S/V Mandlin 3/13/99 to 3/14/99

Chamela to Ipala: 3/13/99

Motored the first part of this trip starting at 0400 in the morning. The wind finally picked up to make an exciting sail up the coast. Had a new experience today during my watch. I was talking with another boat on the VHF radio and the boat shuddered with a slight thump. As I looked around a large fin came out of the water as it slid along our starboard side. The large Manta Ray was probably as surprised as we were to when we collided. After a few splashes of water he dove down as we sailed away. I have heard of other boats coming into contact with Mantas, but this was the first time for us.

The Ipala anchorage is small and difficult to spot from sea. After some guidance from Calliope who was already there we were able to arrive and anchor under sail.

Ipala is an interesting place only accessible by water or a bumpy dirt road eight hours away from the closest town to the north. South is a rugged coast all the way to Chamela. Its remoteness is liked by drug traffickers. Happily we didn't come into contact with any shady characters. We were happy to share the anchorage with a Mexican navy ship who does their best to keep this section of coast under control. Some of the precautions we took were travelling with other sailboats and not going ashore while in Ipala.

Ipala to La Cruz, Banderas Bay: 3/14/99

The main item of the day was the successful rounding of Cabo Corrientes. This point of land much like its siblings, Cape Flattery, Cape Mendicino, and Point Conception make a point of resistance for the currents and winds. This combination makes the waves stack up and the winds accelerate. We were up at 0330 so we could do the rounding before the conditions deteriorated as they do in the afternoon. The morning started out with Jennifer aboard Freya on VHF channel 22:

"Good morning Ipala cruisers. This is the Ipala Cruiser's net. Let's have checkins, Mandolin through Calliope come now"

Mandolin: "Mandolin Here"

Calliope: "Good morning, Calliope here"

Freya: "Ok, next does anyone need local assistance?"

Mandolin: "Yes, we have too many pancakes what should we do with them all?"

Calliope: "Hmm, that's a tough one, you may need to feed them to the dolphins"

Freya: "Save them for this afternoon and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with them"

And so the Ipala net continued. This was a parody of the VFH radio nets that we hear most morning in the larger ports where typically 15 to 60 boats will check in. Their purpose includes letting others know who is nearby, passing information about the local area, answering questions and trading boat parts.

So with a reefed main we motored up the coast. With amazing suddenness the wind went from 7 knots to a sustained 15 to 20 until we rounded the point. While this wind is not a problem for us, the ride was made uncomfortable by the large but closely spaced seas against us. Once around the point we had to motor across the bay as the wind had all but died out. We were rewarded with a wonderful sail across the last part of the bay into La Cruz. Flat seas and 15 knots of wind on the beam. This makes it all worthwhile.

La Cruz made a nice anchorage where we got to spend some time with Steve and Kat aboard Sojourn. Also attended a musical jam session put on by and for cruisers at restaurant Dos Felipes.

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