Boatloads of Seminars Announced

For at least 15 years, Puerto Vallarta has been the most popular jumping-off point for sailors bound for French Polynesia — the 3,000-mile crossing we like to call the Pacific Puddle Jump. Why? Because all sorts of marine suppliers and technicians can be found there, there’s ample slip space in marinas, huge supermarkets for provisioning, and plenty of direct flights to the U.S. and Canada.

With so many sailors staging there annually with similar cruising goals, it became a tradition (spearheaded by Paradise Village Marina Manager Dick Markie) for SoPac vets and other sailors in-the-know to hold free informational seminars on a wide range of topics. This year, there seem to be more seminars slated than ever, to be held at both the Vallarta YC (in Nuevo Vallarta’s Paradise Village Resort) and at Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz. So if you will be in the area and are thirsty for practical knowledge, make note of the following. (All dates and topics are subject to change.)

Upcoming Vallarta YC Seminars:

• Jan 20 — What it’s like to be plucked out of the ocean by the U.S. Coast Guard, Eugenie Russell
• Jan 27 — 2010 Rally to El Salvador, Gene and Bill of Mita Kuuluu
• Feb 3 — Rigging check up, Adrian Galilondo
• Feb 10 — Charting / Planning your routes, Steve on Kovinga
• Feb 17 — Refrigeration, Ron on Vallorie K
• Feb  24 — Marine diesel checkup, Teapot Tony
• Mar 3 — Marine coatings and paints, Harvey Willis
• Mar 10 — Rigging / Sails, Northsails Mike
• Mar 17 — TBA
• Mar 24 — Computers & useful Web sites, Bill on Raptor Dance
• (held previously: Welcome to Paradise, Dick Markie; Dental emergencies at sea, Jim Nordstrom)

Upcoming La Cruz Seminars:

• TBA — Routes & Weather, TBA
• Jan 22 — Diesel Engine Spares / Maintenance, Teapot Tony
• Feb 5 — Ham Radio, Rob Ladner (aka Radio Rob)
• Feb 12 — Past Crossers Panel, Philo, Les, Diane, Steve, Chuck and others
• Feb 19 — Medical Preparation, TBA
• Feb 26 — SSCA Party – Nuevo Vallarta
• Mar 5 — Airmail, Sailmail, WiFi & Creating a Blog, Bill on Raptor Dance
• Mar 12 — Sails & Rigging, Jamie on Totem
• Mar 19 — Watermakers, Les Sutton
• TBA  — Provisioning (may piggyback on another date)
• (held previously: Refrigeration, Don on Fresco)

All sailors (and curious ‘lubbers) are welcome to attend any of the above.

Let us remind you also, that Latitude’s annual Pacific Puddle Jump Kickoff Party will take place February 6 (2-5 p.m.) at the Vallarta YC. (Bona fide ’10 PPJers only, please.)