Busy Weekend in Ensenada

 

This weekend is a busy one in Ensenada.  The Newport to Ensenada yacht race finished here this weekend.  145 boats took part in the race but 17 bailed in San Diego.  No, we did not sail back up to Newport to take part.  At the same time the NORRA (the National Off Road Racing Association) is holding the NORRA Mexico 1000, which is an off road race between here and Cabo.  There are over 200 special off road racing vehicles taking part. The vehicle check in and central race start is just outside the marina.  We wandered out after we went grocery shopping, to see some of the vehicles and catch the vibe.  Unfortunately we didn’t think to take photos until we were exiting.  We imagine the bars on Gringo Gulch will be busy tonight!

 

The Buggies heading to the Start Line.  It is a staggered start, i.e. a time delay between each buggy.  We think this is because they start on the road and traffic needs to flow.

 

 

Sari Timur is Getting a Facelift

Part of our plans for Mexico always included pulling Sari Timur out and getting rid of the blisters that have plagued her at least since we first got her.  We were planning on using a yard in the Sea of Cortez during the hurricane season.  However, since we are delayed here in Ensenada, which really has four yards, friends suggested we talk to the yards here.  We did and found a family run yard that others have bragged about, willing to take on our project.  We have booked our haul out for June 10th.  Besides blister repair, we will be getting the bottom of the keel repaired properly, something that we tried to do every time we hauled in Asia but never did correctly.  This was always attributed to not having a dry enough climate.  Well that shouldn’t be a problem in the Baja in the summer.  We will have new proper paint and varnish on her exterior so she should look as good as new afterwards.  She definitely deserves it.