Sailing at 60 mph

Jay's Post: After returning from Copper Canyon we began preparing “Little Lara” to be transported to Houston, Texas. This was no simple task; a long and tedious process which took place over several days. It included stowing all loose items found in the cabin, cleaning out all the lockers, emptying the water tank, stowing the outboard motor and solar panel, removing the sails and dodger, hauling the boat, un-stepping the mast, loading the boat on a trailer, and taping and tying down all the lines and standing rigging.

We contracted with Brad Smith to transport “Little Lara” on his trailer from Mexico to Houston. He

Little Lara on Crane

arrived at Marina San Carlos promptly at 8:00 am April 23, 2015. “Little Lara” was waiting along side the dock to be "craned out" of the water. A very unnerving process given we have always used a travel lift for haulouts in the past. But, all went well and soon “Little Lara” was sitting safe and secure on Brad's forty-foot, custom designed trailer. He then drove her to Marina Seca, which is approximately two miles away, to have the boat bottom pressure washed and the mast un-stepped. Brad was nervous with this part of the process. Later he explained he had never before driven down any road hauling a boat with its mast up – think -- trees, power lines, bridges. Yikes!

Little Lara secure on the trailer

By twelve noon the mast was down, everything was strapped down and we were on our way. Brad was kind enough to let us ride along with him. We drove north from San Carlos on Mexico Highway 15 to the US boarder then east into Houston on Interstate 10. The entire trip was 1,358 miles, taking less than two days. Average speed: 60 mph. Along the way we were waved through the Mexican checkpoints and cleared US Customs without being boarded. The Department of Agriculture wanted to inspect the boat for plans and animals, but also eventually waved us on when they learned we did not have a ladder to climb up into the boat. The first night was spent in Las Cruses, New Mexico in a WalMart parking lot (where we bought a ladder). The second day we arrived just before midnight in Sea Brook, Texas at Clear Lake Marine Center. Both nights Peggy and I slept aboard “Little Lara” squeezed in between sail bags and boat cushions.

“Little Lara” was scheduled to be lifted back into the water, by travel lift, at 8:00 am – 24 hours after

Little Lara on Travel Lift

she was first craned onto the trailer. Unfortunately, this process did not go as smoothly as it did in Mexico. Because of a double booking by the marina, the boat was not taken off the trailer until three hours later. This extra time, however, was spent replacing zincs, removing mast tie downs and cleaning the waterline. Fortunately, we found no significant scratches, chafe or wear on “Little Lara”. Because of weather (rain, thunder, lighting), we decided to wait another day to re-step the mast. This additional day gave us an opportunity to replace the Windex (wind instrument on top of the mast which was damaged when it was removed) and closely inspect all of the mast fittings and rigging.

Re-stepping the mast the next day proved to be a bigger challenge than we had anticipated. When the mast was lowered in Mexico, the yard workers were anxious to help us in every way possible. When it came to re-stepping the mast, Clear Lake Marine Center offer no help, telling us we were on our own. They would only provide the crane operator. We did receive lots of criticism and much advise on who to hire for help. Fortunately, a local British boat owner was kind enough to lend a helping hand. A much appreciated thanks goes to Martin for going above and beyond the call of duty! Plus, he refused to accept any form of compensation.  I wish more Americans were as kind and as generous as the Mexicans and British!

Bayland Marina

Once the mast was up and the rigging was tuned, we motored sailed up the Houston Ship Channel to Baytown, Texas. There we took a slip at Bayland Marina. A few days were spent cleaning-up and re-stowing equipment. The folks at Bayland Marina proved to be exceptional. They welcomed us with open arms offering us rides, cars, tools and meals. A special thanks also is extended to all the tenants on Dock “C” who were so kind to us, and agreed to watch “Little Lara” while we are away visiting family.

Peggy's Post: Over the past nine months, we have made many wonderful friends while sailing down the California coast and up through the Sea of Cortez. It has been a grand adventure! And, though it would be impossible to name everyone we met, a few boats we are inclined to mention include:

Philomena

Adeux

Windswept

Family Circus

Kokomo

Three Hands

Tarves (Magic Lady)

Shirley Rose

Solera

Let It Be

Sea Dancer

Candenza

Casa Mar

Time Piece

Willful Simplicity

Eagle

La Buena Vida

Fifth Season

Martha

Valpariso

Niele

Pegasus

Touchstone

Puna

Sparx

Goslin

True Love

Reverence

Hasta La Huego

Dream Catcher

Content

Que Linda!

Sephra Lynn

Companera

Wiz

El Peregrino (Dana #124)

So where will our adventures take us next? We are not sure, but we are hoping to sail around the Gulf of Mexico and up the eastern seaboard later this fall. Peggy wants to cruise the Bahamas. So, stay tuned to see where we eventually end up. Until then, fair winds and favorable seas.