Gato Loco Middle Sea Fun, Bahia San Francisquto, Crossing to San Carlos on the mainland
Monday May 6th
Today we’re sailing from Isla Salsipuedes to Bahia San Francisquito 20 mile south. After a lumpy over night on the the island, we’re up early and heading south looking for smoother waters. Amazingly, as soon as we depart the north side of the island we find seas calm and we’re soon on a broad reach with motors off. We speculate that the Bay of LA winds were blowing and turned south by isla La Gradia into our north anchorage overnight. It’s a stellar day as we sail south. We arrive by sail only a few hours later and anchor in the outer bay for some beach time. There’s nothing better than a total sail day. The crew loves it.
Our night San Francisquito anchorage is in smaller narrow slot bay off the larger bay.
Gato Loco in the slot anchorage with homes in the distance
San Francisquito has a tiny beach resort with a aircraft runway to the east in walking distance and we’re off for fish tacos on the beach.
Cooler weather and especially water has been the norm but the shallow bay has warmer water and flat calm seas for paddle boarding..
Tuesday May 7th
Restful cool calm night last night. We’re up at sunrise for our crossing back to the mainland side of the Sea. Our target is Los Cocinas 83 Nms across the Sea and 25 Nms north of San Carlos. Seas are pretty flat rounding the southern point of the bay as the sun is just breaking the sea surface.
Only a few miles out, Norman sees spouts and surface activity that first looks to be a humpback whales. As we approach, we see the breach you see in the photo below and recognize the signature colors of a orca killer whale. As we get closer, we discover it’s 2 adults and small one with the adults paying very close attention to the little one. They did come pretty close to the boat but I had a camera fail and missed a great shot. Anyway, very cool and it’s only 2nd time I’ve seen orcas here in the Sea.
The crossing took 12 hours with mostly favorable winds. The last 20 miles of the crossing winds were directly behind us forcing some jibs to keep the sails powered. Approaching our anchorage it looks like the NW wave action will make Los Cocinas pretty lump. Plan B is to head south to a little southwest facing anchorage Jullo Villa. It’s only large enough for one boat and we’re hoping it’s open. Good news it’s empty and it reminds us how we’ve only seen 2 boats in all our days coming south. This is very unusual for our Massachusetts crew who are use to waters waters with lots of boats.
6:30pm and anchor down in time for hitting the beach a nice relief after being on board 12 hours for the crossing.
Wednesday May 8th
Today we head to San Carlos’s Marina Real for the last night of the Leg 1 cruise. It’s been an awesome ride with new sailors on board. I love showing our Sea of Cortez playground to fresh eyes. I remember arriving in Puerto Escondido the first time with Gato Loco and speaking to a seasoned Sea of Cortez sailor. He lamented how lucky we were out adventuring and the excitement of seeing it all for the first time. I see that in our crews as they see things for the first time.
The Jullio Villa anchorage provided a perfect evening. We could hear waves crashing on the rock ridge but we set quietly all night long.
Another awesome crew and new friends for life. Great to meet Norman and Sara. Hope to meet you both soon.
Farewell dinner. Safe travels home mi amigos.
Until the next Update
All good on Gato Loco
Marina Real from our side tie dock 7 location.