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The following documents contain the daily blog aboard the escort vessel Cadenza written by FUBAR Staff Donna Wilson
EventDailyLog1.doc (Nov 2-8, 2007)
EventDailyLog4.doc Nov 15-19, 2007)
FUBAR* Odyssey '07
Fleet Underway to BAja Rally
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Comment by: Visitor (11/14/2008 3:06:48 PM) Hey guys, for those of you that are in the boat business and are interested. I just found this great site that displays all kinds of adventures.
It is: http://www.advenster.com
bob
Comment by: Visitor (6/6/2008 12:10:54 AM)
Crew just checked in by sat phone reporting seas like "butter" and making good progress; they are at 27N X 114W and expect to make Turtle Bay at around 10 tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 6, 2008. I've looked at all the weather sources and it looks like they are in a window that will hopefully hold. John Houts
Comment by: Visitor (6/5/2008 12:01:55 PM)
Dos Abogados IV checked in by sat phone about 8:30 am this morning, Thursday, June 5, 2008; improving weather report from Don the Oxnard weather man supreme; confirmed on site; so they have left San Juancio and are headed for Turtle Bay reporting favorable seas and wind; weather is also said to be improving day by day for this period of time. Hoping for a good window. JWH
Comment by: Visitor (6/5/2008 12:35:34 AM)
Dos Abogados IV left Cabo Monday, June 2, 2008; the great guys returning the boat for us reported in this morning via sat phone; they are buttoned down at anchor in San Juanico, riding it out; they report no moon and up to 30 knots on the nose; they have been anchoring each night; they don't expect to leave any earlier than the boat in Turtle. San Juanico is between Mag Bay and Turtle. I've reminded them there is no Don's weather on Friday morning. They did hear him fine on the SSB "Amigo Net" this morning and I think that's 8122 and also at 7:00 PM on the "Southbound Net" which I think is 6516; both upper side band. I'll continue to post as I hear from the crew as they head north. John Houts Cell phone 619-980-4043 Email Houtslaw@aol.com
Comment by: Visitor (6/3/2008 10:06:56 PM)
Incognito is on the way back to DRYC but has been
stuck in Turtle Bay for the past several days. Some boats left but returned,
others got as far as Cederos and now need suplies. Weather man is estimating Friday for a break...looks like Incognito wil be
the last boat back to the barn.
Harvey Ross
The following is a day to day account of Rob’s (3rd mate) return voyage of April of 2008 aboard EZ Spirit
RABUF (Return All Boats Using Fuel, acronym for the return of a FUBAR boat to SD)
Day One April 5, 2008 1432hrs
I set my alarm for 0430 and crawled out of my upper bunk to find my fellow mariners huddled around the coffee pot. Yesterday (April 5, 2008) I arrived at Captain Bob Vincent’s house (San Diego, CA) at 0420 and took a nap in my car until Captain Bob Vincent tapped on my passenger window at 0620. We enjoyed coffee and organic cereal in the comfort of an oceanic influenced decorated kitchen. John Hunt, a retired fire captain of Encinitas CA had arrived the night before and the three of us got reacquainted from FUBAR Odyssey '07.
Captain Bob, Rob, and John arrived in San Jose Del Cabo via Aero Mexico Airlines awake and ready for the big “Bash” traveling North through the North Pacific Ocean. A gentleman named Chris picked us up from the San Jose Airport driving a 2007 rented Jeep. From there we went to Puerto Los Cabos, a brand new marina that we stayed at during our last FUBAR.
Chris, Bob, John, and I gathered around the salon of the “EZ Spirit.” We sat around the salon and Captain Bob began the systems overview for the ship, including the fresh water maker. The four of us went out to eat one final meal before we embarked in the AM. We ate at the Rusty Oar, and then proceeded to provision at the local mega store.
Out of the slip under the cover of darkness we ran between a floating marker and a crane moored at the adjacent dock. Then, we saw another marker and realized that we were moments away from fouling our props with anchor chain the size of the Titanic! “Sh##,” exclaimed the captain, “we’re going to foul our props with anchor chains, nooooo!” We backed up quickly and ended up being fine, almost a catastrophic event just five minutes into our bash north.
We grouped up with a 52ft Ocean Alexander and decided to caravan up the coast. We have been motoring for 91/2 hrs. all systems a go. OK, the sea conditions are 3-5ft waves or swells and that seems to be enough to get this vessel nose diving but I am on the patch and show no signs of The Mal de Mer. Sun is out and a little hazy with bright sunlight. We are expecting our first storm, (April is the worst month to travel North) in two days so we are hauling ass, 8 knots to Turtle Bay. Directly east of across the peninsula is La Paz, to give you an idea of where we are at. I have the watch from 1400-1600 and then again from 2200-0000. It is to bouncy right now to right anymore so I am not going to, I don’t want to get sick SEA YA!
The Unreel departed La Paz January 18 and spent several
days at Ispritu Santo and Isla San Francisco. The weather turned rainy and we
visited Agua Verde, Escondido and Loretto before crossing over to Topolobampo
on the mainland side. We had a difficult time finding the entry to Topo, nearly
grounded twice, but followed a local boat finally. There is a nice (new) Yacht
Club and we used their docks for a couple of days. We had planned on visiting
Altata, enroute to Mazatlan, but gave up because of tidal conditions. We
spent a couple weeks in Mazatlan then on to San Blas, Chacala, La Cruz, and
Nuevo Vallarta. Had a great time at Nuevo before cruising down to Chamela,
Tenacatita and Barra. We enjoyed our three weeks, with a variety of guests, at
the Barra Marina. We started for home on March 8, with Vic and Melanie on
board. We took them on the jungle ride at Tenacatita and later explored
Careyes. We could not anchor at Careyes because the surf was pounding the rocks
spectacularly. We later anchored at Chamela and were bothered by big swells
rolling into the anchorage. We docked at Vallarta Marina on March 11and
Joan and Melanie flew home. Fred Saleigh and Joel Sussman joined Vic and I
and we crossed the 300 miles from PV to the new Marina at Los Cabos. There
was a gale blowing on the Pacific side so we waited several days before
cruising up to Mag Bay. In Magdelana Village we had a lobster dinner and
lobster and eggs for breakfast. There was another gale blowing down the coast
so we hurried to Turtle Bay, fueled and left immediately. We encountered some
bad water north of Cedros and had a slow bumpy nights run. The sun came up
as we were passing the the Sacramento Reef the seas layed down and we ran over
15 knots into Ensenada.The plan was to run from Ensenada to MDR but the weather
off Catalina was bad so we spent a night at the SDYC. The following day we made
it from San Diego to home,at 15 knots, in about eight hours. All in all it
was a wonderful trip
Godfrey, Bob
Well we are
having so much fun we are staying down for the summer .... We have been
in La Paz , East Cape, Puerto Vallarta and now we are in Los Cabos for the
summer.
Warden
Family
Is there anyone still in La Paz (besides me) waiting for Yachtpath ?? Don Roose djroose@bainbridge.net.
I'd like to hear about the trip back. I hear that it is quite a bit more difficult than down the coast. I would imagine that fuel would be more of an issue going home. Did the same group travel up the coast also, back to MDR?
thanks
1999 Azimut 58', Gucci Luxury Yacht available for the cruise. Three stateroom model and is a rare west coast offering. Italian built and loaded with upgrades. Call Greg Real today for your private showing. R/Y Sales (805) 216-2391
The PowerCrusing Magazine contest ended December 8. The photos should be posted to the magazine's website soon.
How do I enter a picture for the photo contest about the ralley, or is it already too late? If so, where are they posted?
Comment by: Visitor (11/28/2007 6:00:04 PM)
Hello Fubar, I am Captain William Maguire, and Bruce Kessler suggested that I post a notice here. I specialize in long distance deliveries, and I am currently in La Paz and available for deliveries back to the US, Central America, French Polynesia, etc. I do both power and sail, speak Spanish, French, Indonesian, & Malaysian, and spent five fall/winter seasons king crabbing in the Bering Sea so insurance companies let me go anywhere anytime. I have been running a wide variety of yachts up to a 118' Westport motoryacht in Alaska, B.C., the US east & west coasts, Mexico, the Med, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, etc., and my resume and references are available via email. My US cell phone works in Mexico @ 1-425 -802-6368 and my email is williammaguire1@yahoo.com.
Comment by: Visitor (11/5/2007 12:07:36 PM)
This is Jim Elfers, Marina Manager at Puerto Los Cabos. As with most marinas our inventory of slips changes on a daily basis, and as explained to the rally organizers and many boats individually we cannot guarantee an individual slip for just 2 or 3 days of occupancy months in advance. Our slips will be available on a space available basis, essentially first-come-first served. ALL boats will have a slip of some sort- perhaps involving a few med moors. We are doing our best in the tightest matina market in North America.
ALSO please be advised that I just met with Fito at Marina Coral and you will not be getting the agricultural inspection in Ensenada but WILL get inspected here at Puerto los Cabos and all produce and meats will be confiscated! Sorry but your fleet of course attracts the authorities and they have to comply.
ENSENADA: Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting in Ensenada on Thursday, November 8. During the middle of our one full day in Ensenada, the Ensenada Tourism Department has invited us to go by their bus to one of the nice vineyards outside town (I think it's L.A. Cetto - very nice), and to sample the wines (vinos), and I think some lunch is involved. We'll be back in time for the evening event. So far, we Fubar-istas have signed up for only 20 seats. If you want to go, please email me NOW, so I can give Turismo the final head-count and they can finish making arrangements for us. Thanks, Pat Rains prains@san.rr.com
Comment by: Visitor (11/1/2007 12:01:03 AM)
Peter,
I have done the same thing and have had no response. I am assuming that we have a reservation?
Kent
I made slip reservations for Ensenada at Cruiseport Village about 2 months ago. Since then I have written to them twice to request confirmation with no response. Has anyone else had this difficulty? I also have had no response from Puerto Los Cabos after having used their on-line reservation system.
Comment by: Visitor (10/30/2007 3:51:15 PM)
La Paz...All of us at CostaBaja Resort & Marina are eager to host FUBAR upon your arrival in La Paz. A great party is planned for the Awards Ceremony & Dinner. Regarding those who are flying to La Paz and have purchased the FUBAR 3, 5, or7 day packages, please email me your flight itineraries (arrival & departure) so we can provide the airport shuttle service that is part of the package. Don't forget to state the number of people to be picked up. Thanks and have a great voyage!
Wayne Hilbig whilbig1@aol.com
For the all vessels including the Nordhavn's heading south in the Fubar Odyssey 07, Island Marine Fuels in Newport Harbor (on Balboa Island) will be glad to price their Valvtect Premium Diesel fuel at $3.10/gallon, 500 gal min. Give David Beek a call for details- (949) 673 -1103 and if you need any fishing tackle JD's Tackle shop is located right behind the fuel dock with the latest information on conditions - glad to help- JD
Mike, I understand your anxiety. Please don't be concerned about fuel issues, they will all be dealt with before you leave San Diego.
HELLO BRUCE, Mike Liebert here. I originally did not sign up for fuel at Ensenada Cruiseport Marina. However, after reading (and digesting) Bob Vincent's post (re: 350 gallon limit at TB) I would like to now signup for fuel at Cruiseport. Is there still time? We are talking about 80 gallons. If there's still time to signup, how do I go about it? As always, thanks for all your great efforts. Mike
Kell, you should have no problems, specialy if the fish don't move.
For the fishing nut-- Latest reports are outstanding if you like marlin fishing- "3 hours we raised 30 fish caught and released 15 or 16 of em', we're at 24:13 / 111:49 (just south of the entrada of Mag Bay)- a few doardo and wahoos' no tuna ---JD's Tackle-
Bruce- I have been route planning using your stated limit of 350 gal in Turtle Bay. If that is still correct I can make Cabo and still fish a little. 300 in tank and 50g. bladder. Thx. Kell [Bert. 46 w/8-92s]
Charles, if you carry 600 gal's of fuel and your full when you leave Ensenada and you follow the formula you will only burn no more than 300 gal's going to Turtle Bay, so you will be, full when you leave Turtle Bay. It's 445 mi to Los Cabos and even a few miles less to Cabo, so you should have at least 100 gals in reserve when you refuel at one of the above.
After reading Bob Vincent's comment I was surprised by one thing he said.
Are we not able to receive a "full load" of fuel in Turtle Bay and Ensenada (I am at Hotel Coral)????
If I cannot top off in Turtle Bay then I may not have enough range to make it to Cabo. HELP!!
I have submitted my requirements for Coral but do not recall if I was asked for Turtle Bay requirements.
My boat has the same engines/capacity/burn rate as Bob's.
Thank you.
Good evening All... My name is Bob Vincent, and this is my first posting on this blog. I tell people who will listen that "I am (was) a pilot by trade, but a boat-a-holic by nature".
I talked, at length, with Bruce Kessler on Friday, about the subject matter below and he suggested that I put it out here on the FUBAR blog for everyone to think about. You comments and critiques will be gladly accepted.
I am the skipper of the M/V EZ Spirit, a 1986 45' Symbol powered by a pair of 2,300 hour 3208 Turbo Cats. The owner, David Bosse, and I have been working very hard together to get the boat into "cruise ready condition". Since my forced, age 60, retirement last week, I have been working everyday since on a boat that has not gone North of Long Beach/Catalina Island and South of Ensenada since the boat was purchased 10 years ago. Or "To-Do List" seems to grow by 2 or more items for every item that we check off complete. I am sure that some of you know what I am talking about. I have been spending most of my days in the engine room and my evenings thinking about and working out "our specific float plan". Like many of you, EZ Spirit is "range limited", and will require fuel in Ensenada, Turtle Bay, Cabo and La Paz. We carry something over 600 gals of No. 2. I have declared that a minimum of 100 gals of that fuel will be held in Reserve, and not burned in our "if everything goes right" float plan. That being the case, I have also conservatively estimated that our "Specific Range" equals about 1NM/Gal. I do think that we all will get a little "push" from favorable following seas, winds and currents. Obviously, that will help improve our specific range, but I am not going to calculate that "unknown" into my "planed fuel burn". The series of legs after we get fuel in Turtle Bay all the way to Cabo totals about 443 NM, or, in our case, approximately 443 Gals of fuel burned. That is almost 90% of our usable fuel. Where this gets tricky is not knowing exactly how much fuel we will actually upload in Ensenada and, more importantly, Turtle bay.
As "a sailor" at the helm of a power boat, I am always acutely aware of how our "hull speed" effects our long range performance. Most of you may already know what fleet speed, 8.5 knots or 10.0 knots, that you plan to cruise with. Your final decision, in my opinion, is determined by the Length of Waterline of your boat's hull. For displacement hulls, which will be the mode that most, if not all, of us will be in, is calculated by suing the formula below.
Theoretical Hull Speed = Square Root of the Length of Waterline (LOW) times 1.34.
What this really means to me, and EZ Spirit 's 40' LOW, is that any speed above 8.5 kts is going to cost me alot more fuel burned than any amount of time that might be saved. Anytime you are cruising above your "hull speed", you are burning more fuel per NM traveled (Specific Range) than you would if you were maintaining your "displacement hull speed".
I produced an "Interactive Float Plan Worksheet" as an Excel document. I have designed this tool so that anyone in the FUBAR fleet can easily use this "calculator" to determine for each leg:
Estimated Time Enroute (ETE); Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA); Estimated Fuel Burn Off (EFBO); Estimated Fuel Required to your next planned fueling opportunity (F to Fuel). I have also included a Theoretical Hull Speed "calculator". The only numbers that you have to know is what your specific range is at different speeds (RPM's).
If you are interested in this Interactive Float Plan Worksheet, please email me at:
CaptainVincent@gmail.com
I will send you this excel document as an attachment for you to download. You can run, and print as many scenarios as you like. Don't forget to do a "Save As" with each change in parameters. It is not locked and can be changed, modified and even have cells erased or deleted. If you find a "error", please call or email me ASAP.
I promise that any future blog comments by me will not be "the long version" that this one has turned into. Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting all of you and am very excited by the journey that lies before all of us. Thank you Bruce for producing this brilliant idea...
Latest fishing reports from the private sportfishers traveling south, good steady fishing all the way down from the Ensenada area to the tip of the Baja pensula. The top third of the peninsula (San Diego to Turtle Bay) have consistent catches of yellowtail-- found under floating kelp paddies, even some smaller yellowfin tuna or Dorado caught-- trolled feathers/ cedar plugs or casting shinny lures- blue or green with chrome –let sink out then a quick return. The middle area of the trip (Turtle Bay to Mag Bay) excellent fishing for both bottom food fishes and surface trolled fish. Bottom fishing best by using a heavy 3-4 oz jig or a dropper loop system, ( the line doubled back on itself forming a 3 ft loop and tied in several overhand knots, cutting the loop off -centered, the longer leg a 6- 8 oz sinker is tied to, the shorter leg a hook is tied, either bait or a plastic looking fish attached). Dropped to bottom and jigged up & down. Works great! Offshore--Trolling and castings as described above. The Ridge area is holding a few Wahoo on the Double 23’s and the Thetis Bank. Mag Bay’s Santa Marina bay has good halibut and bottom fishing found along the southern half of the bay 30-50 ft and offshore along the 50-100 fathom depth excellent marlin and Dorado fishing from the Entrada to the Pinnacles off Pt Tasco. The lower third of Baja, Dorado, Marlin and yellowfin tuna- Enjoy—JD’s Tackle
To the boats that are bringing supplies for the school in Turtle Bay: I will pick up the school supplies from you when we get into Turtle Bay. I do not know how far the school is from our anchorage, but I will find out, and if anyone wants to come to the school, I will try to make arrangements for transportation. Anyone else bringing things, please let me know so I can pick them up from your boat.
Donna Grubbs- "Live Wire" dgirugs@aol.com
They are going to fuel by truck
Regarding the comment below shown in today's FUBAR schedule update, there is no operating fuel dock at Cruiseport. Then are working on getting a fuel dock, but there is not one now. Baja Naval (north of Cruiseport) and Marina Coral have fuel docks.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007
Fleet departs San Diego and arrival in Ensenada.
q Ensenada – Plans are underway for organized fueling of the fleet at both locations, Hotel Coral and Cruiseport.
TURTLE BAY fun. We're planning a Dinghy Poker Run to be held just outside the anchorage at Turtle Bay, probably while the fueling is going on. This will be a "team event" - a good opportunity to practice or show off your skills at launching your dinghy, driving it around the water course, coming alongside the swim steps of two or three committee boats, tying off, getting in and out of your floating dinghy in style and safety - and assembling a winning poker hand along the way. More details on VHF between Ensenada and Turtle Bay. Prizes, kudos and fun.
Please sign up now (or pretty soon) if you want to come on the Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting event in Ensenada on 8 November, probably middle of the day, probably by bus out to one of the nice vineyards. Sign up by emailing me, prains@san.rr.com and tell me how many people to add under your name, OK? Thanks!
Meats in San Diego? Yes, because we are clearing into Ensenada, we can provision with US meats here in the US. I suggested Cecil's Meats in San Diego, just because I know they're excellent quality and know how to package and freeze meat orders for all the big boats. But Frank (head butcher at Cecil's) says they really need 2 weeks advance to have all the meat orders ready and frozen when we come into town. So far, Cecil's says only a couple Fubar boats have ordered their meats. So, give them a call 619-275-1234 and talk to Frank about what you need. Mention that you're with the FUBAR, so he knows you will need your order packaged and hard frozen in SD before we depart.
Here is the latest from Latitude 38 on available Marinas in Mexico this season:
http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2007-10-19&dayid=19#Story3
Kent, a notarized letter from the lending institution, a firm, etc... is necessary naming and authorizing you to use the vessel in Mexican waters only if your name does not appear on the boat documentation or anywhere else as an owner. Description of the vessel and the documentation number should be included in this letter. Proof of ownership is what they are looking for.
If need be, another notarized letter is necessary only if a captain is left in charge of the vessel in Mexico while the owner needs to be away and is not going to be on board for a period of time.
Fishing licenses can be acquired from Conapesca in San Diego (see item 3.2 on page 3-ops manual on Fubar's website or your binder under immigration). Their phone number is: (619)233-4324. Call them a.s.a.p. Or, if you wish, Joan at Romero's Services (see page 2) in Newport Beach can obtain them for you.
Kent, correction on Ita's address. ita@fubarodyssey.com
Kent, Ita at ita@fubarosdyssey.com has the answers to immigration.
Comment by: Visitor (10/19/2007 9:18:39 AM)
Bruce,
A couple of clarifications if you please: On the documentation procedures for Mexican paperwork required in the Ops Manual, it states that a notarized letter of authorization is required if a captain is to be left in charge of the boat. In the October 11 update, it states that a notarized letter from the lending institution name and authorize the skipper to use the vessel in Mexican waters.
This has a different meaning for me. Does this mean if the boat is financed a letter is required or does it mean that if the owner (borrower) hires a captain he is required to have the paperwork?
Another clarification: Are the fishing licenses available in San Diego or do we need to apply NOW in order for them to be available when we get there?
Kent
Kent, their should be know problem at the Island at this time of the year with possibly Avalon being the exception on a nice weekend. You can call our dockmaster Jim Garvey if you want to come in to MDR after the weekend and stay for the party on the 30th then leave with our fleet Nov I led by Harvey Ross on Incognito.
John: With respect to this comment: "... she advises that Mexico does not have: creamer, good coffee, chocolate, boxed things like rice roni, soup mix, snack foods, peanut butter,, crackers, pretzels, chips, dip mix; not so good on ice cream and many dairy products including sharp cheese, sour cream ..."
Between Ensenada and San Jose Del Cabo, we will be stuck basically with the provisions we already have on board. The shopping will be miserable (at best). However, from San Jose, it is a short drive to Costco. There's also two huge supermarkets in San Jose (Mega and Sorianas). In Cabo there is even more! There is a Costco in Ensenada. My plan is to load up with enough provisions to get to San Jose.
La Paz doesn't have the shopping that the Cabo area does (It's a 3 hour drive from La Paz to Cabo), but La Paz is not bad at all. There's a huge superstore in La Paz (CCC I think), which is more than adequate for shopping. My guess is that people in La Paz make the long drive to Cabo occasionally for shopping, although like I said - there is plenty in La Paz.
As to specific items, I think you'll find everything you are seeking between Mega, Sorianas and Costco. Home Depot is also on the highway between San Jose and Cabo. There are times when items appear one week and are gone the next. I've seen times when no one seemed to have common items like bacon, but those times are getting rarer and rarer. No one needs to fear that they will lack options for groceries...
Bruce has asked that I give some sort of a presentation prior to the rally about these kinds of issues. I probably will do something, but it will be very short - because there isn't much to say. Along the west coast of baja, there is very little, or nothing. In Cabo and San Jose there is essentially everything (except a good marine store!). English is spoken in most stores and restaurants. La Paz is somewhere in between. It's a much more 'authentic' mexican town than Cabo. It's a large modern city, but less focused on tourism. In Cabo it feels at times like there are more gringos than Mexicans. La Paz feels a little more like you are really in Mexico, which is a good thing in many ways. The prices are less outrageous, and there are fewer timeshare hustlers. And most importantly -- there is some great cruising and diving around La Paz. - Ken W
Mike, we are in the process of making arrangements for the tourists cards. Ita Gordon.
If any one needs info about Mexican Fishing Licenses its available on-line @ conapescasandiego.org. There is still time to get them by mail, mine took about 6 days by registered mail and cashiers check.
Comment by: Visitor (10/18/2007 9:59:11 AM)
Bruce,
My wife and I are planning a trip to Catalina this weekend from Oxnard where the boat currently sits waiting for the fubar rally. We understand that your yacht club has services at Two Harbors. Any suggestions on who to contact either before we get there or when we get there?
Kent
Jan and I were discussing provisioning this afternoon, she advises that Mexico does not have: creamer, good coffee, chocolate, boxed things like rice roni, soup mix, snack foods, peanut butter,, crackers, pretzels, chips, dip mix; not so good on ice cream and many dairy products including sharp cheese, sour cream; Hagen Das was 12 dollars a pint in PV; cereal they got; micro wave popcorn no got; we dispute paper products, therefore I will be hiding on the boat two big block packs of toilet paper and paper towels; that's two of each, Costco brand; also zip ties and duct tape. The big electric fry pan is the best cooking thing on the boat; zip lock bags bring in all sizes, the biggest ones help with fuel filter changes; I bring all cleaning supplies such as Great White No2, High Temp paste wax, the pink boat soap, mucho yellow microfiber towels (Costco) and terry cloth towels; there are plenty of people to do waxing and washing in Mexico but you have to have your own clean/wax products. Disposable gloves for engine room stuff. JWH
I have read the Latitude 38's First Timer's Guide to Mexico a bunch of times; I think it's really worth the read. Some of the information may be dated, but, generally, I got a lot out of it:
http://www.baja-haha.com/Guide/
One of the things I have to attend to before we leave is to buy a lightweight Fortress anchor and a small amount of chain to use as a stern anchor. For us, unless it's a very light set up, we tend to not set a stern hook and rolled like crazy all night in the places we anchored last time. We are also going to buy a very small Bruce style anchor and a very small amount of chain for the dinghy; I'm going with Bruce style for that as I don't want the sharp moving parts of other style anchors in the dinghy.
Also some may want to look into dinghy wheels for beach landings although we powerboaters tend to have dinghys that are too large for beaching with wheels. We have a 10 foot Avon with a 20HP Honda and even with wheels that's about as much as I think is beachable. This year I'm going to remember to screw down the gas cap vent on the outboard tank before beaching as we had a wave wash over us last time and had to replace the fuel.
Best JWH
Comment by: Visitor (10/17/2007 9:51:02 AM)
This question is for Ita Gordon. Will you have blank Mexican visa/tourist cards for us at imigration check-in at San Diego? Thanks in advance. Mike Liebert ELLA ROSE
John: Yes -- I agree ... the best exchange rate to be had in mexico seems to be the ATM machines. They work great, and take my Bank of America ATM card no problem. The only problem is that you are limited in how much you can get within a given 24 hour period. One thing I've noticed works (at least for me) is that the machines usually refuse to give more than $300, but then will give me money over and over until I get to the daily limit from my bank (which is $1,000) - Ken W
Visa has worked well for us in Mexico; American Express is not taken at a lot of places including fuel docks. When we used the Visa for fuel in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo, it worked fine; although in PV and maybe in Cabo they had to call the card company even though I had notified them I would be in Mexico and using it for fuel purchases.
The best rate is from the ATM machines. We'll pick up what pesos we need from the ATM's in Ensenada for the fuel in Turtle as the exchange rate and the conversion fee at our US bank before the last trip was a rip off. Failing that we'll have a supply of Benjamin's for Turtle, where we expect to get burned a little; but not a lot. Time before last the dialogue at the pier was hilarious; "How much did we take?" "How much do you think you took?" We got burned about $80.00 US we think; last time with Annabelle the fuel barge it was no problem and the pump meter was right there to see. JWH
Kent: I've said it before, but will repeat. Be very careful using your credit card in mexico. I have lived here for 10 years, and only use my credit card when I have absolutely no other choice. Even with this philosophy, I have been burned twice, and both were miserable experiences. There is a whole scam here where they take your number and electronically engrave it on the back of a different card. I have had dozens of charges made in mainland mexico within hours of using my card in Cabo. The rumor is that the gas station attendants and waiters can sell the numbers. The attendants here will remind you that they take credit card when you offer to pay in cash. I love mexico and consider it my home, but would not tell you that it is perfect. If you use your card here, consider reviewing your statement online for a few days "just to be sure".
If you do want to pay for things like fuel with cash, you will find that American dollars work everywhere. I usually use pesos because the fuel docks and restaurants will invent their own exchange rate. If you speak with your bank, they can get you all the pesos you want, in the US, usually with a one or two day delay. That said, I just bought a bunch at bank of america, and they charged me a 7% conversion rate (argh). -Ken W
Kent, in the next few days their will be more info on inspections when you have secured a slip in San Diego. If you check the blob 2 days ago you will see I answerd the same question. You have it correct about fueling with a few caveats oe exceptions. You will hear them all at the captains meeting. Remember you can always stop at Cabo San Lucas, it will only take you 1 hour out of your way and I don't know if they take credit cards.
Comment by: Visitor (10/15/2007 8:43:28 PM)
Bruce
Perhaps it has been mentioned before but I cannot seem to find it. What is the time of day that we need to be in SD on the 3rd for the inspections? Do we need to set up an appointement for this? Where do we actually gather? How will we be contacted?
Here's how I see the fueling requirements:
Ensenada=card or cash
Turtle Bay=cash
Mag Bay=cash
Cabo=card or cash
Puerto Los Cabos=card/cash but probably cash
La Paz=card or cash
Kent
Kell, re the late arrival of your crew email Ita Gordon at ita@fubarodyssey.com and she can advise you on that.
Kell, when you get situated in your slip in San Diego call Lucas Willamse at 310 367 2779 and arrange for a time and date for him to inspect your boat.
We will be bringing the boat to San Diego on around the first of Nov. How do we arrange for the inspection and immigration? Our crew will not be comming down until the evening of the 6th.after work.
Also, don't forget to add your Dinghy/Tender to your Mexican Insurance policy. My yearly policy was less than $300 this year as I recall.
Yes, the Visitor's comment is right from what I understand. Foreign insurance is not recognized in Mexico, which therefore requires that liability be written through a Mexican company. $50K Civil Liability is all Seguros ing, S.A Mexican insurance writes and is all you need according to Joan at Romero's in Newport Beach. There is no punitive damages tthat can be awarded in Mexico by law. You still need riders for where your going and when in Mexico from your current U.S. insurance policy. As always, check with your agent.
Comment by: Visitor (10/12/2007 7:09:10 PM)
Just to jump in here. I've been goiung to Mexico for over 35 years. US auto insurance is NEVER good enough. My understanding with boats and other vehicles is, it is also NOT enough. Therefore, there are some agencies that do provide genuine Mexican liability insurance. Lewis and Lewis (although the are very hard to get ahold of) and ACE Seguros,SA @ 800-485-4075. This insurance is intended to keep you out of jail for any liability claims! This can happen.
This insurance is very reasonable and will satisfy the requirement. No, I am not an agent nor a salesman. Don't count on your US policy with a rider to cover you!
Kent
Mexican liability insurance is to be obtained prior to departure covering your vessel to the farthest point South and for the entire period of time the vessel is to remain in Mexico. Please refer to your ops manual on immigration and contact one of the documentation services listed on page 2 to obtain the Mexican liability insurance. Not all the insurance agencies in the US have a working relationship with a Mexican insurance agency, which is a must. So, please check with your own insurance agent and follow up with one of the documentation services for precise information and acquisition of the insurance. This is very important, especially for the vessels to clear customs and immigration in a timely manner. Bruce will be glad you did. I, as immigration facilitator, will be glad you did and so will you in case you need it in Mexico.
Ken: It seems you are fine regarding Mexican liability insurance. However, you may want to check with your insurance agent to make sure that it covers you to the furthest point (port) south and for the full period of time you are planning to be in Mexico.
Re: "Mexican Liablity Insurance" Here's what I think; I think our USA policy rider, that specifically covers us in Mexico, constitutes "Mexican Liability Insurance"; but our auto policy does not cover us in Mexico which is why we buy a policy issued for Mexico at the border; I've never checked but the auto policy may actually be issued by a Mexican carrier.
The rider on our USA policy was about $800 this year, going up a little because we asked for coverage as far as Zihuatanejo; I asked our agent, Beth Charvet at Douglas K. Smith in San Diego; she said she thinks we're covered, but she could write us an additional policy with a Mexican carrier for about $500 more.
I said, ok does my USA policy cover me if I run over a panga and cause death or injury in Mexico; she said yes, that's what it's for; that's what it covers.
So I think we're good to go without a separate policy issued by a Mexican carrier. Think about it another way; if you only had a Mexican issued policy and had a claim for say the loss of your boat, how well would that work? Same claim on your USA policy with appropriate rider, going to still be a pain but pretty sure it would eventually work.
I asked someone at Dona Jenkins the paper lady in San Diego, and she said . . ."you can't have too much insurance. . .so there are other opinions out there. Jerry from Cruiseport will be at our pre-departure seminars and he might have info. I've got a call in to Atty Paul Trusso in San Diego too; but I still think I'm ok with just my USA policy and rider until someone comes up with addtional information. Proof of Mexican Liability Insurance for me means a USA policy with rider for Mexico. This is not a legal opinion. This is just how I "feel" about it; your opinion may vary and I might go out and buy a Mexican policy tomorrow if I get nervious in the interim. Looking forward to a great trip. JWH
Bruce: In the newsletter that you sent out it talked about "proof of mexican liability insurance". I couldn't find anything on the website about how to obtain this. I do have insurance on my boat that covers me in Mexico. Do I need something different? - Ken W
Bob, Turtle Bay takes cash only US or Mex, I have not asked about travlers checks, but I would expect not. I would find out about Los Cabos because there fuel dock is not officialy open and fuel will be provided by truck, and I expect that La Paz would accept credit cards.You can go to the sponsors page and click on Costa Baja and onThe Marina at Los Cabos to find out.
Will the fuel docks in Ensenada, Turtle. Los Cabos and La Paz take Credit or debit Cards and or Travelers Checks?
Chuck, Weather permitting is based on a lot of things based on a forcast involving wind speed and direction, If you want to travel in weather the committee does not feel comfortable with you are welcome to go. If you are not comfortable with the weather we choose to travel in, you would certainly be allowed to stay behind, actually you are free to leave the fleet at anytime you wish for any reason. The weather is not based on whats ok for a heavy displacement trawler, we take a lot of things into consideration and talk to all of the captains sharing the forcast we get from our weather router Bob Jones of Ocean Marine Navigation.
Our schedule is based on "weather permitting" cruising. It has occured to me that there is a wide range of weather capabilities in the fleet. Will the boats least able to handle heavy weather be what the go or no go will be based on? What about the boats more able to handle heavy weather who want to move on if the smaller boats don't or can't move due to weather?
Thanks
We are one of the boats going on the trip. I have been in contact with Isabel Pinuelas who owns a tackle shop in Turtle Bay with her husband. I have made arrangements with her to get a list of needed school supplies from a local elementry school at the bay. I will be bringing supplies to the school. (We did this last year in Mulege, after hurricane John.) If anyone else is interested in also bringing something, please email me for the list of needed items. Anything will be a help, as Baja schools get very little from the goverment. One of the first things on the list is six locking door handles. I will make sure that all items get to the school and not in the wrong hands. My emails are: dgirugs@aol.com and hgrubbs@cox.net Thanks- Donna
Just a thought --With so many So. Calif. boaters taking the advantage of the opening of lobsters season this past week- and enjoying using the lobster hoop nets, thoughts of taking them south into Mexico may not be that good of an idea, Mexican sportfishing licenses allows for the capture fin fish only. No mollusk (clams) or crustaceans (lobsters, crabs), their capture is strictly prohibited. With Baja's commercial lobster season open now, temptations are to buy them directly from the lobster fishermen themselves-- caution should be exercise and only purchase from the co-operativa representative if you can, get a signed recite for any lobsters bought.—it might help if your questioned. Still good fishing reports off the Ridge (between Turtle Bay and Mag Bay) most sealife found. 7-12 miles off the Entrada of Mag Bay.-- JD's Big Game Tackle
Gary: We don’t know about 2008 – 2007 hasn’t even left the dock yet. We will leave the web site up after the completion of the event and we will then try and get input, not only from the sponsors, but also from the participants. If Fubar Odyssey is as successful as we hope, and we have been able to help support the participants that needed it and those who just wanted to enjoy the camaraderie , we will have accomplished part of our goal. The other part is to raise money for the sponsoring clubs junior sailing division. If one of the supporting Yacht Clubs wants to take this event on it may take them more than a year to organize it. I am old and my wonderful dedicated staff may want their lives back
Assuming there will be a rally in 2008, when will you be sending out information so we can fill out an application?
Mexican Navy-Boarding and such
I just wanted to pass along some information about boardings by the Mexican Navy. Assuming your vessel is legal you will find these encounter a nice non event. In my eight years in Mexico I have been boarded five times on my boat or on boats I was operating. Two of the inspections were at Puerto Madero the southern entry point for Mexico so you can see that inspections are not a regular occurance. If you are boarded they will want to see your ships papers, passports and tourist cards. Twice when we have had a boat actually inspected they were very polite and ask permission to look at various areas, etc.
We have friends who are officers in the Mexican Navy and they tell us that part of their standing orders are to assist all boaters in any way they can. There are a lot of stories about the Navy going above and behond for a boater in need. Treat these young men with some respect and any encounter you have with them will be pleasant.
Captain Mike Harris
The general consensus seems to be that XM Satelite works a little better than Sirius; both are very dependant on your antenna; the little mobile antenna for a car installation doesn't work too well; I replaced it with one designed for XM home use only to find out later that XM now has a marine antenna that would probably work great. The home unit works fine too as it is a much larger antenna footprint wise. Garmin offers another antenna separate from a marine antenna for just the radio as part of their weather package; but, if you already have the XM installed on your boat, it is impossible to tap in to the good big a Garmin antenna that is part of the XM weather package. Finally, we will be turning the XM weather back on; it's been off for a year as it's about 60 bucks a month but it's cool for satelite weather NEXRAD while cruising.
Comment by: Visitor (10/5/2007 10:03:02 PM)
Ken or Bruce,
I am planning on buying a radio from XM or Sirius, do they work in the ocean down in MX?
I hope not Ken, unless it's at your house
Bruce Kessler: Do you know if there will be any events where we need "fancy" clothes?
-Ken W
PS to Mike Harris --- thanks ... As I start doing the detailed plan for our trip south I'll give you a call. My current thinking is to not get too adventurous. I'm thinking we'll spend time at PV, Barra, Zihuatenejo, and any fun anchorages we see along the way .. then go to Hualtuco, and hang out for a good opportunity to cross the Bay of Tehuantepec -- and then run around the clock to Costa Rica. I'll order the Rain's book, and if memory serves, they'll be along on the rally --- so, I'm sure I'll get LOTS of tips.
I expect the Sirius/XM Satellite Radios work on our ships in Mexico for our trip down to La Paz, anyone?
Hi Kent, you will find the info you are looking for in the Aug 6th update.
Ken Williams,
Sorry to hear that the Verizon Cell Plan for down here was not available to you. We just renewed so I guess they have a grandfather clause.
Your trip after the Rally sounds like a great adventure. Last year I did a delivery from El Salvador to La Paz. We found some interesting things south/east of PV like shallow water near fuel docks, The gulf of Tehuantepec and crossing the river bars. If you are interested I would be happy to spend a few minutes with you when you get to La Paz and share my experences. I will be out on a charter when your fleet arrives but will return on the 29th. You can contact me on the VHF (La Otra-channel 22) or by phone at 1 (559) 917-8209.
The John and Pat Rains book, Cruising Ports-Florida to California is a great thing to have on this leg of your planned trip.
Captain Mike Harris
For the anglers in the fleet-- Private sportfishing vessels are already working thier way south ( Oct 3) , reports of good Dorado fishing below Turtle Bay to Mag Bay, Striped Marlin catches/ releases reported excelent outside the entrada of Mag Bay, 6-7 miles, also Blue Marlin, Wahoo fishing good off several of the high sports along the "Ridge" , 25:16.223 / 112:50.780, 25:14.899 / 112:50.061, 25:14:162 / 112:49.043 are a few of these spots- Fueling prices currently at Turtle Bay- $2.25-$2.27 per gal. Best of Luck-- JD's Tackle
Comment by: Visitor (10/3/2007 6:57:05 PM)
Hello Bruce,
I guess I'm still confused about where we will actually gather when we get to San Diego. Is this something I need to know right now or will we be assigned a location? Do we need to make reservations ourselves? There are lots of options, I just don't know where to go yet. Is there something I missed on this subject? Sorry.
Kent
After the rally, we will continue cruising south to Costa Rica, and then ship our boat, via Yachtpath, in April 2008, to Victoria Canada, in order to position for cruising Alaska next summer.
We are meeting up with three other boats in Costa Rica and have used our group bargaining power to negotiate an attractive rate with Yachtpath. We are in the final stage of that negotiation, and may be able to negotiate an even better rate if more boats make the trip. If you are also interested in making this same passage, contact me directly asap as it would help in our negotiations. – Ken Williams, kenw @ seanet.com
PS To Mike Harris: You mentioned Verizon's North America Plan. I called Verizon to request it, and they said that they are no longer offering it. Perhaps they are continuing your plan in effect, but not selling new ones...
Ken,
There is good surfing at Santa Maria and at Isla Navidad. Navidad makes up the west side of the Dwey Channel and is reachable from Turtle Bay by a large high speed dinghy if you have one. La Ventana just north of Muertos is a hot spot for wind and kite surfing.
Mike Harris.
Comment by: Visitor (10/2/2007 3:35:32 PM)
Does anyone know which surf spots we'll be going by? Also, I'm tempted to bring kiteboard gear? Anyone else bring equip...?Any info will be helpful. thanks.
Ken Skogerson
I saw some questions regarding cell phone use here in Mexico so I will offer the following. I have the Verison North America Plan. It works very well down here. I get good coverage from the water when I am within a couple of miles of any major city or town. I also get coverage in Turtle Bay and Santa Maria on the outside of Baja.
Once you are about ten miles outside of La Paz you loose any signal until about Puerto Escondido. If you plan to cruise the islands and need to stay in contact with family or business you will need something other than a cell phone.
Coverage is good on the mainland with the plan I have until you leave Mexico going south if anyone is going that far. Again there is no coverage if you are offshore.
Captain Mike Harris
More information for your consideration.
Navigation Marks La Paz Bay
When you first enter the La Paz Channel, near the Pemex plant, you will see a red float. This is NOT a navigation mark. If there is a ship at the Pemex dock there will be a large cable underwater running from the float to the vessel. There is normally a caution mark by the float but it was gone last week. The float does not have a light. Pass on the south side of the float but not to far south or you will be on the Mogote sandbar. Once past the red float it is red right returning and the channel is well marked.
Captain Mike,
Thought you would like to know that all participants have been given an Operations Manual, the Rains' Crusing Guide, Cooking on the Hook, and will be given at their check in, the new Mexico Pan Charts and a few other gifts.
Donna
A little more information for your consideration.
Cruising Guides
These are hard to find in Mexico so you might want to bring them down with you. The John Rains and Charlie's books are good for the outside and the mainland. Both of these books cover a large area so they can not cover all the anchorage areas. I like the Jerry Cunningham books for the Sea of Cortez. They have a lot of detail. I carry all of these guides as I believe that you can not have to much information.
I have not been able to find large scale charts of this area so many of our anchorages do not even show up on the charts or if they do there is no detail. The Cruising Guides are helpful.
Captain Mike Harris.
Here is a little more information about the La Paz/Sea of Cortez area for your consideration.
Paper Charts, Chart Plotters, et al.
The chart for the Sea of Cortez was done in 1890 something. No joke. This is the base data for your chart plotter and other nav. gear. If you take a Lat. and Long. off the chart it will be about 7/8 of a mile off. The icon on your chart plotter will not show where you are correctly. Sometimes you will appear to be on land but worse you will sometimes appear to be more off shore than you are. The radar overlay on your chart plotter will not match the chart on the plotter in many cases. "Set it and forget it" navigation is not a good idea in this area.
Again I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this area.
Captain Mike Harris
Hello folks I would like to be one of the first to welcome you to La Paz and the Sea of Cortez. I am a Captain located in La Paz doing charters, fishing and deliveries. I have been in Mexico for seven years. I would like to share a little information that may be helpful to you when you are in our area. I'll do a little each day as things come to mind. I will also try to answer any questions you might have about La Paz or cruising in the Sea of Cortez.
Navigation Lights
The navigation lights in the San Lorenzo Channel were lost in Hurricane John last year and were just recently replaced. The new lights are not showing the red and green light sectors like the old lights. So use care if you are entering the Channel at night.
Captain Mike Harris
Don, I am considering flying home and driving my own vehicle down. It is a nice drive if you don't rush it. Just a thought - Kell [Live Wire].
Bruce, Donna...anyone? We will be at Marina Palmira (La Paz) for 5 months, Dec-May). Any thoughts on long-term car rentals or perhaps even a purchase?
You will also be recieving a Mexican courtesy flag to be flown higher than the US flag.
All participating boats will be receiving a gift bag at check-in in San Diego. In the bag will be the 6th edition of Mexico-Pan Chart Book, with a retail price of $100 from Recreational Publications sometimes referred to as Mariner's Inc. This is a large spiral bound book.
In addition, you will receive the FUBAR Participation Flag and tee-shirts for each person on the boat, per the sizes from the event registration form.
Weems and Plath have donated night slides and buoy slides and Caswell - Massey has donated a collection of fine gifts for the bag.
Maybe this question is covered somewhere, but I can't find it.
What chart book (name/number) will we be receiving and when will we have it in hand?
Thanks
Hi Kent: They are not going to support 60 boats at each port. Some of the boats will have already fueled before the fleet arrives in Ensenada on the 7th. It will be first come first serve that afternoon. On the 8th we hopefully will have a fueling schedule that will be used by our staff to notify the participants of when we are ready for them. The Coral can fuel 3 boats at a time and Cruiseport has a new fueling facility.
We have less than 30 boats to fuel at Turtle Bay. They have a limit of 350 gals per boat and most of them will use around 300 gals traveling at hull speed from Ensenada. They will be fueled by a fuel barge that will come to them with one of our staff members on board with the authorized list. The first boats to be fueled will be those that want to leave the next morning to fish Mag Bay an extra day. Then we will fuel the remainder of the fleet. There will be fuel for those who need it at Los Cabos ( San Jose), and of course at La Paz.
Comment by: Visitor (9/25/2007 2:08:46 PM)
Hi Bruce,
Thanks, I guesstimated! BYTW, how are the fuel ports going to support 60 plus boats for fuel?!
Kent
Hi Kent, your best guess is good enough
Comment by: Visitor (9/24/2007 3:27:30 PM)
Thanks for the update and fuel application for Ensenada, but since I have a new boat and don't know what the requirements are I would have to offer a best guess. Is this permissible?
Kent
Comment by: Visitor (9/24/2007 1:20:09 PM)
I was checking the expiration date on my Coast Guard "Documentation" form and discovered there is a Nov. 30th expiration. Phoned the doc. center, and found out you can go on line to www.uscg.mil, type into the search box, "vessel documentation" and it will take you to choices. Find the doc. section, open it, print it, fill in your vessel name and number, and then you can fax it to them. They state it will be a one day turnaround for them to have a new one in the mail. Very good service!
Excellent Yellowtail fishing reported in the lee of Cedros Island- nice big fish 20-35/40lbs fish- trolling Rapala X-Rap mackeral colored lures work well - use heavy lines as they are too valuable to loose- it's a long trip and they'll continue to catch fish the entire trip- JD's Big Game Tackle-- JD
Peter, you are not missing anything. The schedule is accurate, but their have been changes since we originally started planning the event. However you have to check in by Sun the 4th and you arrive weather permitting on the 19th in La Paz and if you arrive by Sat the 3rd for the first day of check in you can figure 16 days. Glad all is going well with the new boat, and I look forward to seeing you in Marina Del Rey or San Diego
An additional question: The schedule only shows 12 days of travel/layovers yet the descriptive paragraph says to plan on 16 days and to add an additional 2 days for weather delays. Am I missing something?
Bruce, just to let you know, we are feverishly working to complete the Northwest 42. We named her "Nor'wester" and did manage to display at the Seattle Boats Afloat Show last week. We are finishing up and will do extensive sea trials next week before departing (hopefully) about October 9th or 10th. Bob Jones is working with us for the weather forecasts and he thinks it should be fine for a passage south in early October. For those interested you can see our last year and a half's saga on our blog at nwtrawlers.blogspot.com.
We hope to see you all soon in San Diego,
Peter and Jan Whiting
Comment by: Visitor (9/21/2007 8:45:40 PM)
In reviewing the schedule, I see several (5 I believe) evening events. In planning for meals, are we to assume that there will be dinners offered at the evening events?
You can buy a prepaid phone card for the pay phones at almost any tienda. I buy $100 pesos cards and they last forever. You use them at pay phones marked "Ladatel" They have these pay phones even in the smallest cities.Don't ever use the phones that use credit cards as they can cost very much per minute. Also, I called Verizon and my cell phone will cost $.99 per minute, so I won't be using it much.-Donna
Interesting comment below regarding phone service. One more question. Are the phone/long distance cards available for purchase in the states for use in "pay phones" assuming you don't want to use Iridium or cell phone.
Thanks
Kell and Donna, the number I have of the Harbor Master, Secundino Alvarez at Marina Puerto de la Navidad [Bara de Navidad] is 011 314 3379008 or 3143379009 ext 102. This comes off a email from him so it should work. Good luck, see you in Barra.
I have a brand new set of charts of the Baja west and east coast and the Sea of Cortez.If any one could use these charts at a good price, plese contact me at exodus52@aol.com
Marty Livingston
Verizon North America Choice was great in Mexico in 2006; but Mexico is switching to GSM. Verizon network is CDMA. With the North America Choice plan, for an extra $20.00 per month over my regular Verizon plan I could use my regular plan minutes in Mexico. If my San Diego phone number was dialed in San Diego, it rang immediately in Puerto Vallarta and every other major city in Mexico; same for calling out to U.S.
Fortunately, I have kept the North America Choice Plan; unfortuntately, it is no longer offered and if you haven't got it you can't get it; if you got it you should keep it.
GSM U.S. carriers probably have a deal for Mexico similar to the old Verizon deal. AT& T was Singular et al. Verizon is still going to be ok as CDMA is still on for the big cities of Mexico, but you will pay about $1.49 per minute roaming if you haven't got the old plan.
If you can't get a cell phone to work in Mexico then it's really a different question. Anywhere there's a land line, a GSM type cell phone will probably work if you have it enabled with your carrier.
Bigger question is phone service in the Sea of Cortez and places like Tenacatita; and what about those long 30 hour stretches between Ensenada and Turtle and Turtle and Cabo.
I think the answer is a sat phone. Ours is an Iridium we bought through West Marine. They advised we buy the minutes from a place in Florida. It works out to about a dollar a minute but it really does work. The number one speed dial button is the U.S. Coast Guard. So you get communication and safety.
I would recommend buying this big ticket item through West Marine or maybe Amazon.com to have some recourse if there's a problem. Same thing for who provides the minutes. If you do it remember to recharge the minutes yearly or you lose the minutes you haven't used. We used the phone in Europe too.
Yeah it's a big expense for the phone, but it's a lot of peace of mind. It really isn't that big an expense compared to what's going into the boat right now to get it ready for the trip.
I believe the Iridium is the best. We've used it. It works. I don't see them changing out to something different next year. The satellites are up and running and the prices are a lot less than they used to be. Globalstar is the alternative sat system but the coverage did not seem as good and it seemed more expensive when I was looking at all of this two years ago. I also looked at renting. We've gotten enough use to justify the purchase decision.
John Houts
619-980-4043
Dos Abogados IV
Comment by: Visitor (9/14/2007 3:13:36 PM)
When needing to phone call from Mexico to the U.S. and if cell service is not available, what is the recommended long distance service? Are calling cards available, and if so, where?
Thanks
I have been trying to submit a reservation on the internet for Isla Navidad and get a message their server is down. I have been trying for 3 days. Does anyone have a phone number for the marina?
Hi Howard... We will be in San Simeon tonight and expect to be in MDR on Saturday the 15th. I have made arrangements to be inspected by Lucas Willemse (in MDR). His cell is: 310-367-2779. I don't know where you are but this may help. See you in Coronado! Cheers... Don Roose
Comment by: Visitor (9/13/2007 3:04:16 AM)
I sent an email to the Puerto Los Cabos marina earlier today, to ask whether or not they would be ready for us in November, and received this response:
Ken
We came through the hurricane very well despite a DIRECT hit! Many of the FUBAR boats will be on docks without power yet as I simply will not have enough operational docks. Of course they can run gensets.
However we will have our adjacent parks with barbecue areas ready to go, bathrooms, etc.
Jim Elfers, Marina Manager
We maybe it not 20 mi. but the trawlers say 1.5 hrs to Point Loma and shelter island is maybe 4 mi. back. Just thought we should identify the boats in the south S.D. bay so we know how many we are talking about.
Looking for those mainland reservations I took John Houts advise and got on the horn and email. Could not get the help that J. Warden got from Dick Markie at Paradice for my request 1/15 to 2/15/2008. He is still looking for me, and we do want to go into nuevo, but maybe for a short time now. I was successful in follow up on the Latitude38 Marina La Cruz info. Latitude has an up date that the name is changed to Marina Riviera Nayarit [www.marinarivieranayarit.com] searched on Google not MSN, and the harbor master is Christian Mancebo at lacruzyachtclub@hotmail.com. Latitude quoted that Christian is looking for power boats, and if needed they have large slips. So come on Fubar, lets help out! Got a quick confirmation on my dates , so we will cruise down from El Cid in Mazatlan, stay in Banderas Bay a month and then go to Barra for two months before heading back.
Hi Howard, right now it is a little premature on sending a team down to Coronado. I never realized it was 10 miles to Shelter Island and that's my home port. At the moment we have not scheduled a place for inspections such as the police dock at Shelter Island, which is not a bad idea. So far we had been thinking of inspecting them in their slips at S. Isl. and or possibly Harbor Island.
Boat inspections in San Diego are going to be available when and where? Our boat CONQUEST will be down in Coronado the week before staying with Riddells. Don Roose said he will be down there and Houts could be So. Bay also. Are ther any others that would have to make the 20 mile round trip? May we could get a Coronado run by the inspector, if there are enough boats to check out.
Hi everyone, we are currently looking to buy a 5788 bayliner and just wondered if anyone could give us helpful information or things to watch out for when purchasing one. Any infomation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ray
One of our crew does not have a passport. Does he need one? Doesn't the law go into effect in Jan? What will he need for I.D. in Mexico? Also, how can we clear in the boat in San Diego and then pick him up in Ensenada? This would save him 3 work vacation days.
Hi Pat,
I read your info about meats and packaging, etc. Great stuff. Thanks. As far as I know, there is no Costco in La Paz. There is one in Los Cabos, however. Just to clarify. The other stores do exist, however and are very good. Soriana's especially.
Kent Skogerson
About provisioning with beef and poultry: Aren't you glad you're going down with the FUBAR! Technically, there's still an Agricultural embargo against raw U.S. beef (mad cow disease) and raw U.S. poultry (Avian flu) coming into Mexico. But it seems the only place it's being enforced with ocean-going yachts is when you clear into Mexico (International Entrance) at Cabo San Lucas. We, the FUBAR Odyssey registered vessels and participants, are getting cleared in at Ensenada as an official group, and it's not a problem there, and besides we have an agent handling this clearance for us. (I don't make the rules or claim they're logical; I just report what's what at the moment.) We're planning to provision with beef and chicken in the U.S.
However, if you wish to wait to provision for meats until you reach Ensenada and are cleared into Mexico, yes, at least 2 big air-conditioned super-mercados there have excellent 'carnicerias' or butcher shops. Some will even cut and package your meats exactly to your order. You can have them package the meats in 1-meal proportions, double wrap the package in Saran wrap (no styrofoam) and then in butcher paper, marking the outside so you know what it is. Firm the soft packages up into space-saving squares or blocks, which saves a bunch of room in your freezer. We won't be in Ensenada long enough to have them pre-freeze your meat order.
A good old-fashioned butcher shop in the US will do this also, of course, but they're hard to find. In San Diego, I personally recommend Cecil's Meats (619-275-1234) on Ashton Street in the Moreno Blvd. district behind Mission Bay. But give them at least 24 hours advance to package and freeze your meat order.
Once we get to La Paz, the nice folks at Marina CostaBaja are making their hourly shuttle bus available to us FUBAR-istas, in case small groups want to go downtown and provision at the Soriana's, CostCo, CCC, El Rey, Aramburo's, the mercado municipal and other grocery stores. That will be the day after we arrive in La Paz, 2 days before Thanksgiving. (Don't count on finding a nice turkey in La Paz, as it's not a Mexican holiday.)
It is my understanding that beef cannot be taken across the border.
Is this correct?
If so, what else cannot be transported?
I understand there is a Costco in Ensenada. Do they sell beef etc there?
Bruce, gracias- I have plenty to keep me busy for a while. - Kell
Kell, I am working on the answer to your question. It may take till after Labor Day weekend to get it.
In final prep for run south I was going to call Valley Detroit to look over the mains [8v92] and gen set [N.Lights], assist w/spare parts, etc. Was there a name of someone affiliated w/fubar who can do this, and do they operate in Dana Point area. Thanks - Kell
I emailed Paradise Village and got a reply that they are full until mid March. I then called Dick Markie today and he confirmed that there is no space until March at that marina. He said he had told FUBAR to book spaces before July of this year for next year. I booked space March 14- April 2008.
Also, thanks for the fishing licence info. I will have to look into it.
Donna Grubbs
James Warden advised me yesterday that he called Dick Markee at Paradise Village, Nuevo Vallarta; I had been told by Markee that they were booked into April 2008; Dick told James that he was fitting in FUBAR boats and confirmed James for February 2008.
Good news for those who go to La Paz on the rally and then want to work their way south for warmer weather when the Sea gets chilly from Dec to mid March or thereabouts.
If you have any interest in Paradise Village; I'd get on it; San Diego Yacht Club's race arriving end of February is going to impact Paradise Village even more.
TO THE FUBAR FLEET, you will be receiving a special update by Sept 4th regarding slip assigenment's in San Diego for early arrivals on or after Sept 4th. Yes their will be slips availible after the 4th.
Here is the Lattitude site that wouldn't copy
http://www.latitude38.com/LectronicLat/2007/0807/Aug08/Aug8.html
Staff:
Not sure how to get this info up but I think it will be of interest. We are Dos Abogados IV, John and Jan Houts; our plans are to clear to Mexico with you in San Diego; then we will get fuel at Coral and spend the night at Cruiseport in downtown Ensenada; then travel with and be with everyone at Turtle.
I have talked to the new marina in San Jose Del Cabo, I think it's Jim Elfers; that marina will be barely open and below you will find a recent picture from Lattitude 38; he will be offering some slips to tie up; and, more by med mooring; probably very little power or other services; we may go in or we may anchor out; we will probably fuel in old Cabo. We were there last February; there are, I believe, two fuel docks there; and the cheaper one is a hard left after you go in and are kind of looking straight on at the newer one that everyone goes to.
Dick Markee at Paradise Villlage in Nuevo Vallarta told me last week that they are not taking any reservations until April 2008. The below stuff on the La Cruz marina, again from Lattitude 38 seems to show that project further along than I thought; they might have limited stuff available this season although it's kind of a long way into Puerto Vallarta from there; the downtown PV marina may still be viable.
We are planning on departing the FUBAR at Cabo and heading straight for PV where we have had a reservation since at least last February. We will later go down to Barra then back to PV then up to Mazatlan 3/26/08 with reservation at El Cid Marina, "Gladis" is the contact lady: 011 5266 9913 3333; and 011 5266 9916 3468
Then La Paz; in town, at Marina de la Paz, Mar Proof That It Really Is Open To The Sea August 8 - Puerto Los Cabos
For those of you who can't believe Wednesday's 'Lectronic report that the folks at the new Puerto Los Cabos Marina at San Jose del Cabo have finally broken out to the open ocean, here's photographic proof from Mike Miller, formerly of the Vanguard 33 Uhuru. The second photo shows a number of the smaller berths are already in place - as they have been for over a year. Ninety berths will be available in this year's Phase One. If you're one of the many with a 180-ft megayacht, you'll have to wait until Phase Two, which will probably take another year. Ultimately there will be 430 slips in the project, which is just part of a complex that includes a number of hotels, residences, condos and golf courses.
The 'Big Dig' for what Marina Manager Jim Elfers says will be the "biggest marina in Mexico" involved removing over 650,000 cubic meters of dirt, sand and rock, plus the dredging of an additional 25,000 cubic meters. In addition to removing stuff, 400,000 tons of granite, some capstones of which weigh 60 tons had to be brought in. All that involved a "continual convoy" of dump trucks that went on six days a week for eight months. For further information, email Elfers.
Marina La Cruz Down with the Ha-Ha August 8 - La Cruz, Banderas Bay
Speaking of new marinas in Mexico, the Ha-Ha has a new sponsor in Marina La Cruz on Banderas Bay. The folks there are working feverishly to open the much-needed 368-berth - two of them 400 feet long! - marina by November. While much of the proposed development surrounding the facility - shops, condos, restaurants - won't be open until later, you may not want to hesitate to get your name in. After all, Banderas Bay has the most ideal sailing conditions in all of Mexico, and this is likely to be the last large marina to be built on the bay for many, many years.
Marina La Cruz may be your last - and best - chance to snag a slip on Banderas Bay.
For those of you who have decided you want to retire to a condo on B. Bay and keep a daysailor in the marina, this - along with Paradise Resort and Marina Vallarta - are the only games in town, and the latter two are already pretty much packed to the gills. Email for further info on La Cruz Marina.
y Shoyer's place: 01152 612 125 2112; email Yolanda@marinadelapaz.com; we get in there April 10, 2008; then we do Sea of Cortez until it's time to go home and we take the boat to Cabo for someone to take it up hill.
Heard from Dockwise today; they are NOT going to take anyone from La Paz to San Diego despite a lot of interest.
Sorry the above got split up; I'm not so great at cut and paste. Best regards. John Houts, cell 619-980-4043 Email Houtslaw@aol.com
Donna Grubbs... Don't know if anyone helped you with your question about fishing licences, but we had great luck with Donna Jenkins Maritime Services in San Diego: 619-223-2279. She obtained all our licences in one day! Not inexpensive, but compared to our fuel costs from Seattle, a bargain. Cheers... Don
Thanks for the phone call, John. Sorry I missed it but got the message. I'll call the harbor and find out about the slip availability.
Kent
Hi Donna, Ita Gordon ita@fubarodyssey will enlighten on what we are doing re immigration and for boat inspections check below on the blog. You can check the web site under schedule and updates for more info
You guys are talking about boat inspections. Is that for the Mexico immigration? Or is FUBAR going to inspect the boats as well? Also, I have contacted Romero's to do Mexico paperwork for me, and it says the boat and all persons on board need a Mexico fishing licence. What about people that may come down for a weekend visit? What should we do?
Donna
John, I called and left a message and would be interested in a slip in San Diego, early November. I have a 47 foot Silverton. You can reach me at 775-848-5064. Thanks.
Kent
Thanks John, I am sure some of the boats arriving early will appreciate the information and Harbor Island is close enough that we could inspect boats there if they did not want to move to Shelter Island after Baja Ha Ha's departure Oct 31st.
Comment by: Visitor (8/15/2007 3:35:20 PM)
Bruce, if anyone needs a slip in San Diego prior to the start of FUBAR they may want to contact Scott at Sun road marina on Harbor Island. I spoke to him and explained what you are doing and he is willing to try andfind space for participants. he alr
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