A Seafaring Adventure: Survival and Success at Sea

Our journey was finally underway, leaving the bustling ports of Acapulco and Cuernevaca to embrace the tranquility and freedom of the open ocean aboard our catamaran, JoJo. We set sail from the bustling outer harbor of Huatulco in southern Mexico, ready to tackle the fearsome Gulf of Tehuantepec. Known for its sudden hurricane force winds that gust through the funnel of the coastal mountains, this challenging expanse of water left us on edge but determined to venture forth.

Fourteen Knots and Smooth Waters

Under the steady WNW wind, we embarked on what initially seemed like a breeze. With the sails pulling smoothly and tanks brimming with diesel, we set our course directly toward Panama, bypassing the treacherous waters of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Our first day was a dream, with a constant 20-knot wind, no sea motion, and ideal temperatures. Life aboard JoJo was a mix of anticipation and relaxation, with visions of a ten-day uneventful passage.

The Descent into Calm and Desperation

However, by the second morning, things took a turn. The wind dropped significantly, and within hours, conditions were calm, with the sun scorching the sea. Confronted with almost a thousand miles to Panama without the necessary fuel to motor through, we adjusted our course eastward toward Costa Rica. Day after day, we trudged forward, fueled by the relentless churn of the diesel, barely making progress at a mere four knots. The monotony was interrupted by glimpses of sea garbage, and once, a seabird perched on a turtle's back, offering a moment of unexpected wonder.

The Unexpected Visitors

On the sixth day, as concerns over fueling grew, we decided to head to Costa Rica. Dawn brought distress when a fishing boat, seemingly unaware of the urgency of our situation, approached us. Initially, we entertained the thought that these were friendly fishermen, but their behavior soon alarmed us. They had no mast, and despite our attempts to contact them on the VHF, they showed no signs of respect for maritime rules. We prepared for the worst, Joell disguising herself as a large man when the dirty, tough-looking men emerged.

The Perilous Encounter

As they closed in, our fears intensified. The 'fishing' boat, with its dirty appearance and high-speed engine, seemed intent on intercepting us. They circled JoJo, and after a tense confrontation, sped off, leaving us shaken and vulnerable. Sensing the need for immediate security, we brainstormed contingency plans—drawing Molotov cocktails from our emergency supplies. This heightened state of awareness lasted until a freighter's appearance provided a glimmer of hope and relief from the relentless chase.

The Wind's Return and Victory

With the wind finally returning, we tacked and maneuvered JoJo to regain control. The waves grew, and the wind intensified, allowing us to increase speed and distance from our pursuers. Amid a mixture of relief and exhaustion, we eventually reached the safety of Flamingo Marina in Costa Rica, where we refueled and allowed our spirits to recover from this perilous encounter. The universe, we believed, had been on our side, providing just enough wind to carry us through.

Lessons from a Storm at Sea

This harrowing journey taught us valuable lessons about ocean survival, the unpredictability of nature, and the importance of preparation. Whether they were pirates or just opportunistic fishermen, the encounter has etched itself into our memories, reminding us of the resilience required to navigate the challenges of the open sea.

Keywords: cruise sailing, ocean survival, hurricane force winds