Sailing into Mexican Waters

[Terry Goodin]

I'm new to sailing and am getting pretty comfortable with my Catalina 27. She's an older boat, but very solid. I am planning to sail her to the Coronado Islands south of San Diego. Those islands are actually in Mexican waters. Does anyone have any experience going there (good or bad) and how long would it take to get there and back ?Also, how much further would it be to Ensenada ?Has anyone reading this sailed to Ensenada ?Are there any concerns with the Mexican authorities on the water ?Thanks

 

[Larry Watkins]

Mexican waters

Terry; There's more to sailing to Mexico than can be covered in these posts. It isn't the actual sailing, and that has to be thought out, but the paperwork cha-cha-cha, clearing in/out of Mexican ports, US Customs, etc. You'll want to do a lot of research on the subject. Get a Mexican cruising guide for starters, make sure your emergency skills are up to snuff, (this is the Pacific Ocean, after all) and your boat is in top shape.

 

[Peter Hine]

The non-sailing stuff...

In '99 I sailed the Baja-HaHa (not on my 27, but on a larger boat). This event leaves San Diego about Nov. 1. It doesn't stop at Coronados, or Ensenada, but eventually goes to Cabo. I entertained the idea of doing it in my '74 27 (std rig, OB engine) after the great '99 experience, but couldn't work out the time

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Downwind Marine

Go talk to the folks at Downwind Marine. They're THE place Mexico cruisers go to take mail, get info, etc. They should be able to sell you lots of good guides and give you invaluable info for free.LaDonna

 

[Phil Decker]

Mexican Navy

A couple of years ago, I was on a US registered dive boat off of San Carlos (Sea of Cortez), when we pulled over by the Mexican Navy. About six burly sailors with big guns and a small boat came at us at high speed and shouted at us in Spanish. Fortunately, the guns were not pointed directly at us.Unfortunately, none of us spoke Spanish, and none of them spoke English. After chattering at each other for awhile, they waved us off without further incident, since we were obviously a dive boat and didn't look like drug smugglers when viewed up close. They did not board us, but I think that was the next step.The moral: Heave-to right away when challenged, smile, and be nice to the autorities. Have your documentation handy. Know enough Spanish to put each other at ease. Don't even think of carrying drugs.Phil DeckerS/V "Catmandu"1982 C27 TR

 

[Pat Reynolds]

Video

I just saw a video recently about a guy who sailed his c 30 from San Diego around Cabo to La Paz. It was very insightful. I think it was called cruising to Cabo or something. If you're interested, e mail me and I'll find the right title for you ratrickpeynolds@hotmail.com.