Sailing Mexico’s Pacific Coast with Michael and Barbara Lawler

Michael and Barbara Lawler, once again, took an extended voyage on their North Wind 47 cruising sailboat “Traveler,” this time to Mexico’s Pacific Coast and the Sea of Cortez.
They departed their home port of Newport Beach in mid-October and just returned earlier this month. They first sailed down to Cabo San Lucas with 120 other cruisers on the Baja Ha-Ha, then enjoyed time to themselves “off the beaten path” by sailing up and down the coast of Mexico for 3,810 nautical miles exploring many islands and anchorages. Occasionally, they entertained family and friends along the way, including some other members of our club.

Some highlights include anchoring at the tiny volcanic island of Isabel, a remote nesting place for the frigates and blue-footed boobies (it’s a World Heritage site known as the Galápagos of Mexico), snorkeling along side of a whale shark near La Paz, and a timely visit with ACLA Past President Eric Streit in Mazatlan to witness a Total Solar Eclipse.

Come hear their entertaining stories and see their favorite photos from their eight month-long sailing adventure.

Michael (ACLA past president) learned to sail by racing sabots when he was eight and now has over 100,000 miles at sea. He was on the USC Sailing Team, has competed in seven Transpac Races and completed a three-year circumnavigation visiting 64 countries on six continents. When he is not on the water, Michael is also an estate planning attorney in Newport Beach.
Barbara (one of the First Five Female members of ACLA) also learned to sail as a kid, circumnavigated, raced in six Transpacs, and delivered boats around the world. Barbara is a retired 7th Grade English teacher. They live on Balboa Island. Sailing Mexico’s Pacific Coast

This program was organized by Phoebe Piper #1244.