When we left La Cruz for Chamela Bay the weather looked perfect for going around Cabo Corrientes, the point on the south end of Banderas Bay where the cooler waters of Baja mix with the warmer waters of Costalegre. Cabo Corrientes means “cape currents” and appropriately so. Many sailors time this passage for when the conditions look to be friendliest and stay way offshore. We had good wind of 15-20 knots on our passage and were able to sail the entire way, although with good wind comes waves and the sea state around Cabo Corrientes was like a washing machine of currents. Solitude was being pitched in three different directions in high seas and fast chop, making for an uncomfortable ride. It was a rough passage for Lorin, who was sick the entire way and just barely able to help with night watches and gybing.
It was a relief to reach Chamela Bay, a calm, sandy bottom anchorage with warm water. We are now in the 150 mile stretch of coast named Costalegre, which means “cheerful coast”, and is also commonly referred to as the gold coast. We swam, paddled and walked the town of Perula on the north end of the bay and the entire beach as far down as we could toward the south end of the bay before reaching a rocky headland. We refortified and rested back to 100%. On the street it was common to see entire families on motorcycles and bicycles, up to 3 and 4 people on one bike commuting and going about their day. There is a new, extensive cement dock and gangway in town, shiny new signage and bathrooms with showers – all signs that this little town has plans to grow. There are rumors Perula may become a new stopover for cruise ships.
We were delayed leaving Chamela Bay due to what seemed to be a bad alternator or loose wiring, as we are not getting any output to the batteries or engine instrument panel. Jim changed out the alternator, checked for bad fuses and loose wires and so far has not had much luck. We will continue to investigate and troubleshoot on our next stop.
SV Solitude 