Living La Vida Loca~

Last Friday, we left Espiritu Santos and set sail on an epic 28-hour journey to Topolobompo, a small village on the other side of Mexico. These 28 hours turned into an adventure that made us so happy when we arrived.

As we approached the marina, the 11 nautical mile channel seemed straightforward with its red and green buoys. We were warned it would be shallow but really? We should have asked them to define shallow. Our Catamaran came to an unexpected halt when we accidentally ran into a sneaky sandbar while navigating down the middle of the buoys as we were instructed. Thank goodness for the three fishing heroes in their trusty panga, who quickly came to our rescue. With their assistance, we were back on track in no time!

To express our gratitude, we showered them with our thanks, ensuring they had an unforgettable Saturday night. After all, a little thank-you goes a long way, right?

Upon reaching Marina Palmira, we were welcomed with open arms by the marina’s amazing team. They made docking a breeze, treating us like VIPs. It turns out, they extended the same outstanding service to another sailing vessel that came in behind us. But hey, we can still feel special, right?

We planned a stop over here based on reviews. Armed with the wisdom of countless strangers on the internet, we sailed in confidently, ready to put those rave reviews to the test. And guess what? Those reviews were like fortune-telling wizards! They were so accurate we owe those previous sailors a huge thank you for saving us from the clutches of disappointment! Now, if only we could get them to predict our lottery numbers…

The marina team of Nelson, Javy, Omar 1, and Omar 2 truly went above and beyond. They showed us around town, ensuring we had everything we needed and even took our laundry to the hotel to be washed. It was returned by 4pm prompt as promised and was reasonably priced! We were blown away by their attention to detail. Giving back to the communities we visit is important, and they appreciated and exemplified that spirit.

Speaking of the village, it’s a quaint little place focused on agriculture and fishing. Did you know they are the largest supplier to the US and China with their juicy mangoes? Talk about a fruitful endeavor!

Javy, the owner’s son, became our personal driver and tour guide. He took us provisioning at Los Moochies and gave us a glimpse into the local way of life. Once our boat was stocked up, he whisked us away to the incredible Stanley’s atop the highest point in Topolobompo. The panoramic views were absolutely breathtaking, and the food… oh, the food! It was a feast fit for the gods!

We’ve been keeping an eye on the weather windows, and it seems like the perfect time to set sail once again. With light winds on the horizon, we’re hoping to be off to Altata this afternoon, fingers crossed, for a smooth 20-hour journey. Altata will be our last stop before the long sail down to Mazatlan. Fingers crossed for calm seas and clear skies!

Stay tuned for more nautical tales from our seafaring escapades. Until then, fair winds and following seas.

Life’s a Beach~

It’s day three in remote Bahia Cardonal, Isla Partida, population of 380. and I’m convinced the wind here has a vendetta against our swimming plans!

Dodging those gusts is like playing an extreme version of beach volleyball. On the bright side, our furry friend Cooper got to stretch his legs and play frisbee on the pristine sandy beach, which was so remote and deserted it felt like our own secret paradise.

Sunday night, we hosted dinner on our catamaran with a couple Baja Ha Ha buddies, and it was a lively mix of enchiladas, laughter, gorgeous sunset, and wind-induced hairstyles except for Jay’s. Our guests, Ben and Jessica from s/v Noctiluca, have the most adventurous spirits. Ben was an underwater drone and RV operator, while Jessica is a Marine Biologist. They’re living proof that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, even if it means selling everything and sailing the world!

Between gusts, we’ve been tackling minor boat repairs, laundry, tidying up, and cooking up a storm. Jay’s been busy uploading videos for his YouTube channel, the content he has captured is so good, he will be the talk of the seven seas!

The winds this morning decided to give us a break! So, we’re setting sail back to Pichilingue to service our water maker before our journey to Isla Topolobompo. From there, it’s a sun-soaked passage to Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta, where paradise awaits with 80-degree weather and warm waters.

Fair winds and hilarious tales, my friends! Stay tuned for more adventures and misadventures on this crazy journey of ours!

Video of our private paradise. video-output-33DCD7C2-A008-449A-8800-9272D73BEF3B

They Warned Us!

Time to pull anchor and go! The winds are about to make their grand entrance. Rumor has it that La Paz will be shutting down its port due to the impending 30 knot winds. They say that once the port is closed, no boat can leave, and if you dare to defy the warning, they might just seize your boat for negligence. Now, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of these tales, but it’s always wise to err on the side of caution, especially after the ordeal of Hurricane Norma. So, adrenaline junkies will heed the warnings.

But fear not, we’re not about to let a little wind deter us from having a good time. Today, we’re setting sail back to Espiritu Santos, where we’ll find shelter and take things at a slower pace until Monday. The journey this morning has been nothing short of breathtaking, with gentle breezes, tranquil waters, and the sun’s warm embrace in all the right places.

Ah, Isla Partida, our beloved sanctuary in Espiritu Santos, beckons us to return. We’ll answer its call once the winds have quieted down, sometime around Monday or Tuesday. There’s something magical about that place that keeps drawing us back.

Our time in La Paz has been nothing short of amazing. To bid farewell to this coastal gem, we treated ourselves to cocktails, mouthwatering ceviche, and scrumptious guacamole on the beach. It was the perfect way to savor our last day here.

But no worries, La Paz, for we shall meet again come February. Until then, we bid you adieu and set our sights on a new destination. Around December 8, we’ll embark on a two-day crossing to the mainland, making our way towards the enchanting Puerta Vallarta and the captivating Banderas Bay. December and January await us with open arms, ready to embrace us and our friends who will join us for some festive holiday celebrations.

So, now we prepare ourselves for the winds, embrace the adventures that lie ahead, and make memories that will warm our hearts throughout the winter months. No my friends, it doesn’t get cold down here.

Adrenaline Junkies and Holiday Cheer!

This year, we traded the cozy comforts of home for an adventure on the high seas. Sure, it’s a bit unconventional, and we may end up with seawater in our stockings, but making memories that will last a lifetime.

Jay Rosen, our honorary elf of the high seas, retrieved a few merry decorations from the hidden depths of storage. Now, our Catamaran will be transformed into a floating winter wonderland, fit for Santa’s sleigh to find us, no matter where we roam.

With the holidays being my favorite time of year, I couldn’t resist the urge to bring the holiday spirit onboard Hypnautic. However, this year, we had to be a bit sneaky about it as we took many boat furnishings home before setting sail so we had plenty of space for provisions. However, there is always a way to smuggle a few festive treasures on board, who says adrenaline junkies can’t have a bit of Christmas fun?

Guaranteed, we will crank up the tunes of holiday carols echoing through the waves, spreading holiday cheer to dolphins and seagulls alike. And the scent of homemade cookies and tasty champagne wafting through the salty sea air, tempting even the most steadfast sailors to indulge in a festive treat.

So, whether we find ourselves sailing under starry skies or tucked away in a remote anchorage, we’ll be embracing the magic of Christmas all month long. After all, Santa may need a little extra help finding us out here, but we’re determined to make him feel right at home on our seafaring adventure.

Join me, in raising a glass of champagne, and let’s make this holiday season merry and bright! Yo ho ho and a bottle of wine… or should I say, ho ho ho and a platter of cookies?

Happiest of all holidays to our friends and family all over the world.

Workout on the Catamaran!

Couple of days ago Jay suggested we work out in the morning and then go for a swim followed by a fabulous breakfast. Well, after hearing him out, I had the most intense workout … or should I say, lifting my coffee cup and watching Jay workout! Who needs a gym when you have a nautical challenge waiting for us every time we set sail?

Who needs a treadmill when you can jog around the deck, picking up after Cooper amid heavy wind and rogue waves? The sea breeze is like a personal trainer, constantly reminding us to keep your balance and work those core muscles.

To be honest, my most frequent exercise on the boat is the art of “not working out.” Imagine this: sunbathing on the deck, swimming in the beautiful, remote coves, and relaxing with a cool drink in hand, while my workout clothes are neatly folded down in our cabin, untouched and gathering the salt air envy. And laughing is always a fabulous workout for the stomach muscles.

I’ve mastered the “Boat Yoga” routine too. It involves stretching to reach the snacks on the top shelf, gracefully lunging to grab the sunscreen, and maintaining perfect balance as the boat gently sways. It’s a workout for the mind and the soul!

So, whether you’re lifting anchors or lifting cocktails, remember that boating is the ultimate workout… or not. I am just enjoying the ride, laughing at the absurdity, and making sure to capture those “not-so-fitness” moments for future laughs and memories!

More power to Jay who promises to get me working out with him very soon.

Paw Pedi’s, Waltzing Winds and Provisioning Translation!

Good Wednesday morning to all. We have had fun in La Paz this past week, but, it’s been an adventure! Today, our rigging lines are getting fixed and preparing to set sail again. It’s like sending our boat to the spa for some pampering. Hopefully, Mother Nature decides to cooperate, and we can set sail tomorrow. If not, we might just have to do the “Friday Fandango” instead!

A huge thank you to Club Cruceros that hosted the Baja Ha Ha fleet with a welcome party that included, fabulous food, drinks and entertainment. They have a cruisers net every morning at 8am to make sure all of us cruisers know what is happening and where to go for help if needed. In supporting the town, Mike, Jay and I all joined their group membership and have nothing but fabulous kudos for them.

Speaking of islands, we will be heading to Espiritu Santos, while exploring a treasure trove of small and remote isles along the way. It’s like a real-life game of “Island Roulette”! Who knows what hidden gems we’ll stumble upon as we venture south.

The people here have been amazing. We have met many ex-pats who call La Paz their home. Just last night, we had the pleasure while dining, to meet a group of adventurous women who moved here from the states and Canada. They’re like the Avengers of expatriates, but with margaritas instead of superpowers!

Now, let’s talk about important matters: PIZZA. La Paz’s best-kept secret, Fuego y leña has become our personal pizza paradise. We couldn’t resist going twice this week because, well, when the best wood fired pizza calls, you answer!

No Adventure is without its challenges!

The scorching heat this week has been a challenge to conquer. We’re talking temperatures as high as 90 degrees with 87% humidity. It’s like living inside a sauna without the luxury of a towel, glass of champagne or cucumber slices. Thankfully, the weather gods decided to cut us some slack, and now we’re basking in perfect weather. Mother Nature must have finally found her chill!

Another big challenge we’ve faced is deciphering the Spanish labels for grocery items while trying to shop online. It’s like playing a game of translation roulette just to figure out what we’re buying! But, no worries, we will get provisioning done before setting sail again.

Speaking of an important issue, finding a groomer for Cooper was like searching for a needle in a haystack. But guess what? We did it! Cooper’s nails are looking sharp and stylish, and he’s strutting with extra confidence. Now, the real challenge is finding a nail salon for me to get my toes done. Cooper has set the bar pretty high, so I hope I can find a place that will make my toes look as fabulous as his paws!

And we can’t forget the windy challenges. Last night, the boats were doing their very own dance routine called the “waltz” with 20 knots of wind. It’s like the ocean decided to throw a wild party and invited all the boats to show off their fancy moves. Taking our convertible transport, the dinghy, to town, we all got soaked but the warm air dried us right away. Who knew boating could be so… rhythmic?

La Paz, has been fun, lots of laughter, and unexpected adventures. We can’t wait to see what the next week has in store for us. Until then, may the winds be in our favor and the pizza cravings diminish! Happy Thanksgiving all!

The Devastation is Real!

Wednesday afternoon we arrived and dropped anchor in La Paz after a peaceful journey from Los Muertos. The ocean was tranquil, and the winds were gentle, making our trip a breeze!

A week before our adventure was to begin, La Paz was hit hard by the devastating hurricane, Norma. We were worried the Baja Ha Ha might be postponed due to the aftermath and storms following but the Grand Poobah of the Ha Ha said no postponement, we will continue onwards as they have never had an issue in 29 years.

As we sailed into the La Paz channel, we spotted a sunken multi-million dollar yacht, with only its bow peeking out of the water. A friendly warning ensured we didn’t accidentally run into it. Imagine coming in at night without knowing about it!

It took us an hour to navigate down the channel and reach our anchorage near Marina de La Paz. We saw boats washed ashore, perched on rocks, and stuck in sandbars. Mother Nature definitely left her mark here.

Yesterday, we strolled through town and were overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the locals. And guess what? We noticed a significant number of fellow Americans enjoying the laid-back lifestyle. Despite the Baja 1000 kicking off here and attracting thousands, the town remained remarkably serene, and everything was spotless.

For the next week, we’ll be taking it easy here, getting our Lazy Jack lines repaired, and ensuring every inch of our rigging is shipshape. They say you can never be too prepared, and that’s our captain’s motto! We’re gearing up for the next leg of our journey of many more miles.

On another note, it looks like Jay’s promises went straight to the dogs! Cooper has taken over his room, his bed, and even his late-night sandwich. Talk about a spoiled pup! But hey, who can resist the entertainment and love he brings? Cooper’s got us all wrapped around his furry little paws.

Stay tuned for more updates from our nautical escapades. Smooth sailing, everyone.

More Adrenaline Filled Days!

Sunday morning we left Cabo with stops planned in Los Frailes and Los Muertos, and then on to La Paz this morning. With 4am departures these last two days, we’re just six hours away from La Paz—and we can’t wait to arrive and get off the hamster wheel of go, go, go and just relax.

Each day we are presented the simple joys that brighten the days that start at 4am. We wake up to darkness with clear skies and then a warm sunrise, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. As you savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, it’s as if the universe is saying, “Here’s your daily dose of magic!”

Fast forward to the evening, where we find ourselves with sunsets that create a mesmerizing backdrop, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the horizon. With each sip of an evening cocktail, we toast to life’s little pleasures and the joy they bring

After the first few weeks of non-stop action, we were craving some relaxation and an easy sail to Los Frailes but our boat had other ideas. Three hours out of Cabo San Lucas our Lazy Jack lines snapped in the heavy wind and sloppy seas for a whopping 8 hours. It was like trying to tame a wild bull on the high seas!

We all know, it is never just one thing. As if the broken lines weren’t enough, our autopilot decided to take a vacation too. In the middle of 20-22 knots winds and high seas, poor Mike had to hand steer the boat and discovered the next morning what the problem was, the autopilot got confused by a metal table and metal shelf hiding in the engine hatch. Who knew our boat had such a refined taste in interior decor? Lesson learned, no metal close to the autopilot sensor or it will fail.

Yesterday, after a calm and uneventful trip, we arrived at Los Muertos, a piece of paradise that we didn’t want to leave. But alas, the lazy Jack lines need fixing before we can set sail again so it was a 4am departure to La Paz. Thinking we might just sail back to Los Muertos from La Paz, enjoy a few more days of bliss, and then head over to the mainland from there. After all, reaching Banderas Bay and staying there for December sounds like an incredible plan.

All kidding aside, there is never a lack of adventure on the high seas. Cheers to the unpredictable adrenaline rush of sailing!

Many have asked how we spend our time during those long passages between islands? So below we have given a fun perspective to the difference of being crew on our modest Catamaran versus a pampered guest on a luxury cruise ship

On our Cat you can say goodbye to chair hogs/squatters, dining divas, and boorish boozers —

The best part about Hypnautic? This voyage is all about relaxation and unforgettable adventures.

And let’s talk about dining divas. Those individuals who demand a table by the window, a specific waiter, and a menu that caters to their every whim. On Hypnautic, we have the freedom to enjoy a gourmet seafood feast prepared by someone special onboard and everyone has a window view. No divas here—just satisfied taste buds and happy attitudes

No need to worry about territorial disputes here either. On Hypnautic, you can sprawl out on the deck without getting up at the crack of dawn to save a space, and soak up the sun without any chair hog drama. It’s your space whenever you want it!

Unlike extravagant cruise ships, our humble cat Hypnautic, lacks a fancy casino, live shows, and an endless supply of fancy coffees/drinks and decadent snacks. No, instead we embrace the joys of everyday life at sea.

Imagine this while at sea: cleaning, washing clothes, and mastering the delicate art of cooking while keeping our balance. We even consider doing core exercises (emphasis on “consider”) to maintain our balance. And let’s not forget the excitement of filleting Jay’s fresh catch of the day!

But that’s not all! There is always something to fix like bilges, heads, and whatnot. Our boat may not be a luxury cruise cake walk, but it’s a floating DIY paradise!

On Hypnautic we promise laughter, unforgettable moments, and maybe even a few quick dance moves when no one is watching. Until our next post, ahoy mates!

Jay Rosen Debra Ulmer Rosen 2023 Baja Ha-Ha Tara Cottam Colson

We Made it to Cabo!

Hypnautic just sailed into Cabo San Lucas after surviving an epic 28-hour journey from Bahia Santa Maria.

That’s right, we made it! The heat here is no joke, hot, hot weather, had to turn the A/C on but hey, we’re willing to sacrifice a few buckets of sweat for this paradise!

And we took a moment to appreciate our trusty catamaran with our hot blooded Sicilian margaritas. Our Cat sailed through the waves like a true champ, no issues whatsoever! Our captain and experienced crew deserve a medal for navigating us safely through this adventure.

Now, it’s time to unleash our inner party animals because Cabo, here we come! Getting ready for three days of non-stop fiestas, unforgettable memories, and maybe a few questionable dance moves. But hey, what happens in Cabo, stays in Cabo, right?

And now what? Jay, the culinary wizard of our crew, is grilling up some mouthwatering fresh caught Mahi on the Traeger! Getting ready to indulge in a feast fit for the gods before we unleash ourselves onto the town.

Time to raise our margaritas, put on our sunnies, and dive headfirst into this coastal party town! Yippeee! 2023 Baja Ha-Ha Jay Rosen Debra Ulmer Rosen