Duration: 1.5 hour session
Recording: The live webinar was held on Wendesday, September 28
Registration Closes: Oct. 1
Instructor: Captain Pat Rains
Course Fee: $25 SSCA Members / $35 Non Members

1. Who, What, Where?
   • Who? We’re all “Cruisers” down here. Sail & power. Commuter Cruising is on the Rise. VHF & SSB nets.
   • Where? Geographic areas in Pacific Mexico: both coasts of Baja, entire Sea of Cortez, all mainland Mexico down to Guatemala. (3,250 n.m.)
   • What? Foreign country; Paperwork is easiest in the Hemisphere. Port Captains, Navy.
2. Paperwork Cha Cha for 2011 – 2012
   1. Documents to take, documents to get (new TIP form)
   2. How to Perform your Cha Cha
      • International Arrival (Entrada) at port of entry: CIS offices.
      • Domestic port clearances throughout Mexico
      • International Departure (Salida) from Mexico
3. WX & Routing – When’s the best time to be where?
   1. Cruising Seasons (Winter, Summer)
   2. How many years do you have?
      • various length itineraries, months & years.
4. Pacific Baja – Ensenada to Los Cabos.
   1. Southbound Express, stops not to miss, areas to avoid.
   2. Returning: the Baja Bash vs the Coastal Creep.
5. Sea of Cortez – briefly north and south ends (detailed in my 9/27 webinar).
6. Crossing to the Mainland – Frailes to Isabela, Midriffs.
7. Banderas Bay – Regattas, marinas, anchorages.
8. Gold Coast – Corrientes to Manzanillo.
   1. Jewels of the Gold Coast, others OK. 
   2. News about Playa Tenacatita.
9. Costa Alegre – Manzanillo to Zihuatanejo to Acapulco.
   1. When to be here, when to avoid this region
   2. Where to hide safely if you get stuck.
10. Costa del Sur – Puerto Escondido, Huatulco and Tehuantepec.
    1. Tricks for crossing T’peck during a gale.
    2. Clearing out (or in) at Marina Chiapas, for another country or return.
11. Security for Cruisers in Mexico - briefly.
    1. Simple precautions to prevent petty thefts.
    2. Personal security measures other than guns.