Porvenir/San Blas, Panama to Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Grib weather files looked ok. Nothing spectacular and nothing miserable. However after a few days out, I saw from the downloads, that the Gulf of Mexico was still effected by fronts and storms in the U.S. and had winds that were not in our favor. I decided then to stop in Isla Mujeres for a break. Dorothy had never been there before, so it was decided to stop and have some fun.
Day One, beat into short seas, gentle but later on, building wind. Main sail and 115% genoa. No mizzen up. 18 hrs. into it though the seas were now 2 meters, wind 20 knots, still close hauled. This was unexpected and did not match Grib weather files. Easily now doing 7.6 over the ground but we were probably getting a half know current boost.
Day 2: lighter conditions, some motorsailing late day. close hauled to broad reach...quite variable.
Day 3: variable, 6 to 18 knots during the 24 hrs. Sun INTENSE! Beam to broad reach.
Day 4:Winds Light to high teens, sailing on broad reach. Now beginning to slow the boat down, so I could get an early morning approach to Mexico and not a night time landfall. Winds were expected to be building, so NOW was the time to reduce speed.
Day 5: Mostly 20-25 knots. Into more of the serious portion of the Gulf Stream/Yucatan channel and seas confused with mostly 2 patterns. Sailed Broad reach to almost downwind/but no pole.....had to play it some times. Twas a great sleigh ride. Auto Pilot did all the work. (Raymarine/below deck/Gyro unit)
Three p.m, engine died due to fuel filter blockage. First Fuel Problem in 24 years!!!!!!! Changed the 2 micron-- Racor 500 filter to a fresh one and off we went again, purring nicely.
Next Problem: Maxsea Navigational program on computer, said it's dongle expired ??? HUH?? just before sunset closing in on Mexican coastline. That computer was now worthless to me. Landfall was expected at sunrise so this was not a fun thing. Could not fix, so opened up my next computer and booted up the navigational program on it. Nice to have backups. .
Basically, went back to paper charts and cruising guide for final hours to assure myself of no further problems.
Could have made "Anchor up to Anchor Down/San Blas Panama to Isla Mujeres, Mexico by nightfall of the 4th day, but I chose daylight entry, so we slowed down often in the final 3 days to position ourselves for a 6-8 a.m landfall. Passed first bouy at 7:30 a.m. so we did good. We, Dorothy and I, were lovin' the speed of the boat on this broad reach. We had waves, some current and well set sails working for us. For the last 2 days, the boat wanted to do 7.8-9.3 knots over the ground. Hated to slow it down, by reducing sail or setting the main Inefficiently, but did,,,,,just to slow down.
Now, been here 2 days in Isla Mujeres but in the morning will be heading off on a bus for Merida and maybe Progresso, over on the Bay of Campeche, to check out future land options.
By the way.... Isla Mujeres is COOL. Twas here 3 times in the mid-late 80's and it has not lost it's flavor! :)
IF it wasn't a street of small shops selling everthing the tourist wants but doesn't need, then it is typical Latin style, quaint and eclectic.
A view of the sea is important when living on an island. Local design is often whimsical and artistically done, but never omitting a good view if it is available.
IF not, even the poorest residence seems to have something special, something artistic, or warm and welcoming. IF nothing more, a bit of humor or color makes for a good entrance.
"Star pooch"is actually called "Lucky" by his neighbors, as he gets handouts all day long from passing tourists. He really did have a lovely personality!
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