This site logs my 2010 sailing trip to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. After reading the stories in Lattitude38 for many years, I have always wanted to sail the Mexican coast in my own boat. I finally got the chance in 2010 on my 2004 Catalina 42 MKII which I had bought in 2007. Its a comfortable yacht and has 3 cabins and 2 heads which caters for my family of 4 when they visit me. Most of the time I will be sailing the passages single-handed.
Catalina Island 2005, in my old boat, an Islander Bahama 30
I spent 6 months cruising the California coast back in 2005 in my previous boat, a Islander Bahama 30. You can read about at http://www.sea42.com
The southern area of Baja/Sea of Cortez has winter weather similar to summer weather in Northern California, 80f, dry, no bugs and much warmer water. Look at the pictures above for an idea what its like. Its very remote and unspoilt. I spent my last 2 vacations in the Banderas Bay area of Mexico and really have taken to it.
Although the Catalina 42 is much larger than my old boat and 3x the displacement at 24000lbs, its no problem to singlehand. In some ways its easier than the old boat as it carries more momentum. Its will cruise at 8knots (vs 6knots) and it has a much more flexible sail plan. The biggest difference though is in comfort when I have guests aboard, I really appreciate that.
