Heading out from Chacala to Matanchen in a gentle breeze
Hurricane season in Pacific Mexico starts in June, and one of our goals is to check out the Sea of Cortez for at least a few weeks before then. Even though the Sea is well south, winter weather can be (relatively) cold and rough – north winds from winter storms in the central US make their way all the way south to turn conditions less pleasant than mainland Mexico.
An overnight stop in Matanchen included a beautiful sunset
By this time of year, though, those winter storms have mostly stopped, and the weather in the Sea is improving. So, we are pointing Madrone’s bow north and starting to work our way across the 300-400 miles to get there.
After a nice day sail to Matanchen Bay, the forecast showed winds swinging around to the west. Since Mazatlan is more or less straight north, that gives us a good wind angle to sail there.
Happy sailor enjoying the ride to Mazatlan
Pulling up anchor at mid-day just as the afternoon sea breeze started to develop, we raised sail and headed north. The forecast was spot on, and we had the perfect angle for a close haul north. Pointing as high into the wind as possible, Madrone and her crew had a fantastic sail up the coast.
With very little swell to punch through, nearly a full moon to illuminate the seas, and a steady breeze to drive the boat, the trip north was about as good as it gets.
