Pierless Adventures - April 16 - Departure

Sailing into the unknown today.  This will be a new experience for everyone onboard and we are excited for the adventure.  Dave has been offshore on fishing boats, so is familiar with the ocean (though a more challenging area than Mexico).  He has not sailed, so this will be a new way to experience the world aquatic.

We left the marina around 3:45 and sailed West.  The wind was from the NW, so it was not possible to keep to a direct course for Cabo.  This is fairly normal when sailing.  The boat cannot sail directly into the wind.  In fact, we can't sail comfortable in less than about 35 degrees off the wind - more likely 40 degrees.  So, we will zigzag the way to our destination.

 Right off the bat, we heard a pop and found we had broken a block (pulley) that routes the mainsheet (one of the ropes controlling the main sail).  It had corroded at the base.  We rigged a backup pulley using a new block and continued on.  We will avoid sheeting too hard in the future just to play it safe.  Hard to find sailing gear down here...

We saw many birds during our evening heading out.  The mood came up just after sunset and we enjoyed the light playing on the water.  We knew everyone would be excited/anxious our first night out, so did not set up specific watches.  We took turns running the boat and getting rest/food.  The windvane was extremely helpful.  It keeps the boat on course without having to have a person at the help the entire time.  

 I found it surprisingly cool during the later night and early morning.  The temps were not so low, but the humidity, constant wind, inactivity and odd hours made it hard to keep warm.  I broke out fleece pants and a warm hat to ward off the chill.  

It was great watching the sunrise and the dawn of a fresh new day.