Sailing Along the Mexican Coast

[Delfin]

Once we were sailing north near Bellingham, Washington, and saw a kayak with a fellow, a woman, and a labrador. They waved us down, so we hove to near by to ask if they needed assistance. They showed us a Shell road map, which they were using for a chart and asked which way to Alaska. Perhaps they made it, and perhaps you will make it to Patagonia. In a pedal craft.

[mtbandrdrider]

That's something I was hoping to get some help with. Which way in more scenic? Which is quicker or has easier conditions. We plan on riding our bikes from Guatemala to Patagonia.

[sww914]

You guys need to read a couple of sea stories. You really don't know what you're getting yourselves into.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by sww914

You guys need to read a couple of sea stories. You really don't know what you're getting yourselves into.

You took this seriously? I thought it was a spoof.

[Snore]

A gentleman by the name of Verlen Kruger did it in an 18 foot Kruger Canoe. But then again Verlen was different, he paddled UP the Colorado River.

Having done a lot of kayaking and long distance kayak sailing (300 to 1200 mile races) I can honestly say the boat is 25% of the equation the rest is the guy in the cockpit.

Bill

[mtbandrdrider]

This is no spoof. Seriously. My friend is the sailor, I am trying to get help with organization.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by mtbandrdrider

This is no spoof. Seriously. My friend is the sailor, I am trying to get help with organization.

Then get him on here instead... or as well... we'll find out how much of a sailor.. not being funny but if we're gonna hand out advice its nice to talk to someone who has some understanding of boats, winds, tides and currents....
especially if as you say time is of the essence.....

[mtbandrdrider]

During the trip time will be important, but for now it is not. My friend does not want to research this far in advance. Sorry.

[David M]

Baby steps. Don't venture off without any previous experience. Having an adventurous spirit is a good thing but there are lots of things that can go wrong that you are unaware of. At least learn about what can go wrong. Pirates would be amongst the least of your concerns.

[kenny chaos]

My best friend and his buddy, both world class athletes, were kayaking down the west coast when they ran into a storm. They lost contact with their kayaks and my buddy was last seen taking off his pfd. They guessed it was a hypothermic decision. He was never found and his friend was found, alive, washed up on shore.
But for christ's sake, don't let this scare ya, just prepare ya.
Go for it-
Kenny

[mtbandrdrider]

Yes. We are looking into purchasing a daysailer for me to practice a bit. We have time.

[dacust]

Originally Posted by mtbandrdrider

This is no spoof. Seriously. My friend is the sailor, I am trying to get help with organization.

You are doing what I would do. It's all fine and good to be going with someone experienced, but I want to learn all I can for myself. Not the least of which is, is the person I am going with making good decisions?

Keep asking questions!

-dan

[mtbandrdrider]

Thanks, Dan. Appreciate the support. Where could I find information on currents, winds, and weather for the Pacific and Gulf side of Mexico?

[zeehag]

goes;noaa, wunderground, stormpulse..many sites..sailflow,passage weather.

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by mtbandrdrider

This is no spoof. Seriously. My friend is the sailor, I am trying to get help with organization.

My advice with your time limited goal and experience (or lack of) is to buy a couple of plane tickets.
If you want to see scenery, watch some travelogues.