Like so many West Coaster sailors, Michael and Lisa Rossi have been harboring the dream of heading south while working hard at both a job and preparing their boat, the 40' center cockpit Cheoy sloop 'LunaSea'.
For Summer Sailstice they found themselves in the cruisers hub of La Paz and connected with the very active local cruising club Club Cruzeros de La Paz. Founded in 1988, the club has over 500 members and is run by a very actilve local cruising community well-known for both welcoming all sailors migrating to the Sea of Cortez from around the world as well as their many fun activities and generous local charitable programs. Lisa sent in the following report the quick response and spontaneous sailing celebration:
'Attached are some photos from our Summer Sailstice party with the Club Cruceros folks. We had stopped by their clubhouse the Wednesday before and chatted with a women there about Sailstice, suggesting they might want to put together some sort of party. The next morning, before the 8am cruisers' net, I got a radio call from Shelly Ward, the Cruceros' Commodore, saying they had taken up the gauntlet and were determined to put together a great party by Saturday!
On Saturday, Michael and I motored 'LunaSea' near the party location -- El Mogote, a sand spit across from La Paz. We didn't see much action, but then, before we knew it, dinghies from all over were making their way to the beach, lugging a bbq, ice chests, tents, and more! By 3pm, the bbq was lit and about 35 folks were drinking cold cerveza, splashing in the water to stay cool and having a blast. You would have been proud!
It didn't take long for Shelly Ward and Club Crucerous de La Paz to respond to a celebration of sailing!
What a great group of people. Not only do they know how to throw a last-minute party, they're very committed to helping the local community. They donate time, materials and money to various local orphanages and service organizations. We were so glad to have the opportunity to spend time with them -- and it was all because of Sailstice!'
Most have sailed hundreds of thousands of miles to get to this beach and found spirited, like-minded souls.
Sun, sailors, beach and fun - who has their eyes closed in this one?