We departed the Marina at slack water this morning around 0930. Fortunately, though a tight fit, it was uneventful.

During the morning radio net, we heard of a boat that is about 50 miles North who has tangled in a fishing net that they cannot cut away. They can’t use their engine and folks in Mazatlan were getting ready to go out and help them get in. It was a good reminder to stay well away from all the fishing boats in these waters who put out large nets and long lines, often without much in the way of markers. In fact, we passed a dozen of these large trawlers in the first five miles beyond the breakwater and are very glad to be away from them. We were also pleased to have passed at least a half dozen whales in the first ten miles of our journey further South. All seemed to be feeding as they would take a breath or two, then show their flukes for a deep dive and often we would not see that particular whale again. Other wildlife counts include; 5 Manta Rays jumping and the biggest sea turtle we’ve seen so far with a shell that looked to be three feet long.

I can’t describe how peaceful and relaxing it is to be back out here on the blue water heading South. We have 1-2 foot seas and a 12 knot warm breeze off the stern quarter, resulting in around 5.5-6 knots boat speed with just the big jib up. We could use the main and go faster, but this leg is 90 miles and we’d get there before sunup, so this speed is just fine. And did I say; “warm breeze”? Yup, we’re finally in the “Mexican Riviera” meaning it’s not winter anymore here. It’s about mid to upper 70’s right now, 15 miles off the coast. So nice.

Our destination is Isla Isabella, a small island off the coast that is a breeding ground for blue-footed boobies. You can go ashore if the weather cooperates and see their nesting grounds. There are iguanas there too (we saw one yesterday just outside the marina gate on the hotel lawn).

Mr Iguana was sunning himself right outside the Marina gate.

Last night I made tonight’s dinner in the pressure cooker. Split bean and ham soup. You cook it and leave the cooker closed and just leave it. No need for refrigeration. Just reheat. Great for the first night out to not have to cook. ***After dinner now and settling down to our watches for the night. We stay up until 2000, then I’ll take the first watch until 2300. Charisma’s mast is reaching straight up into the sky for a half moon that’s lighting up the sea around us. It’s still warm and we have about 8-10 knots of wind, so for now, things are good.

Sunset out of Mazatlan