Thrashed on the Maiden Voyage

So, off we went.  Spirits high and eager to be cruisers "out there," no longer tied to the docks or sitting on stands.  Alan dropped off the car at a storage yard in San Carlos and returned by bus.  We did a quick walk through and agreed we were ready to head out.  Our destination for our first night was Bahia Catalina just before Cabo Haro.  The anchorage was fabulous -- quiet, protected, and great holding.  Our new anchor was a charm.

Here are departure pictures--captain, admiral, and the town of Guaymas fading from view.

We left early our anchorage on Monday morning with a course due south for Puerto Escondido.  There was plenty of wind as we left; but from the west and not so much the north.  This made for sloppy and choppy conditions on board.  We figured as we left the Cape and the conditions would settle out.  Nope.  Settle out meant amp up.  We were seeing 25 knots of wind; then 30 knots.  We were flying (7-8 knots of boat speed over the ground).  And we were taking boarding waves into the cockpit and hatches were leaking and we were tucking in reefs and reducing sail.  It felt alot like San Francisco Bay -- all bundled up in foul weather gear; fleece hats; boots.  I signed on for the bathing suit world tour cruise, so I definitely missed the "sun boat."

About 2 hours later we were seeing 35 knots.  The forecast had been for 20-25 from the north but the reality is what counts.  We had the main all the way down and we were getting pounded by the short, steep waves of the Sea.  And then those boarding waves with the cockpit awash.  I think we all agreed  that returning to Guaymas was the prudent decision.  Those conditions -- and the probability they would deteriorate over the subsequent 24 hours -- lead to the 180º turn.

We motorsailed back to our slip and tied up.  Cold, wet, and really not much worse for the trip -- except to our nerves and confidence.   Oh yeah, our flag halyard parted and we lost our Mexican courtesy flag!   And we realized we needed some further adjustment on the starboard engine injector pump so that is happening over the next few days.

There is now a full norther blowing -- and conditions are really nasty.  Forecasts are for 35+ with gusts to 45; and seas 8-12 feet.  The dock lines are straining but the crew is safe.