Saturday 17-Nov-13 1235
Al and Arturo helped us off the docks and we were on our way. We set out on a course that would put us in the gap between Punta Banda and Isla Todas Santos.
The clouds were breaking up, seas were rippled and winds coming from the west at 5-10 knots.
1525: winds had increased and we were on a beam reach maintaining 6 knots. Pretty good start for this leg of the trip.
1723: the winds turned around from the north so we put the preventer on (tied a line to the boom to prevent the boom from accidentally swinging across the boat thus preventing damage to the boat and major brain injury to anyone who's head might be in the way). We always do this when we are in a following sea.
1747: sunset
1807: moon rise at 100%. It is very dark over the mountains so I suspect that it is raining on land but the skies are still clear overhead.
18-nov-13 0620 were are abeam of Roca Soledad and Punta Santo Thomas. Suggestion was to stay outside of this rock due to the large accumulation of kelp, rocks and fishermen looking for barracuda, halibut, ling cod, sea bass, yellowtail tuna and rockfish.
0626: has the glow of the moon now visible at the edge of some very dark clouds. It is quite dramatic.
Most of the day was just swapping watches and not a lot to see. Motoring and very light winds.
1833: the full moon is rising, an hour later every day. It is bright yellow and spectacular.
1915: abeam Punta San Jose light, about 4.5 nm off shore. Almost clear with a full moon. The wind is from the NW at 8 knots. Let out the genoa about half an hour ago and shut off the motor at 1900 hours. Making 3-4 knots with low swells and very little wind wave. Monitor is working well and motor seems smoother with new cutless bearing. Charging system does not seem to be working so Dave will investigate tomorrow.
2009: BA on watch and enjoying the moonlit night. I had lots of sleep last night and a little nap in the afternoon so I may just extend this watch. I guess those years of the night shift are paying off.
22:29 abeam Punta Cabras. I am being stubborn as the wind has dropped off but I refuse to turn on the motor until I have slowed down to less than 2 knots. Not making good time but are we really in a hurry? And if I turn the motor on I know that the Captain will wake up.
19-Nov-13 0001: finally gave in and rolled in the genoa and turned on the motor.
0113: just picked up the light on Cabot Colnett about 8 nm away. It would have been nice to see in the daylight as the point has sheer cliffs and a flat plateau making it quite distinct. You can still make out the outline even in the dark. I have moved in behind a fishing boat and am using his lights to steer by.
Because the charging system is not working we are trying to conserve our use of power so the GPS and nav instruments are turned off. As this fishing boat is going in the same direction as us it makes it a little less stressful for maintaining a course. And it is about time for the Captain to wake up which he is doing on his own.
0300: abeam Cape Colnett at 3.5 nm off shore. We are making 4.5 knots at 1200 rpms.
0600/0700: abeam Cape San Jacinto. We are slowly working our way eastward and have now entered into the Mountain Standard Time so the clocks have been moved ahead.
0855: brief visit from a pod of about 20 dolphins. Isla St. Martin is about 10 miles ahead.
1120: we moved in to take a closer look at the island. There were 5 panga's (fishing dories) on the beach and some type of research station. There appears to be lots of kelp and probably not a good anchorage even though you are protected from any northerly winds.
The light at the end of the beach on the SE side of the island is not indicated on the GPS.
Crossing over to the Baja Peninsula towards Cabo San Quintin.
1347: put the genoa out. Winds were from the NW and we were averaging 4-4.5 knots. Still cannot figure out why the batteries were not charging. The solar panels are generating some power so we are at safe levels but still being cautious.
Lots of dolphins today. Our original plan was to investigate San Quintin but due to the charging issue we decided to press on the Turtle Bay. The winds were staying fairly consistent so we wanted to take advantage of that.
There are also a lot of pelicans out here. We are only in about 125 feet of water so there must be a lot of fish around. The pelicans crack me up as they dive bomb for the fish. Their necks must be all cartilage because they hit the water at such a force - they would break otherwise.
1357: spotted some lobster traps. I will have to keep careful watch as they tend to be grouped in clusters of 6. They are made up of black floats and a black flag. Now how are you supposed to see them in the dark?
1405: winds are slowly picking up and we are now maintaining 4.5 to 5.5 knots. Otto is keeping us on course. I am happy! David and I both got a solid 6 hours of sleep (no - not at the same time) so we are well rested to head to Turtle Bay - which is still a day and a half away. But we shall see if we are still smiling when we get there. But right now it is shorts and sun screen and my purple hat and Jimmy Buffet. Are you getting the picture?
1734: another milestone has been reached. 30.00.00 N. 115.45.87W . at Rio del Rosario. The equator is getting closer and closer! Winds are steady at 5-6 knots on a beam reach. Captain is heating up the chili with toasted baguette and a dollop of sour cream. I had to put on my leggings and fleece as the air was cooling off.
1848: abeam Punta Baja. Still doing 5-6 knots with the genoa.
1930: BA on
2130: Still maintaining 5-6 though surfing a bit more. Full moon. Rocking and Rollin with the Rolling Stones! Yes - I have my safety harness on. Thanks Tim!
19-Nov -13 have gone about 130 nm - a good run so far. Sun is up. Slowed to 4.5 knots with the genoa furled in a bit. Seas are choppy and the swells are about 5 feet with the occasional 7 footer just to keep me awake.
Can make out the light on the island just west of Cedros. Otto has us on a perfect course to set us up between Cedros and San Bonitos Island. We are set up a little closer to San Bonitos as the current and wind are pushing us toward Cedros. Cedros was named for all of the cedar trees that used to be on the island - but cut down and used for ship building. Though some books say they were Juniper trees - does anyone know for sure?
1120: coming abeam of the eastern most point of the San Benito Islands with mountainous Isla Cedros on our port side. Making 5 knots with the Genoa. Cloudy skies but the solar panels are still putting out a small charge into the house bank. David thought he saw whales earlier but they may have been blow holes along the coastline.
1200: admiral is up. I think I got some sleep but not really sure. Made capaletti soup with small tortellini's, left over chicken, green onion, chicken stock and Parmesan cheese. As I was putting it into the cups we took a wave and it ended on the counter, floor and me. After some profanity, a few tears of frustration and a hug from the captain I was able to save enough of it to satisfy us for lunch. That is life at sea.
As I write about this I look up and the water is exploding with about 50 dolphins jumping and chasing down their dinner. Spilt soup forgotten.
1300: If I had just woken up and looked outside I would have thought that I was back in Malaspeina Strait and looking at Texada Island sailing on a typical November day. Okay, maybe not quite as cold but cloudy, small craft warning and me in my fleece and all weather gear. On the good side was the fact that we had a constant North Westerly blowing for the last 24 hours- never had that back home. But I see blue skies ahead and maybe when I wake up from my nap I will be back in the Baja!
1700: Locking mechanism for the rudder on the windvane broke. We must have run into something or something ran into us. So. Back to hand steering. When are things going to stop breaking!
1755 abeam the lighthouse on Isla Navidad
Have made the decision to anchor in Turtle Bay. There is an Internet cafe there and Dave is hoping he can get a hold of Mark and he can help us troubleshoot our charging problem. Dave will also see if he can get the windvane fixed.
2100: dropped the sail
Pretty barren landscape.
2205: abeam Punta Romepiente
2225: anchored in Turtle Bay. Total miles covered was 243 nm. Total time was 58.5 hours with 35.5 of that under sail. Engine hours 2711.6. If not for the problems the actual distance covered and sailing proved to be a very successful leg.
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