Charter Review: Baja

[Down2TheC]

Not sure if this should be split out to a region or not. Seems to qualify as a "log".

So here's the review. Moorings is a class act. We had a Beneteau Oceanis 393 custom made for Moorings as a "Moorings 403". Comfortable but a bit slow with the tiny headsail they had on there.

The area was fantastic. Sailing in a desert is a unique experience. The Sea of Cortez has all it's islands as national park land so they are all deserted save on little rock that was grandfathered in. That makes for good anchorages. The Corumel winds in summer mean you'll have SW winds every night so you can plan your anchorages accordingly. There's a sealion reserve on a rock nearby so you can drop folks off to swim with them. (rock bottom makes bad anchoring) All in all, it's a nice departure from the standard cruising where you go to town each night. You're right out there in nature with only other cruisers as company.

Some pics...

Have to admit, I love the swim platform transom. That was pretty sweet.

Lots of critters. In the air we had pelicans, frigates, pilots, in the sea we saw puffers, 6 ft rays jumping in the deep, stingrays (small), sealions, dolphins, and pilot whales. Winter brings a good shot for blue and humpback whales.

Dawn feeding frenzy...


Moorings put a CQR with a 150ft of chain rode. In 30kt winds the boat was solid. This may look underway but we're at anchor.


For a week long cruise you never leave sight of the Baja mainland. So all your sunsets have mountains.


Takes some trust in your anchor to sit this close to a rock wall. We were within 15 ft by morning with no worries.


with no shopping or restaurants, there's plenty of time to splice the mainbrace.

[imagine2frolic]

Everyone gives the Sea of Cortez a high rating, and many stay, and or return for years, and decades. No matter where you cruise you can stay away from the bars & crowds. Seems like nearly always there's an anchorage around the corner from the chaos.....nice pics!.......i2f