2018 Rally Update # 3–Pinnacle Heaven
Wednesday May 23rd
San Juanico greets the fleet with some mild sea chop from the east-south-east wind making it a bit rough. There’s 11 Rally boats now as 3 stayed in Coronados, some to work and others begin their sail south. The photo right was taken Thursday morning of the flat calm anchorage so imagine the reaction of skippers today thinking we had taken them to a rough anchorage.
For sunset tonight we’re all heading to the mother ship Balam for cocktails and snacks. She’s a 50’ Fountaine Pajot with 4 on-suite cabins, a captain and crew cabins with 6 heads.. Crazy…. Lot’s of amazed sailors stroll the decks enjoying all the space and the company.
Balam handles 40 sailors enjoying appetizers and a beautiful sunset. Above sailors pose as Eddie flies his drone capturing the moment.
Foredeck action at sunset
The Gato Loco crew enjoying the evening. Al and Rob haven’t been to this anchorage and are looking forward to doing some exploring.
Thursday May 24th
As you see in the opening photo seas went flat calm over night with a light west wind that is warmer as temps are now are in the mid 80s making it very pleasant to swim and enjoy the water.
Drone photo of the hillside house compound on the north side of the anchorage
Gato Loco found her favorite anchorage spot in the north most anchor spot. Frankie and Al paddle out to the pinnacles.
Goto Loco’s dinghy motor developed an impeller problem in Bahia Salinas. I had installed a used one in San Carlos that didn’t last long. Frankie brought a new one with her thank goodness. Mark on Jolly Dogs agreed to help with the new install and after watching my frustration and shaky hands took over the task of getting that damn little impeller over a very tiny key into the pump. After fetching some specialty tools he was finally able to get it installed. Thank you Mark.
Gato Loco is the first to arrive for the weeny roast
Tonight is the traditional “Weeny Roast” as Kurt calls it. The north shore, where we’ve held the roast in the past, now has a “no fire” policy so Ralph and Bob on MoonDrifter found a nice beach on the southwest corner of the bay.
Guy on Stray Cat is always the trusted firemen getting coals up to temp ASAP
This year’s Roast photo has 40 plus people. We invited all the boats in the anchorage to join us.
We even had a local ranch horse pass by during dinner.
Today is National Red Nose Day. Those noses always make for fun photos and for a good cause
I have to say this was the biggest and best “weeny Roast” to date. Sorry Kurt that you missed it. You were definitely missed.
Friday May 25th
Friday is traditionally French toast morning on MoonDrifter. With the size of the Rally that just wouldn’t work. The weather forecast is for strong northwest winds today and maybe tonight. Our original Friday plan was to sail back to Loreto for a farewell dinner but based on the forecast that would make for an uncomfortable night. After the weather situation was clear most of the remaining Rally boats decide to stay in San Juanico and enjoy another day at this well protect anchorage.
A beautiful Friday in San Juanico brings the Rally to perfect close
Thanks Everybody for another wonderful Rally
Gato Loco clear 
Until the next update
All good on Gato Loco
Post script
The Gato Loco crew arrived Saturday in Loreto for dinner at Las Mandaces and before you know it Mark and Kathy on “MIss Grace” and Steve, Karla and Brad on “Meriwether” join us for dinner, a nice final farewell for Rally folks.
Love seeing the happy noses!!
Great rally Lowel, thanks for the shots!