BajaNomad

Sailing lessons near Loreto?

defrag4 - 2-2-2019 at 07:26 PM

My wife and I have been interested in learning how to sail, I noticed Puerto Escondido looks like a pretty popular spot for sailboats nearby to where we are staying here in Loreto.

I cant seem to find anyone offering lessons on line, maybe you guys know someone local?

Thanks!

JZ - 2-2-2019 at 07:45 PM

I could see sailing if you have months of time to burn, but not otherwise. They just go too damn slow.

We use to go out to the Channel Islands almost every other weekend for years, They are about 20-25 miles offshore of Los Angeles. In the AM we'd almost always fly by a sail boat 5 miles or so out of the harbor.

We'd hit the first island in 35-45 mins and either spend all day in a bay, hike a little, or continue on to the 2nd or 3rd island in the chain. Then cook dinner and head back. The sail boat we passed would just be lumbering in as we were leaving.

I doubt you are gonna find formal lessons in Loreto, but may find someone just asking around at the marina bar/restaurant in Escondido. Best to get the lessons in the US out by a marina. Tons of options.

Btw, San Carlos in Sonora has a much bigger boating community. Thousands of boats. There are about 35 anchorages in the 50 miles North of SC. Beautiful area for sailing and boating.



[Edited on 2-3-2019 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 2-2-2019 at 09:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
My wife and I have been interested in learning how to sail, I noticed Puerto Escondido looks like a pretty popular spot for sailboats nearby to where we are staying here in Loreto.

I cant seem to find anyone offering lessons on line, maybe you guys know someone local?

Thanks!


Don’t listen to jizz, he is an idiot that has never been on a sailboat, would not know the first thing about sailing, kites or his own dick.

There is a NOLS sailing school near loreto, but it is a 1-month school more for adolescents and and young clues less adults on their gap year. They teach using drascombes, a cool day sailer.

There is a sailing school in la paz, but I think they only teach on big boats.

For learning, to get the basics down, you are better off learning on a day sailer, before trying boat.

Ask around at some of the kayak operators for leads on sailing,... but don’t ask jizz!


[Edited on 2-3-2019 by mtgoat666]

John Harper - 2-3-2019 at 06:32 AM

I owned a Hobie Cat 16 for years, what a blast it would be to sail around Loreto with all that wind! Nothing like setting the mainsail on a windy day and having the boat just take off like a rocket! What a rush. Flying the hull all the way across Sail Bay and back, out on trapeze, so fun. Learning to sail was one of the best hobbies I ever engaged in. I highly recommend it.

John


[Edited on 2-3-2019 by John Harper]

caj13 - 2-3-2019 at 08:59 AM

Pick yourself up a cheap used sunfish , watch a few Utube videos, and go for it, you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly, its not rocket science. It's alot of fun, and there is alot of satisfaction in teaching yourself the basics!

John Harper - 2-3-2019 at 09:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13  
Pick yourself up a cheap used sunfish , watch a few Utube videos, and go for it, you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly, its not rocket science. It's alot of fun, and there is alot of satisfaction in teaching yourself the basics!


That's pretty much how I learned, although I only read a couple basic sailing guides, no YouTube back then. It's actually pretty easy, you figure it out quick.

John

AKgringo - 2-3-2019 at 09:18 AM

What is your time frame in Loreto? My neighbors where I am staying in northern California Are headed that way with their Hobie Cat, but not for another month.

If you are still going to be around, I will refer them to this post. They are aware of this forum, but have never registered.

I agree with John, flying around in a Hobie is a blast!

Wind v. Power

MrBillM - 2-3-2019 at 10:46 AM

It's not the arrival, it's the voyage. Sailing is its own reward.

Those who Sail ARE Sailors.

Power-boaters are just drivers.

defrag4 - 2-3-2019 at 11:34 AM

Thanks guys! I have heard a Hobie cat is the best vessel to learn on from some other friends as well

We are going to be staying in town as long as we can stand the heat :lol:

Going to start snooping around town to make a friend with a hobie I can borrow :light:

JZ - 2-3-2019 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  
It's not the arrival, it's the voyage. Sailing is its own reward.

Those who Sail ARE Sailors.

Power-boaters are just drivers.


That's nice in theory, the reality is most sail boats dangle in the wind on their moorings or rot in dry docks on stilts.

Boaters are explorers. There are 37 islands in the SoC and hundreds of anchorages. We've seen 90% of them and counting, many dozens of times. Not to mention the 100's of day trips or anchoring out under the stars.

I wouldn't own a sailboat if you gave me one for free. It's the equivalent of riding a bicycle in the desert versus a dirt bike.

defrag4 - 2-3-2019 at 12:20 PM

Ive got a friend towing his Panga over to our house this week for me to work on, so hopefully we can have the best of both worlds soon enough

Motor + Sail!

mtgoat666 - 2-3-2019 at 12:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
Thanks guys! I have heard a Hobie cat is the best vessel to learn on from some other friends as well

We are going to be staying in town as long as we can stand the heat :lol:

Going to start snooping around town to make a friend with a hobie I can borrow :light:



Best to learn on is a sunfish or laser or similar. They are sporty, and easy, but be prepared to get wet.
I am not a fan of cats, prefer monohulls, but to each their own, I guess

John Harper - 2-3-2019 at 12:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
Thanks guys! I have heard a Hobie cat is the best vessel to learn on from some other friends as well


Once you learn the technique of "backwinding the jib" on a Hobie to execute your tack the rest is easy. Tacking in high winds can be a challenge.

John

mtgoat666 - 2-3-2019 at 01:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  
It's not the arrival, it's the voyage. Sailing is its own reward.

Those who Sail ARE Sailors.

Power-boaters are just drivers.


That's nice in theory, the reality is most sail boats dangle in the wind on their moorings or rot in dry docks on stilts.

Boaters are explorers. There are 37 islands in the SoC and hundreds of anchorages. We've seen 90% of them and counting, many dozens of times. Not to mention the 100's of day trips or anchoring out under the stars.

I wouldn't own a sailboat if you gave me one for free. It's the equivalent of riding a bicycle in the desert versus a dirt bike.



Jizzy,
You are an ignorant fool!

Cardon - 2-3-2019 at 01:25 PM

Here are a couple of links to some of my favorite sailing channels on YouTube:

Ran Sailing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4AP2p6KnfU

Sailing the Vagabonde

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgZ4KEpyz5Q&t=80s

JZ - 2-3-2019 at 02:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  


Jizzy,
You are an ignorant fool!


I can see you now, flip-flopping around in the bay on your little Sunfish.

True sailing (and boating) skills are passed down from father to sons on big boats.




[Edited on 2-3-2019 by JZ]

Sailing and Driving

MrBillM - 2-4-2019 at 10:32 AM

JZ points out that he can get THERE quicker in a powerboat. Which tends to make MY point. Many [most ?] power-boaters looking upon the vessel as a facilitator for transportation or other activity i.e skiing, fishing, diving, etc.

Spending a day on San Diego bay or elsewhere, one could see most power boats heading TO a destination FOR a purpose at the highest legal (or often illegal) speed. The majority of sailboats are simply out to SAIL.

Over the years, mostly in light winds, I have had many exchanges with mi esposa or guests aboard over starting the engine when progress was slow. As noted more than a few times in various publications "A True sailor NEVER starts the engine until he HAS to".

HeyMulegeScott - 2-4-2019 at 10:49 AM

Bigger keel boats are definitely easier to sail. I learned on my father in law's 38 foot Erickson and Island Packet. You might check at the marina for boats looking for crew. A lot of guys like my father in law that have wives who hate sailing and need an extra hand or two.

JZ - 2-4-2019 at 10:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  
JZ points out that he can get THERE quicker in a powerboat. Which tends to make MY point. Many [most ?] power-boaters looking upon the vessel as a facilitator for transportation or other activity i.e skiing, fishing, diving, etc.

Spending a day on San Diego bay or elsewhere, one could see most power boats heading TO a destination FOR a purpose at the highest legal (or often illegal) speed. The majority of sailboats are simply out to SAIL.

Over the years, mostly in light winds, I have had many exchanges with mi esposa or guests aboard over starting the engine when progress was slow. As noted more than a few times in various publications "A True sailor NEVER starts the engine until he HAS to".


You are confused. Just because ppl don't want to move at a snails pace doesn't mean they don't like the journey. Even with power, the time to get there is longer than you are there. That's the fun part. Look, I love road trips, but I'm not gonna do it with a horse and buggy.

We've taken numerous long trips down the entire coast of Baja. How many sailors have gone from San Felipe to Loreto or San Carlos to La Paz?

Let's face facts, an engine allows you to see and experience 100x the number of places. Unless you have years to spend sailing you simply miss out on getting to journey to most of the bays in the SoC.

Most sailors don't have that much time or energy to trip to those places. So their boats just rot away.



[Edited on 2-4-2019 by JZ]

Jack Swords - 2-4-2019 at 03:33 PM

Certainly to each his own, power or sail. We sailed from San Carlos down to La Paz 20 years ago in our full keel boat. Have gone all over the Sea, visited many anchorages and islands in that 20 years. Truly enjoying the journey. In an anchorage we had our dinghy to explore, comfort with full beds, the microwave, a refrigerator, etc. No need to hurry as we were self contained and comfortable. Ham radio provided e-mail and XM radio the news. We sailed comfortably from San Carlos to Conception Bay overnight in a screaming blue norther in February with little concern for sea conditions in 35 knot winds. Sailing with no motor sounds, just the sound of wavelets on the bow, soft music playing on the CD player, and carrying on conversations without yelling....who really needs to be in a hurry? Isn't that one of the lessons we gringos learn in Mexico. Again, to each his own...

JZ - 2-4-2019 at 03:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords  
Certainly to each his own, power or sail. We sailed from San Carlos down to La Paz 20 years ago in our full keel boat. Have gone all over the Sea, visited many anchorages and islands in that 20 years. Truly enjoying the journey. In an anchorage we had our dinghy to explore, comfort with full beds, the microwave, a refrigerator, etc. No need to hurry as we were self contained and comfortable. Ham radio provided e-mail and XM radio the news. We sailed comfortably from San Carlos to Conception Bay overnight in a screaming blue norther in February with little concern for sea conditions in 35 knot winds. Sailing with no motor sounds, just the sound of wavelets on the bow, soft music playing on the CD player, and carrying on conversations without yelling....who really needs to be in a hurry? Isn't that one of the lessons we gringos learn in Mexico. Again, to each his own...


Have dingy, XM, beds, AC, refrigerator, etc. on the boat. None of that is special to sails.

Plus not limited to venturing out in the winter months because we needed wind (and risk getting caught in a Northerner). Summers with hot days and flat water are awesome.

John Harper - 2-4-2019 at 04:00 PM

It's ironic how JZ has such a dismissive perspective on sailing.

A lot of folks can't understand why we ride motorcycles, either.

As the saying goes:

"I could explain it, but you wouldn't understand it."

John

[Edited on 2-4-2019 by John Harper]

mtgoat666 - 2-4-2019 at 05:00 PM

Jizzy, you are the type of dufus that says watching tv beats reading a book, and eating fast food beats taking the time to cook something better. You wife thinks your 2-minute sex does not compare to her secret lovers slower approach :P

JZ - 2-4-2019 at 05:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Jizzy, you are the type of dufus that says watching tv beats reading a book, and eating fast food beats taking the time to cook something better. You wife thinks your 2-minute sex does not compare to her secret lovers slower approach :P


Can you post a video of you riding your little SunFish? TIA.

Howard - 2-4-2019 at 06:48 PM

Neapolitan ice cream

Jack Swords - 2-4-2019 at 08:15 PM

Don't understand the hostility in this thread. In my more than 30 years in and about Mexico and Baja, folks tend to be easy going and rather laid back, enjoying the ambiance and vibes associated with traveling in the country. Whether driving a Ford, Chevy or a Toyota (or maybe a sailboat or powerboat), the friendliness and camaraderie experienced around a campfire, walking a beach, in an anchorage, far surpasses that usually found in the US. That is a big part of being in Mexico, especially on the back country isolated roads, an island anchorage, or in a small village. Again, to each his own and enjoy your path in life to the fullest extent possible. To do otherwise is simply folly.

David K - 2-5-2019 at 12:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords  
Don't understand the hostility in this thread. In my more than 30 years in and about Mexico and Baja, folks tend to be easy going and rather laid back, enjoying the ambiance and vibes associated with traveling in the country. Whether driving a Ford, Chevy or a Toyota (or maybe a sailboat or powerboat), the friendliness and camaraderie experienced around a campfire, walking a beach, in an anchorage, far surpasses that usually found in the US. That is a big part of being in Mexico, especially on the back country isolated roads, an island anchorage, or in a small village. Again, to each his own and enjoy your path in life to the fullest extent possible. To do otherwise is simply folly.


This! Thanks Jack!

Howard - 2-5-2019 at 09:18 AM

I guess some of you knuckleheads don get the meaning. My Grammy use to say, "that's why they make Neapolitan ice cream."

"Some people like chocolate, some people like strawberry and some people like vanilla, that doesn't mean what you like is the best for others, it's just the flavor what you like and let the others like what they like."

Grammy was a wise person, to bad I didn't know it at the time.

JZ - 2-5-2019 at 10:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard  
I guess some of you knuckleheads don get the meaning. My Grammy use to say, "that's why they make Neapolitan ice cream."

"Some people like chocolate, some people like strawberry and some people like vanilla, that doesn't mean what you like is the best for others, it's just the flavor what you like and let the others like what they like."

Grammy was a wise person, to bad I didn't know it at the time.


Chocolate is the best. They waste 2/3rd of the carton with that other junk.

TMW - 2-5-2019 at 11:42 AM

Why use any kind of boat when you can strap a tank to your back and go down and see what life is really like under water.

JZ - 2-5-2019 at 11:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
Why use any kind of boat when you can strap a tank to your back and go down and see what life is really like under water.


The next big thing in drones is underwater drones. About a dozen companies are going after the market.

Speaking of Helado ..................

MrBillM - 2-5-2019 at 02:20 PM

Many years back in San Felipe when the only vendor for bulk Ice Cream was the El Marino Liquor store, often we'd find that Queso was the only half-gallons available. Mi Esposa once remarked that it must be a "really" popular flavor in Mexico, but I wondered if the opposite was true since it was the only one left.

Never got that question answered and I never met anyone who'd bought it. Though it may exist, given that I haven't ever seen any Queso ice-cream at Stater Bros or Von's, I don't think it's a Gringo thing.

Somewhat related (NOB) over the years I would find that the campground store in Silent Valley would have all sorts of Haagen-Dazs, but NO Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry. I finally asked the manager why. "We're at the END of the suppliers run up here and we get whatever he's got left".

Actual sailing lessons

tehag - 2-5-2019 at 04:43 PM

Rodolfo Palacios around Loreto - nativotours@gmail.com

mtgoat666 - 2-5-2019 at 06:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
Why use any kind of boat when you can strap a tank to your back and go down and see what life is really like under water.


The next big thing in drones is underwater drones. About a dozen companies are going after the market.


99% of drone pilots are perverts peeking over fences and through windows. I think the market for perverts wanting to do underwater peeping is pretty small.

JZ - 2-5-2019 at 07:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  


99% of drone pilots are perverts peeking over fences and through windows. I think the market for perverts wanting to do underwater peeping is pretty small.


Now that you bring it up, I have pics of you naked sunbathing in your backyard while attempting to troll ppl on Nomads.

HeyMulegeScott - 2-18-2019 at 09:53 AM

defrag4 - You have any luck on sailing lessons?

Whiskey Witch - 2-18-2019 at 12:40 PM

Sailing Sea of Cortez since 2010, it is amazing! Here are the folks you want to train with, based out of lovely La Paz. https://www.nautilussailing.com/destinations/sailing-lessons... The company has been here many years and is very busy, we see them out and about frequently. Most of the vessels in Puerto Escondido are private cruising boats, or full time live-aboards who rarely, if ever leave the harbor. There are a couple charter sailboats/catamarans, ask at the harbormaster office or you could email to marina puerto escondido (look up their website)

Phil S - 2-18-2019 at 03:57 PM

There was a Loreto Realtor named Alexander who had a 25' sailboat with a Harro Shoemacker (?sp) Boat was kept in P.E. Don't know their skills, but someone to talk to in Loreto area. don't even know if Alex is even still there. I got my "official" certification from Windworks at Shilshoe Marina in Ballard at Seattle. Now certified to charter up to a 40foot. The boat was a 40" Islander. Title of the coarse was Cruise and Learn. Was well worth the money. I managed to acquire a 25' Catalina swing keel trailered craft. I have some knowledge. Just not the boat anymore. But it's a sport I longed to go back to. But at 84 years of age, might be wise to just stick to Bungie jumping.

caj13 - 2-27-2019 at 11:12 AM

Some Guy in los Barriles is giving away a Hobie 18 cat with all the rigging - posted in baja Pony express, with trailer if anyone is interested

defrag4 - 2-28-2019 at 11:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13  
Some Guy in los Barriles is giving away a Hobie 18 cat with all the rigging - posted in baja Pony express, with trailer if anyone is interested


thanks Caj, Sent him a message but I was too late, deal like that doesnt stick around long!

Actual sailing lessons

tehag - 2-28-2019 at 08:26 PM

Rodolfo Palacios around Loreto - nativotours@gmail.com