Sea of Cortez crossing

[Dave5031]

Thinking about taking my '87 h23 down to San Carlos Sonora Mex. for some coastal cruising this spring or summer, possibly possibly sailing across to Mulege ( about 80mi). Anyone done this? If so have any advice or stories to share. ThanksDaveh23 "Wind Dreamer"

 

[bob fliegel]

Check the Archive

Check "Resources" and then "Hunters at Sea". There is a wonderful adventure story about Bill and Nancy Berg and their H260 voyage in the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy!

 

[Dave5031]

Thanks Bob

Nice story, I know of some folks who have gone across in Catalina 22's ( I don't know if you can say that on the forum) just wondering if anybody has made the trip in an h23

 

[Mike M16608]

Sea of Cortez Article

Hey Dave - In the August 1985 issue of Sail magazine (yes, 1985, I'll explain in a minute) there is an article titled "Lord have mercy on such as we, Baja, Baja, Baja" - Cruising the Sea of Cortez. The author was Herb Payson with photographs by his wife, Nancy. Basically, what they did was tow a Laguna 22 behind a motorhome down into Mexico and went on a cruising vacation. As they talked about beaching the boat, I'm guessing it is a swing keel setup. If that boat could do it, and a Catalina 22 can also, the H23 should be able to handle it. Payson does talk about some tough conditions, so keep your weather eye open. Payson also referenced Baha Cruising Notes by Vern Jones in his article. Now - why was I able to pull up this obscure reference? Well, this issue of Sail magazine has a review of a new boat offered by Hunter - the 23. At that time the purchase price of around $10,000 was out of my reach, but I saved and remembered this issue thinking....maybe someday..... Someday came this year, and I remembered the article. When I went through my stash of old Sail magazines, I found it and saw the Sea of Cortez while thunbing through the issue. If you can't get a copy from the library or through Sail, contact me through the ownner's directory. Not sure what the copyright rules are after 20 years, but making a copy for you is probably fair use.

 

[Dick1505]

Trailer sailer

If you haven't already looked at this site, check it out. It has a forum just for Sea of Cortez. You'll find all the info you need on crossings, etc. I keep reading it dreaming about taking my H26 from the Iowa snows and cruising in winter, but alas......

 

[Jim Schaff]

Hi Dave,I have an H26 and have crossed the Sea of Cortez, back and forth, about a half-dozen times. I usually participate in the Tucson Sailing Club's regatta (which is held twice a year) and then cross the sea to where ever it is a few of the boats go after the regatta. Sometimes we take the Northern route from San Carlos and visit the (mostly) uninhabited islands, ending up at Bahia de Los Angeles. Other times we sail straight across to Santa Rosalia and then work our way down to Punta Chivato, Mulege and into Bahia Concepcion and back. I've seen boats smaller than the H23 on this trip. Crossing the sea always involves an over night sail and can sometimes get pretty darned rough. Weather channels aren't available down there so one has to rely on what other sailors know and have heard from various sources. Crossing the Sea of Cortez is always a great adventure though. The last few times we sailed right through a bunch of whales and we always see dolphins. The little cantinas on the other side are interesting and they all serve wonderful margaritas! There is a lot of history and interesting architecture there, too. Snorkeling in the Bahia Concepcion is great.  I am going down on Memorail Day next spring and participate in the Tucson Sailing Club regatta and then cross the sea to Santa Rosalia and down into Bahia Concepcion. I don't know if the club will put a cruise together or not, or where they will go if they do -- but my son, step-daughter and I are gearing up now for a crossing in the spring. It's always more fun if there are several boats. Want to join us?Jim Schaffs/v Savannah

 

[Jim Schaff]

Couple of Recommendations

Dave,I highly recommend a long-neck motor and an autohelm for crossing the sea. It makes the trip much more enjoyable. Each crossing takes 20-25 hours and the seas can get pretty bouncy!Jim Schaffs/v Savannah

 

[Nancy16802]

Sea of Cortez Messageboard

Our host here at SailboatOwners.com also host the Cortez Messageboard. Here is the link. It's great sailing.Be sure to get Gerry Cunningham's Cruising guides and charts.

 

[Dave5031]

Thanks for the info

Thanks everybody. Mike, I'm still trying to get an issue of the Aug '85 issue from Sail' if I'm not succesful I'll get in touch, I'm a fan of Herb Payson's writing anyway. Jim Thanks for the invite, if the timming works out I'd love to join you guys, I've heard of the Tuscon club's regatta from a friend, sounds like a lot of fun. Now if I can just schedule all the important things I want to do without that four letter word (WORK) getting in the way I'll be doing alright. Thanks again everyone for the input.Dave h23 "Wind Dreamer"