November 17, 2023
It was supposed to be breezy today... famous last words.
We sailed from Bahia Tortugas to Bahia Asunción to avoid some predicted strong northerly winds. The journey was uneventful, with minimal wind, and we arrived mid-afternoon to find five or six other boats anchored.
Exploring Bahia Asunción
Bahia Asunción is a small fishing town but offers more services than the previous anchorage. One standout local, Leri, came recommended by our Newport Beach friends. Leri, a fellow sailor, helped us with fuel—a much-needed supply.
We spent a few days exploring the endless beach, hoping to catch some surf, but the swell wasn't cooperating this time of year. Nonetheless, our dog had a blast running along the shore and rolling in the sand. He was still wary of waves after the Santa Barbara paddleboard incident.
Solving the Mystery of the Bubbles
Each night, we heard peculiar sounds against the hull. Bubbles. We couldn't figure it out until one morning. I watched a seal swimming around the hull, munching on barnacles and growth on the underside. Mystery solved!
The Santa Ana Winds
"I think it's going to be windy today. Let's just hang out on the boat." The forecast predicted around 20 knots of wind. Around noon, we saw a brown cloud outside.
"What's that?"
"Huh. Looks like sand or something."
Then the wind hit, along with the waves. The wind increased into the 30s, and waves broke over the bow. The anchorage became a scene of bouncing boats. The wind climbed 40, 45, and finally topped at 47 knots.
Then, the anchor bridle snapped. This stretchy line, which runs from the anchor chain to the boat to soften the snap when the chain stretches out, had chafed through and broke. Mark rushed forward to rig another one, enduring wave after wave crashing down on him. He barely rigged the new one before it snapped again. He rigged a third, and we turned the motor on to hold position against the wind for a couple of hours until the winds dropped back into the 20s.
American Thanksgiving at Sea
The next day, the wind died, and we resumed our routine. It was American Thanksgiving, and one of the cruisers organized a potluck with the other anchored boats. We shared stories of surviving the wind and discussed our following destinations.
Shortly afterward, we raised anchor and headed south again towards Bahia Magdalena.
NM sailed: 60
Thanks for the great account of your adventures sailing into and achoring in Mexico. Very interesting read!⚓️