Buttoned up and lonely in Marina Chiapas, she [Mer-Sea] must have sang
her siren song to a local from Tapachula, by the name of Arturo Cordoba, owner
of Macaw Tours. Eager to learn to sail and seeing her sitting there must have
stirred the salt in his blood.
It seemed perfect timing, as is usually the case with
the universe, since we had recently been discussing our desire to open up our
sailing range and get a blue water cruiser, something in the 32’-38’ range, and
capable of sailing around the world! But more on that later!!! ;)
After a few tweaks and an impromptu diesel mechanics crash
course on Big Blue, she was Mexico road ready. And well frankly, we were less
than bummed on getting back to those, oh so rico y sabroso, sights, smells, and
sounds that we came to love south of the border. Stopping at a few of our
“adopted” families along the way south through Texas, to rest and provision,
gave us the energy we needed to make the four day charge down to the bottom of
Mexico. Thanks a million Doug and Yolanda Harrell, Connie Boudreaux, and Tommy
and Valerie Elliott!
The drive through the states of Veracruz and Chiapas were
breathtaking! These states are “Mayan” territory riddled with dramatic views of
mountains overrun by jungle with some of the only interruptions in the sea of
green being rivers snaking their ways to lower altitudes.
Upon arrival to the Marina, all the smiling faces of the
employees there greeted us, including the manager Enrique Laclette. Enrique is a
classic Mexican businessman, who is responsible for the development of two
Marinas in Mexico. He was more than helpful and accommodating throughout our
entire experience with Marina Chiapas, and above all, making the introduction
to Arturo, Mer-Sea’s newest caretaker. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting
Enrique, you might be lucky enough to hear one of his many great adventure stories,
which he draws from a lifetime spent in communion with the sea.
After clearing all our personal belongings, surfboards and
food stores of the boat, which brought her about a foot out of the water, our next
order of business was to get Mer-Sea and her new owner acquainted. As is common
with most business transactions here in Mexico, this was done with the aid of a
“few” cervezas , a “bit” of tequila, some dancing, and a ceviche feast! To sum
it up, a grand ol’ time!
Before we could officially let her go though, we had to pop
a bottle of bubbly (much to my approval a bottle of Vueve Clicquot!!) with
Arturo. This bottle had a special significance, as it was given to Marc by a
professional sailboat racer friend of his, named David, upon purchasing Mer-Sea
over two years back. He has been saving it for this precise occasion! Ohhh how sweet it is!
Gracias por todo Mer-Sea! What a beautiful journey we have
had with you!
-Visit some caverns. 
-Join the Moose.
-Pick and/or eat fresh veggies daily.
-Go wine tasting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
