Panama to Mexico (Sea of Cortez)

[ErBrown]

Howdy folks,


After two seasons in the Eastern Caribbean, we're currently in Guatemala (Rio Dulce) and looking at longer term route planning. We're like to get through the canal in the next year or so and are starting to consider a season in the Sea of Cortez before making the big hop to the Marquesas.


Currently in the very early stages of exploring possibilities and are looking for good route planning resources for this trip. Have all the Cornell books, but unfortunately there's not much there other than the suggestion that going via Hawaii might be the easiest option.


If you've done this trip, or know folks who have, any suggestions or resources you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Any good books, FB groups, blogs, videos, or first hand experience is welcome.


Thanks,
Erin

[belizesailor]

Ive not run this route, but do know the "Rains Guide" is well regarded for the near coastal route:

https://www.amazon.com/Mexico-Boatin.../dp/0963847058

[Paul L]

For Pacific Central America the online Sarana guides are the most uptodate and useful.

[ErBrown]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Ive not run this route, but do know the "Rains Guide" is well regarded for the near coastal route:

https://www.amazon.com/Mexico-Boatin.../dp/0963847058

Thanks for the feedback. Have you used it?


I only ask because we bought the rains guide for the Western Caribbean and found it was not worth the $$. It felt like it just tried to cover too much and as a result had very little of the info we where looking for in a guide.


Almost no info on weather/currents and very little detail on destinations.


Thanks,
Erin

[ErBrown]

Originally Posted by Paul L

For Pacific Central America the online Sarana guides are the most uptodate and useful.

Cool, thanks. For the cash it's worth a download to check Part 1 out and go from there.



Much appreciated

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by ErBrown

Thanks for the feedback. Have you used it?


I only ask because we bought the rains guide for the Western Caribbean and found it was not worth the $$. It felt like it just tried to cover too much and as a result had very little of the info we where looking for in a guide.


Almost no info on weather/currents and very little detail on destinations.


Thanks,
Erin

Ive only used the W Carib one. I think its OK as an overview of routes and ports of call, but yes a bit thin on winds/currents/weather. I think the Rains mostly ran power vessels.

Over many years in the W Carib Ive put together my Notes which do include a lot of info on weather, currents, wind. If you are not done with the W Carib yet they may be useful to you:

http://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/aut...sin=B072Y2S8JS

[model 10]

You only need to go out to Hawaii if you are going to California. I suppose along the Gold Coast of MX could be a little bumpy but otherwise, motoring as normal. Charlies's Charts are great.

[Red Sky]

Originally Posted by Ecos

You only need to go out to Hawaii if you are going to California. I suppose along the Gold Coast of MX could be a little bumpy but otherwise, motoring as normal. Charlies's Charts are great.

+1 on Charlie’s Charts. In my opinion the West Coast of the mainland of Mexico is the best of the places to go on a sailboat in Mexico. Plenty of cool places to stop, 2-3 day jumps max, great food & GREAT people.

[Happydrv]

Isn't this route counter current and counter winds...?

[Red Sky]

Yes, it is. You’re motoring or motor sailing. That’s the nice thing about the stops, lots of fuel available. You’ll use the iron genny a bit of the time all over the Sea of Cortez.

[nhschneider]

Please see the comments I made about this topic at:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...te-212776.html

[Sailing7]

A really helpful guide for cruising the Sea of Cortez is:

Sea of Cortez: A Cruiser's Guidebook - 3rd Ed.

https://www.bluelatitudepress.com/bl_products_SOC.html

Great cruising ground with a multitude of quiet wilderness type anchorage, best enjoyed November-May.

[neophytecruiser]

As Happydrv has indicated, traveling north in the eastern Pacific up the coast of the Northern Hemisphere is an uphill proposition, for both wind and current. Thus, the suggestion to head west (e.g., to Hawaii) before tacking back to the west coast. Fortunately, the IP40 is a comfortable vessel to spend time motor sailing north from Panama. If it's any consolation, as with most major ocean currents there is often a near-shore counter-current which might provide a minimal boost in your journey north, should you choose to motor sail. However, being near-shore brings with it the associated caveats and dangers to navigation and watch keeping, not to mention the need to dodge fishing gear from time to time. If your goal is to sail and minimize use of your iron jenny, the suggestion of heading towards Hawaii and making the long tack back to Mexico seems your option of choice.

[Moontide]

Have done the trip and is not that hard. Don't have time to go into details right now, but feel free to PM me and I'll try to get back to you within a week.



Bottom line is that it is very doable, but will want time flexibility. Lots of great stops along the way.
Bill

[bobmcd625]

Join the "Panama Posse". They have lots of good advice.
https://panamaposse.com