Bareboat in Costa Rica

[Garymadhatter]

My girlfriend and I are planning to spend 5 weeks next Jan/Feb in Costa Rica. I was wondering if anyone knows of a bareboat rental that would be available on the Pacific side during that time period. It appears that the big rental companies don't serve that area.
Thanks.

[belizesailor]

No, they dont and no bareboat charters at all I know of on either CR coast.

[Mirage35]

I looked at that (mainly just curiosity) a while ago. The explanation I found - don't remember where - is that it's on a major drug running route, therefore no one in their right mind would let a stranger take their boat.

FWIW

[model 10]

There was a guy trying to get something going around Playa del Coco.

[Garymadhatter]

I’m wondering if it has more to do with the sailing conditions and safe harbors than drug runners.

[model 10]

That can't be it because it's a beautiful cruising ground. It does get a red tide once and a while but otherwise it's wonderful area.
I heard that it's a gov problem.

[Garymadhatter]

It wouldn’t surprise me if it was a government thing. Too bad. Seems like a great place to sail.

[model 10]

I could see keeping a boat in Golfito. No hurricanes, airport etc. There are some people buying surf spots nearby.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Ecos

I could see keeping a boat in Golfito. No hurricanes, airport etc. There are some people buying surf spots nearby.

I havent cruised CR, though have travelled it extensively, really like Golfito area too. I assume winds are typically light there too as they are along the Panama Pacific coast. Not so great for sailing, but would be an good spot for a power cat.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

I havent cruised CR, though have travelled it extensively, really like Golfito area too. I assume winds are typically light there too as they are along the Panama Pacific coast. Not so great for sailing, but would be an good spot for a power cat.

I suppose, there isn't much of a draft problem in CR though. We didn't use our sails much, once in a squall when the engine quit.
We actually had a lightning bolt strike a small island we were anchored next to in the middle of some river, out of the blue one afternoon. Lightning is an amazing thing to watch some nights. Crap shoot with your electronics.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Ecos

I suppose, there isn't much of a draft problem in CR though. We didn't use our sails much, once in a squall when the engine quit.
We actually had a lightning bolt strike a small island we were anchored next to in the middle of some river, out of the blue one afternoon. Lightning is an amazing thing to watch some nights. Crap shoot with your electronics.

No, not a draft issue, but a wind issue...or rather lack thereof.

Same for Western end of Panama Pacific coast...beautiful though.

[Brad May]

*bump*
Does anyone have information on any bareboat sailing charter operators on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica? Many thanks!