After clearing out of El Salvador, the crew enjoyed a swim call off the coast of Guatemala before making its first stop in Chiapas, just across the Mexico-Guatemala border. In Chiapas, the crew made a trip inland to San Cristobal where they explored river canyons, unique cultural temples and local markets. The stay in Chiapas was longer than expected as the crew waited for the perfect alignment of approved documentation and a weather window to cross the Gulf of Tehuantepec which trapped many north-bound sailors in the marina as severe weather systems passed through one after another.
In early December, the crew found safe passage across the gulf and gathered some new crew in Chahue. From there, they made their way to anchor off the beautiful beaches of Bahia Maguey, Organo, and more beautiful beaches followed. While anchored outside the little-known Chacahua Lagoon, a bird sanctuary and turtle and crocodile nursery, friendly locals guided the crew through mangrove-lined water channels and invited them to a large community wedding on the beach.
The ship found her next anchorage in Acapulco, a larger city that has made a great recovery since it was struck by hurricane John in September of 2024, a testament to its resilience. The crew then sought out the charming bay of Tenacatita for Christmas festivities, where they joined the sailing community’s Christmas dinner and gift exchange, enjoyed some snorkeling and explored more mangrove-lined river channels. Next, they set sail for La Cruz and found fair winds and humpback whales as they entered Bahia de Banderas.
The final stop was Isla Isabel, a small island off the coast of San Blas, with a population of zero humans and 40,000 birds. Many crew members found the island to be the highlight of the voyage, with fantastic snorkeling, non-stop humpback whale watching, incredible wildlife and beautiful hiking trails. It was the perfect place for some rest and relaxation, to wind down before the final stretch to Mazatlan, where the crew got to celebrate New Years together, ushering in a new chapter of NEPTUN’s future, as she is converted from a Bermuda rigged Schooner to a Brigantine.
Neptun on the hard for the big conversion
