Nightime motoring

The wind typically blows north to south this time of year in the Sea of Cortez. And the wind also typically picks up in the afternoons. And the wind also creates short steep waves going north to south. So night time sailing, or I should say motoring since we’re going into the wind, is preferred by most people cruising.

We anchored up in the middle of the night last night at Los Frailes. Coming into a unfamiliar anchorage at night is to be avoided. We had much trouble getting a good anchor set. In fact, it wasn’t a good anchor set as it broke free when the wind came up in the morning. No harm done and we learned one reason for the rule: don’t come into an unfamiliar anchorage in the night.

The next anchorages Los Muertos but we plan to pass by in about 4 AM wishing to cover more water before the wind comes up tomorrow. It’s finally gotten cool enough to want a jacket on. It’s 1 AM as I write this.Read more