Cerralvo Channel and Ensenada de los Muertos

3 February 2023 – After waiting out some high winds and some light rain showers at anchor in Playa Bonanza we got an early start at 0545.

We had a rollicking sail down through the Cerralvo Channel which has a reputation for strong currents and high seas in contrary tidal conditions. We had no such issues and sailed under full main and poled out genoa at 7-8 knots.

Following Seas in the Cerralvo Channel

We pulled into Ensenada de los Muertos amid a veritable host of other boats, probably 12-14 (and still 18 knots of wind). We were securely anchored in 18’ of water by 1430.

Anchored Ensenada de los Muertos

The multitudes anchored at los Muertos

The Navtec hydraulic backstay adjuster spit out some oil from the bottom and now will not hold pressure for more than a few seconds so I will likely have to try to take it off and send it out to be rebuilt. Just another headache to deal with, but one which must be done.

Once anchored and buttoned up in Ensenada de los Muertos, we found we had cell service so we made some calls and checked messages, then we all took naps, including the Michin, who hibernated the whole way down as is his custom. He seems always able to sleep.

After checking wx forecasts we decided to wait a day before continuing on to Los Frailes.