Cruising Mayavideo
Sailing Pacific Mexico: Crossing the Sea of Cortez
January 17, 2025 · 18 min · 4K views · Sea of Cortez
What this video covers
Mac and Jenny, sailing their 37-foot sailboat *Maya*, crossed the Sea of Cortez from Punta Lobos to Mazatlan, Mexico.0:03 The 200-mile passage took two days.8:12 The crew initially attempted the crossing but turned back after encountering steep, five-to-six-foot waves at five-second intervals that made progress impossible and caused seasickness.0:52 They waited two days for a favorable weather window, resulting in calm seas and steady winds for the second attempt.3:22 During the passage, the crew struggled to sail in steep swells, eventually furling the jib and motoring when the sea state caused the sails to flap uncontrollably.5:59 They later deployed a spinnaker in lighter conditions.9:49 The crew caught a Dorado but lost a significantly larger fish that stripped their fishing line.8:59 Upon arrival, they anchored at Stone Island near Mazatlan.15:33 Mac also identified the cause of a previously reported hard-starting diesel engine as a loose fuel line fitting that allowed air into the system.17:21 Waiting for a proper weather window significantly improved the comfort and safety of the passage.
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