand careful planning, a stock of spares, checks of radar and navigation apps and weather forecasts. Moonlit nights are safer and so enjoyable. Ideally, have a minimum crew of four: two-man watches are far less perilous than solo watches, given the body’s insistent demands that you nod off. Be ready for storms – Ensure your chain locker contains more than the normally needed length of chain. In a major storm you may need to let out much more than you would normally at anchor. We always used the oven as a Faraday cage, putting all movable electrical items in it.

Whale in the Bay!

I was out looking for wind between Angel and Treasure Island yesterday. I was turning off the engine when a 25 foot grey whale surfaced 20 feet from the boat. He took a breath and dissappeared. I have not seen a whale in the bay for over 2 years so this was a momentous occasion. Over the years, I have seen more than a dozen inside the bay. Some come in looking for food, some are injured or sick and one famous whale went all the way to Sacramento and back out to sea in the 80's. I look foirward to seeing many more.

New Sailor

I am taking out a newbie on Wedneesday. I will have to mention these to him.

Top Vids of the Year 2025

Hobart Update