Baja

[Liam]

Anyone who has info, stories, etc about the passage from San Diego to Cabo, I would appreciate hearing from you.
I am planning to sail to the Sea of Cortez and not too interested in the 3 leg Baja Haha. I am interested in a more leisurely passage in an effort to experience more of the coast. Could be that there just isn't anything worth seeing... I don't know.
Thanks.

 

[Joe]

Here's a good place to start: http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1946-latitude-38-s-first-timer-s-guide-to-mexico-boating

 

[Rick D]

Day Hops

Liam, we had YC members who cruised to Baja three times and only spent two nights at sea each trip. They day-hopped from one anchorage to another. Having said that, they are the only ones I know who have done so. His wife hated night sails, so that's why they hopped down. Took nearly three weeks if I recall. The Baja Ha Ha route was chosen in part because it was the most popular, and most people I know who have done this on their own have followed a similar route. If I can find a contact with them, I'll PM you with it, altho we haven't been members of that club for five years.

When I sailed down, we did MdR to PV in one leg and it took us about nine days for a bit over 1200 nm.

I think the west coast of Baja isn't too inviting compared to Banderas Bay and the Sea of Cortez, so people basically try to hustle down and back.

Good luck whatever you decide. But, I think some guide books may help and perhaps it's helpful to know that you can do it in day trips (almost) if that's what you want.

 

[Liam]

Thanks for the replies.
Yes, I have Charlie's Charts Mexico, Jack Williams "Baja Boaters Guide" both volumes, I have read Latitude38's "First Timers Guide", I have all the paper charts and GPS chart chips.
I have sailed singlehanded from San Francisco to San Diego and cruised the Channel Islands a number of times. I am pretty well prepared. I was looking for more personal experiences.
Also curious to hear from anyone who has taken the "Clipper Route" comming back from Mexico.
Thanks again, Liam.

 

[zeehag]

bahia asuncion is lovely and quiet, protected from north, bahia magdalena is where the migrating whales give birth to their calves, and raise them for a couplafew months prior to migration north. bahia tortugas is where baja haha goes--turtle bay--is protected and a good place to rest. ensenada is much like tj. i would bypass that area, unless you wish to check in there.in ensenada, baja naval is a large and very nice marina with a boat yard. marina coral is a bit north of ensenada, and is a newer marina many folk s enjoy.
next to baja naval is a smaller marina many know as bandidos docks.
ensenada, turtle, asuncion,mag bay,la paz.... there are also some other places--if your draft is very shallow, there is san quintin--is a tricky and very shallow entrance. san ignacio, baja is also tricky-- some have found bad luck on htat beach-has a tricky entrance, per those who have run aground there,......

 

[Liam]

Thanks ZEEHAG. When are you headed south? I hope that things are coming together for you. I read about the robbery your boat. Sorry to here that. Wish you the best.
I am not headed south until 2012. At that time I will have a 5 year window. Can't wait!
Best regards, Liam.

 

[zeehag]

we are aiming at end march for departure date. have chainplates yet to do , and fill tanks and sail a bit then go.....