Our speaker this week was our own Bill Bourlet who was updating us on his recent trip from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in his sail boat.

Bill picked up his new boat in Hawaii this summer and after sailing it back to Blaine Washington, and fitting it out for an extended off shore voyage, he set off with three crew and himself as Captain, for San Diego.

This first part of the trip was met with almost no wind off the coast of Washington and Oregon.   Things changed when a storm forced them into Crescent City, California where they "rode the bar" for 5 days, waiting for a weather window to continue sailing.

On the fifth day the wind abated and the weather forecast suggested they make a break for it as another storm was forecast to hit the lower west coast. Sailing straight past San Francisco, with much regret by one of the crew who had hoped to visit a girlfriend, they headed for the warmth of San Diego.   With good winds past the Channel Islands off L.A. they made good time to port. Another 5 days of R and R before 179 boats, including a large contingent from Canada, set off with the cruiser’s rally, whimsically named the ‘Baja  Ha Ha’, to help the cruisers reposition their boats from California to Mexico for the winter. Bill was asked by the rally organizer why so many boats from Canada again and he replied “You get good press in Vancouver as well organised, good fun, with safe and good value.  Also it’s quite the "bucket list" item for sailors so it gets talked up a lot.

After another 5 days  in Cabo San Lucas Bill set out on one more sail of 3 days to Puerto Vallarta arriving safely for some well earned rest.  What a ride! list" item for sailors so it gets talked up a lot.

After another 5 days  in Cabo San Lucas Bill set out on one more sail of 3 days to Puerto Vallarta, arriving safely for some well earned rest.  What a ride!