Weekend at Isla Jesusita

After chatting on Thursday night, we decided we need to have a rematch of last weekend's regatta. This time the course would be from the point to Caldera to Las Islas Negritos to Isla Jesusita. Heidi was planning to use Caprichio, but Batsú (with Alex, Adri, John, & Evelyn) and Estancia (Gabi & Max) were ready for the challenge. Luckily for us, we were able to recruit Wayne and Ruby from Learnativity to help us crew.

We left Saturday morning to a crystal blue sky and a light breeze. At the point Max decided that he didn't want to sail Estancia after all, so he made straight for the anchorage at Jesusita. We sailed happily along towards Caldera. It was great to have Wayne along to help with trim, and Ruby kept us all entertained -- when she wasn't napping on the pile of sail cover.

After about half an hour, the wind abated and clocked around, so Batsú suggested we make for the outside of the Negritos to see if we could find some sea kittens. We'd been looking forward to Alex showing us his favorite macarela (sierra) patch so we eagerly agreed. Soon we were sailing southeast towards the spot where the two currents collide.

About halfway there, we heard the clicker take off. Sure enough, there was a very nice sierra. When we got her to the boat, she had a friend along with her! Unfortunately, we didn't have another rod setup for such an occasion, so we couldn't land them both. Still, it was quite a sight. Phil soon had her hanging off the rail, waiting to be made into sashimi and steaks. Alex didn't believe us when we told him, so I obligingly held up our catch for his benefit. He immediately recognized her as the fish he'd thrown into the water for us to catch. Such a nice guy!

After circling around the fishing spot a couple of times, we called it a day and headed for the anchorage. The wind had given up the ghost, so we motorsailed. Once we anchored, Batsú and Estancia rafted alongside. It was our first time rafting up in Samadhi, and as expected, it was a complete non-event. Most of the evening was spent in the cockpit of Batsú enjoying Alex and Adri's hospitality.

In the morning, we had a delicious breakfast of gallo pinto before heading back on the tide for Puerto Azul. It was such a delight to be able to spend the weekend with Wayne and our Tico friends. Now to get the boat ready for the boys' arrival on the 25th!