Sailing

Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags) is an ideal place to sail. The bay is protected from most of the weather systems that affect the “outside” because of mountainous arms that form the bay. No hurricane has hit Puerto Vallarta in recorded history because of this topography. The heating of the land inland compared to the cooler water causes the winds to blow onto the land every afternoon with a predictable speed (the diurnal effect). At night the process and wind direction reverses.

Rhea and I day sailed out of San Diego Bay for years. We learned a lot about our boats during these sails. We haven’t had the same experience with Vagari and it shows. We realize that we need to do some day sailing on Vagari. Banderas Bay is the perfect place to day sail. We have had several days of ideal sails. The autopilot is working until the wind gets above 20 knots. The waves have been moderate. They don’t have much time or distance to build. The air and water temperature and views are ideal; remember we are in the high season of an expensive resort area.

Vagari is anchored off the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. It’s a small town without a bank or even an ATM. No paved streets or stoplights. It does have decent German, Scottish and British restaurants, a tortilla store and the famous, among cruisers anyway, Philo’s bar. Philo is a cruiser between cruises who likes to sing/play a guitar. He gets a five-person band together and plays his own songs, popular sailing songs and whatever else he likes. It’s great fun for all.

Last night we were making a call home at a payphone on the corner while Philo was playing. A few young Mexican girls were dancing with themselves to the music.

We attended a 6-hour first aid for cruisers course and Spanish class at Philo’s. There are also 6 classes teaching English to the locals. This can make a huge difference in their earning power. Philo organizes a lot a charity work in town. The day Kim and family arrives he is sponsoring a Mexican dinner. Local women cook their favorite dinners. Philo provides the music, his plus two other bands and the drinks etc. The proceeds go to operate the only senior home in the area. The same function in previous years built and furnished the home. Most of his charities involve medical care for children with special medical needs. This care is available but is beyond the reach of most families.

Vagari and crew will continue to day sail for a few more days then go to the luxurious Paradise Village Marine just North of Puerto Vallarta waiting for Kim’s family to arrive on the 15^th. We will fill her with water, diesel and food so she is ready to head south as soon as they leave.