Anywhere between 120 & 150 NM per day
unless you are sailing into major late-season depressions South of you that start blowing in your face..... This is alas not just tongue-in-cheek. Of the four major November cyclones that were recorded off the Mexican West coast between 1949 and 1998 (I need to update my tracks collection to 2003) three occurred during the latter half of that period, thus confirming the overall increase in strength and season length that cyclones in this area appear to be exhibiting. For every fullblown cyclone there are probably a handful of tropical depressions that nobody cares to record but can easily ruin a sailor's day. So keep a weather eye on the long-range forecasts before and while underway. Your plan to go nonstop is a good one I think. In 1993 we more or less followed Charlie's Charts coastal route, with anchorage stops every couple of days because of one very seasick crew member (who was becoming dehydrated). However, in 1995 we decided to sail via Ensenada (to go through Customs there) to Guadeloupe island and from Guadeloupe straight to Cabo San Lucas. The second route (with a bit saltier crew)was much less stressful than Charlie's route "with one leg on the beach" which demanded constant alertness to unlighted fishing boats, nets, coastal freighters and cruising vessels while also having to be very careful not to become embayed on what is essentially a lee shore most of the time. I don't know the Mexican Customs rules right now, but first going through customs in Ensenada and then being able to sail through Mexico's territorial waters without having to be afraid of being bothered by Mexican officials, e.g. when wanting to make landfall for whatever reason, may still make a lot of sense. If you do have enough time to stop in Guadeloupe for 1 or 2 nights bring some goodies (cigarettes, Playboy magazines, chocolate chip cookies, etc.) to trade for lobster and abalone with the fishermen. However, in case you have female crew members on board, don't stay long enough for the commander of the garrison to come aboard and first demand a couple drinks before setting his sights on more active forms of recreation... In spite of that warning, a short Guadeloupe visit is an absolute must if you happen to be in the neighborhood. In short, for peace of mind and for more predictable winds you may want to go during the later half of November and stay at least 100 NM or so offshore. Hope you have a great trip! Flying Dutchman
