Crossing to San Blas - continued

Tuesday, Feb. 1 @ 0600:  21 degrees 54.668 N, 105 degrees 27.95 W; 6.2 knots; heading 121 degrees.


Isla Isabela coming into view Tuesday 06:40

Isla Isabela became visible with the dawn at 06:40, as the sliver of moon rose.  Birds were flying about - magnificent frigate birds, terns, pelicans.  It was excellent timing for a beautiful rose-coloured view of this isolated sanctuary for frigate birds and booby birds. By now we knew we would not be stopping, as the weather was soon to be unsettled even this far down in the Sea.  Several boats were in the anchorage on the west side.  The impressive Los Monas pillars came into view.  The volcanic island is a national park and protected area visited by researchers and cruisers when conditions are favourable.


Frigates greeting the dawn and INTREPID II

Los Monas anchorage

We checked in on the Sonrisa ham net 'early bird' check in and heard our SV Rosebud friends advise they were at Los Muertos and would wait out the 'blow'.  The morning progressed, warming up slightly as we adjusted our heading for a way-point just outside the San Blas breakwater.  A line of red tide showed up about 10:00 am.   We switched over the gas tank from starboard to port and enjoyed the warming sunshine, still under sail, while keeping the engine on to ensure to our target of reaching the breakwater before low tide.

By noon, we were at coordinates 21 degrees 34.391 N and 105 degrees 24.110 W, doing 6.7 knots on a heading of 125 degrees, in 20 feet of short, choppy waves; a half hour away from our way-point. Given the impending weather conditions, we anticipated anchorages would be rolly and we were looking forward to some sleep without worrying about dragging anchor.  A few nights in a marina could be the answer.  Marina Singlar in San Blas advised us they had dock space and to call at our next way-point; they'd send out a panga to lead us in across the bar.  The Captain had some anxious moments as we waited (and waited) for our guide to come down the channel.  The tide was dropping quickly. Finally the panga appeared and we followed, slowly motored in, watching the waves surging over the bar on our port side.  The shallowest spot was just under 9 feet; we draw 6 feet!  The channel itself is picturesque and tropical with palm trees, beaches and pangas on the shore.  A great first impressions of San Blas.

The marina staff were on hand to guide us in, take our lines and welcome us to San Blas.   We were assigned the port-side tie we requested and at 14:30 INTREPID II was at rest after 53.5 hours at sea.
We had a quick check in at the marina office, hot showers, a quiet dinner and time for an uninterrupted sleep!

Coordinates:  21 degrees 32.638 N and 105 degrees 17.579 W.

INTREPID II (left) - secure after 53.5 hour crossing