Isla Mujeres Race, Part 3

The next day or so was very similar, with several minor exceptions. Nobody really ate much as it was too rough. The easy food was consumed when one had an opportunity, or desire, to eat. Pringles, Chex Mix, cans of cheese spread with crackers… man food, with beer of course.

The day passed easily enough sans the big waves. We were actually looked down upon by a pod of dolphins in the crests of the waves above us as. Several large sea turtles scurried out of our way and a handful of Portuguese Man-Of-War jellyfish floated past. A small yellow and brown finch landed in the cockpit. We were 80 miles from shore. Blown away from land on a strong breeze no doubt, and he was very tired.

The sky and sea finally began to calm that afternoon. It had become so nice out that we actually had a hot meal. One of our crew broke out his guitar and made up a few new sea shanty’s for our entertainment. We accompanied him with a kazoo chorus as we all enjoyed the respite.

It was the kazoo’s that had angered the god’s, we were sure of it. The winds and waves returned with a vengeance. My midnight watch at the helm gave me new insight into why I really hate lightning at sea. It was not so much the fear of being struck as it was the momentary ability to see in the utter blackness. I was much happier not being able to look at the towering waves and only focus on the gyrating compass while I held course. Kazoo’s are forever banned on my boat.
Yeah buddy, were racing now!
Devoid of current weather information, we decide to stick to our original plan. The winds were forecast (three days ago) to become calm in the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba, at about the same time the fleet completed the last 50 miles. Coming up from the south through the channel is a strong current. If we head south along the west side of Cuba we can enter the Gulf Stream a little south of Isla Mujeres. While the fleet is foundered and drifting north, we will ride the current to the entrance of Isla and claim victory!

And it was a fine plan too. Mother Nature had her own agenda however, and decided to let the winds blow for another 12 hours past the scheduled cut off time. Unaware of this bit of weather change caused us to give away most of the time we had greedily procured during the race. The sea givith, and so shall the sea taketh…
We found ourselves crossing the finish line entering Isla Mujeres, Mexico on Monday at 11:57:57, which garnered us third place in our class and eighth place over all. There were over 30 boats in the race. This was pretty darn respectable for a vessel designed to cruise in comfort staffed with an unfamiliar crew at the helm. We were proud of ourselves with good reason. We had cast off our bow lines and set sail from safe harbor. We had explored, we had dreamed, we had arrived.

Okay I goofed… you have to go to the main webpage and double click the photo there for the larger version, I don’t think you can do it from your email version. (Too much Sol) Stay tuned for part 4…

Filed Under: Travels

Tags: Mexico • sailing • travel