S/V Midnight Sun II and III: Relaxing in Isla Mujeres

It is Saturday, May 25 2016 and we are here in beautiful Isla Mujres. I have received a couple of messages from folks regarding the last couple of posts, and really appreciate the kind words and encouragement - thank you! Its great to hear from friends and from those that we have not met but like to keep up with our travels and adventures.

We are really enjoying our time here in Isla. Like all destinations with tourists, there are areas of town that cater to the tourists from Cancun, but it is very easy to "get away from it all" and find a quiet spot with a local bar or restaurant. The reason we came to Isla was to support our friends in the Pensacola to Isla Regatta - Regatta al Sol. We had originally planned to participate, but because of a previous family commitment, we had a conflict with leaving Pensacola with the regatta - so the solution was to come a week ahead, return for our commitment (a graduation), then come back for the parties. This turned out to be the "best of both worlds".

TraSea and the Prestigious Boot

While we had a great ride down here, the racers unfortunately struggled with light winds. Several turned back and others motored after spending a couple of days floundering in the Gulf. For more details of the regatta, please visit http://www.regataalsol.org/ Anyway, the regatta was very well organized by both Pensacola Yacht Club and Southern Yacht Club. Thank you Race Committee for a first class event! and locally to the Lima family for all of their efforts to make this a great success.

We were able to track our very special friends on S/V TraSea, and S/V Night Sky. Both did great, with Night Sky sailing all of the way and picking up a hoard of trophies, and TraSea receiving the prestigious "boot" award.

Captain Julie and her Treasure Chest of Trophies

Congratulations to all participants - it was a great event, tainted only by one particular unsporting comment made by the owner of S/V Decision, the overall winner - but I think he will be hearing from many participants on that one, and I hope his club asks for an apology to those that motored.

Many of the regatta boats have now left for the return trip to Pensacola or their home port on the Gulf coast. We wish them fair winds and a safe trip home. We did hear that one participant S/V Anemone Tickler was having some problems and taking on water. We heard reports that they had received assistance from the Mexican Navy, but so far have not heard an update on that. I will tress that these are reports that we have heard second hand, and so far we do not know the full story. Of coarse, we are hoping for a good outcome for the boat and their crew and for a safe trip home.

Southern Point - Isla Mujeres

Back to Isla - the island is a short ferry ride from Cancun which can be seen across the bay to the west. We are in a nice, reasonably priced marina called Puerto Isla Mujeres Marina and Resort. The marina is clean, has nice docks and a great pool. The "resort" is a small hotel with restaurant and the usual bar, massage spa etc. It appears to be owned or operated by Wyndham. We have been very satisfied with our stay here - nice facilities, friendly staff, good security and a fair price. It is located a short cab or golf card ride from town and is very sheltered and protected. I believe we are at the end of their high season. We have a couple of other transient sailboats as neighbors and several sport fishing boats from the US. We understand that this a great spot for Marlin and Sail fish and I think there are a couple of tournaments over the next several days.

Steel Artwork at the Southern Point

So far, we have explored a good portion of the island by golf cart. As I mentioned previously, there are some great small off the beaten track restaurants, or if you prefer, there are the usual resorts with restaurants, bars, pool and full facilities. We prefer to find those off-the-beaten-track locations if possible and we have found a few to date. Mango's is high on the list for great breakfasts. While we have had some very good dinners, we are still looking for the absolute gem. Our favorite bar so far is the Soggy Peso - it has to be good with a name like that right. The Margaritas........well I think they are good. After 2, I didn't remember where I ate dinner. And i am sure the stories of me dancing are a little exaggerated!
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Church on SE Side of Island

There is certainly no lack of activities on the island for those inclined. With the regatta parties over and the fleet starting to head home, we are actually having a relaxing day, and doing some planning for our next destination. I am not too sure what the rest of the day has in store for us..........but that's one of the reasons we are here, enjoying the cruising life while we can!

As of now we are planning to move a little south to Aventura and spend a few days in that general area. We hope this will be a good spot to make a trip to Tulum and see some Mayan ruins and also make a trip to a Cenote. I will try to update the blog in a few days - unless of course something notable happens or plans change. Cheers!