Sad story with regard to the boat which was lost. Somewhat uplifting in regard to the local Mexicans who helped him. I've never sailed the Sea of Cortez, don't know the coast and don't know about anchoring - although I've read it can be challenging. But it seems that he didn't employ good risk management. I wonder, in the face of currents that approach his boat speed, if he would have been better off sailing with the currents rather than against. But then again, you have to approach shore to anchor so maybe that wasn't feasible.
Sailing in a remote area with any question about the engine seems risky. I think with a reliable engine his boat would have survived.
To be in a situation in which a blown tack puts you on rocks is risky. I've done it but on a 16' foot centerboard boat. I didn't lose the boat and learned not to push a position to that extreme. Maybe he had no choice.
