'Lectronic Index

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Photos of the Day

December 14 - La Cruz, Mexico

Today's Photos of the Day are of the work underway on the big new 400-berth marina at La Cruz, Banderas Bay, Mexico.

The La Cruz marina site as it appears now. The port captain's office is in the background.

La Cruz is about 10 miles NNW of Puerto Vallarta proper, seven miles NNW from Marina Paradise, and 10 miles east of Punta Mita. The area right off the panga marina breakwater has long been one of the favorite cruiser anchorages in Mexico.

Here's how the newspapers in Guadalajara are reporting on the development:
"Despite the objections of some residents, Nayarit Governor Ney Gonzalez this week formally inaugurated work on a 50-million-dollar private development in Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Plans for the seafront development include a two-kilometer malecon (boardwalk), a marina with 400 berths, a commercial mall, condominiums, and a hotel. Developers promise to respect environmental concerns and do their best not to obstruct views of the bay and access to the seafront. They say the project will be fashioned on the traditional malecon in Puerto Vallarta, rather than Nuevo Vallarta.

A crane works on the pilings where the Travel-Lift will haul boats out.

According to developers, local fishermen have signed an agreement to be relocated away from the beachfront where traditionally they have berthed their fishing boats. The project is financed in total by the private sector, but Gonzalez is promising to give his full support. Foreign capital accounts for around 45 percent of the investment. Construction is expected to last three years. The work will provide employment to around 800 people, say developers."

A dump trunk pours rock on what will be the malecon. Although work has only begun, the once garbage strewn waterfront looks remarkably cleaned up and inviting.
Photos Latitude/Richard

We think this much-needed marina in Banderas Bay is a win-win for everyone. It's located in the perfect place, shouldn't prevent cruisers from still anchoring out, will provide lots of jobs, and will give a real stimulus to the local economy.

Sydney to Hobart Preview

December 14 - Sydney, Australia

This year's 628-mile Sydney to Hobart Race, which is one of the world's classics and which starts the day after Christmas, is expected to be top-notch this year, thanks to an incredible fleet. Two of the top boats, Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo and Bob Oatley's Wild Oats XI, both Reichel/Pugh 99-footers, squared off yesterday in the Cruising Club of Australia's Big Boat Challenge inside Sydney Harbor. Alfa Romeo beat the out-of-the-box Wild Oats by just 13 seconds, suggesting the race to Hobart will be a thriller.

Illiana Overdue from Cabo

December 14 - Alameda

Flush with the success of 'Lectronic helping them locate the reported-overdue Newport 41 Petrel, the Coast Guard is asking us to help them locate the 36-ft boat Illiana, overdue on a trip from Cabo to Oceanside. The two people aboard are Daniel Felzer and Jorge Goryn. If you have info, please email the Coast Guard in Alameda or call (510) 437-3701.

But we're betting a nickel they are safe.

Not Just House Calls, but Beach Calls

December 14 - Sayulita, Mexico

When the Wanderer and Doña de Mallorca were walking down the beach at Sayulita, Mexico, about 10 days ago, they were approached by a group of young men and women outfitted in white uniforms. It looked like the men and women in white coats were coming to take us away to the nut house. But they also had stethoscopes around their necks. It turns out they are from a local clinic, and fan out on the beach crowded with tourists taking everyone's blood pressure in return for donations. Somebody ought to try that in California.

Photo Latitude/Richard

Eight Bells for Dick Lanam and Mike DeFrank

December 14 - SF Bay Area

Dick Lanam, a popular sailing instructor at Club Nautique, passed away following a massive heart attack on Thanksgiving.

Mike DeFrank, a well-known rigger at the West Marine store in Alameda, also recently passed away. There will be a memorial at the Encinal YC on December 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Correction

December 14 - Asia

In Monday's 'Lectronic, we stated that Malaysia had a larger Muslim population than any other country in the world. That, of course, is false, as Indonesia has the most. But you knew that.