WBSC 2008 BAJA ADVENTURE

Oct. 24^th – Nov. 2^nd

The WBSC is pleased to announce our first trip to the Sea of Cortez .  The estimated cost is $1200, including 7 days of sailing, 2 hotel days, and meals aboard the yacht.  We will embark from the city of La Paz, Mexico .

Weather - The Baja is narrow at this point, so the Pacific Ocean has some influence on the weather here, making it cooler than settlements further up the Sea of Cortez coast.  Rainfall averages only 6 inches per year, mostly in August and September and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.  October temps are (90°F to 68°F) November temps are 83°F to 68°F. 

The Sailing Area

The stunning contrast of calm blue water against the arid backdrop of the Baja Peninsula seems surreal at first.  You sail past rugged terrain where thick forests of Cardon cactus cling to jagged slopes.  The Sea of Cortez offers easy navigation with calm waters, sand-bottom anchorages and a protected cruising area both winter and summer.  In the winter, prevailing winds are northwesterly at 10-15 knots.  In the summer, winds are lighter and from the southeast.  In Baja, you are surrounded by deserted islands, quiet beaches and magnificent volcanic mountains. 

A Unique Eco-Adventure

Hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, bird watching and even whale watching are yours to enjoy amid this unique cruising area.  Do not be surprised if migrating whales, dolphins and manta rays join you on your journey during January through April.  And you are sure to sail past a serenade of sea lions basking on shore.  This rare union of desert, mountain and sea will fill your captain’s log with one amazing tale after another.

Travel Notes 

The Airport is about a 25-minute drive from The Moorings new base located just minutes from downtown La Paz , http://www.bajatravel.com/guidebook/lapaz/ in the world-class Marina Costa Baja.  http://costabajaresort.com/explore/theresort.php  Enjoy its world-class amenities including infinity pool, delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurant and bar, business center and more.  Spend a little time exploring La Paz before or after you set sail.  You’ll find an abundance of historic sites, mercados, artisans and charming seaside boardwalks.

MEXICO  

Main Language: Spanish & English

Currency: Although dollars are widely accepted in resort areas (and often preferred), we recommend using pesos during your stay.  Credit cards are widely accepted.

Sailing Through The Desert  

From our base, sail north amid 20 million years of geological history, you will find stunning white beaches, sandy bays, a perfect horseshoe cove fringed by a beautiful beach, red coastal bluffs, a table-top mountain rising 3,000 feet, and a perfect natural harbor magically formed within this rugged terrain.

Baja -- Typical 7-day Itinerary

Day 1: La Paz to Caleta Lobos • Orientation, chart briefing and check-out of your yacht. Sail to Caleta Lobos for the night.

Day 2: Caleta Lobos to Caleta Partida • Sail to Caleta Partida, a large, protected anchorage.

Day 3: Caleta Partida to San Evaristo • Take a morning sail to Isla San Jose, passing Los Islotes’ abundance of sea lions. Explore the giant cactus forest and lagoon. A short sail takes you to the anchorage at San Evaristo for the night.

Day 4: San Evaristo to Puerto Los Gatos • A picturesque stopover of reddish, rocky bluffs and a white sand beach awaits you at Puerto Los Gatos.

Day 5: Puerto Los Gatos to Isla San Francisco • Sail to beautiful Isla San Francisco and its pristine white beach.

Day 6: Isla San Francisco to Isla Espiritu Santo • Enjoy one of many beautiful anchorages at Isla Partida or Isla Espiritu Santo.

Day 7: Isla Espiritu Santo to Puerto Ballandra • Check the weather, then anchor overnight at Puerto Ballandra or Caleta Lobos.

Final Morning: Puerto Ballandra to La Paz • A short sail returns you to La Paz before 10 a.m.

The world renowned actor John Amos has a boat there.  For more info on his project visit his web site. http://thehalleyscometfoundation.org/index.html with a little luck and planning maybe we can hook up with him.

For those with a little bit more time and money, a one-way side trip thru the Copper Canyon via train is a possibility.  For more info visit http://www.ss-tours.com/.  Or SCUBA diving http://www.cortezclub.com/.  Prices for these side trips have not been determine.

 The Yachts

Moorings 352 - Exclusive

Moorings 403 - Club

Moorings 51.5 - Club

Moorings 4200 - Club