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Readers Accurately Locate SV ‘Freedom’

On Monday we shared a couple of photos sent to us by Charlene and Kirk Wagner of the 2002 Beneteau 393 Freedom Kirkland (although the photos were actually of the couple’s dinghy). We put the question out to readers: Where is Freedom located? The answer lay somewhere in Mexico, and we let slip that it was somewhere along the eastern Baja side of the Sea of Cortez (we apologize for initially leading readers astray). Nonetheless, despite our errant mapping skills, some readers were able to scrutinize the photos enough, before and after our correction, to accurately place the hidden sailboat.

Well done, Christopher White, for being the first to correctly name the location as San Juanico (despite our best efforts to confuse everyone).

s/v Freedom Kirkand in Mexico
Charlene and Kirk have owned Freedom Kirkland for 15 years, and each winter they head south on a Pacific Mexico cruise.
© 2023 S/V Freedom Kirkland

We asked the Wagners about Freedom‘s solar array, which clearly exceeds the width of the boat. Does it fold up for windy passages, or docking at a marina?

We can only imagine the pressure on the outermost panels while on a brisk crossing.
© 2023 S/V Freedom Kirkland

“Yes, the solar does fold down for marinas or if the sun is low on the horizon,” Kirk replied. “600 watts of solar gives about 25–30 amps from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Just keeps everything going with an 800 amp battery bank, as long as there isn’t too much cloud cover. And my wife takes it easy with the hair blower,” he added.

Kirk also sent us photos of the bay in Zihuatanejo filling up with boats for the annual Por los Niños de Zihuatanejo Sailfest, which this year runs from February 12 to 26.

boats in bay for Zihuatenjo sailfest
Por los Niños de Zihuatanejo started in 2005 with the idea of helping one community to build a classroom. Among other facilities and benefits, they have now funded 143 classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and playgrounds, along with 14 new schools.
© 2023 S/V Freedom Kirkland

Sailfest is a two-week regatta with the sole aim of raising money to support the education of local impoverished children. The festivities include a sail parade, Rally Round the Rock, and sunset sails, all hosted by volunteer sail and motorboats that offer spots on board for guests. Plus there are music concerts involving local and international musicians on boats anchored in the bay as well as in private homes around Zihuatanejo.

“We have been reading and contributing to Latitude 38 for many years. Love it.” — Thanks for the great feedback, Kirk and Charlene!

2 Comments

  1. CHRIS WHITE 1 year ago

    Don’t I win a taco lunch?

  2. Craig Russell 1 year ago

    in 2019 we spent 3 weeks on Z-town bay with several friends visiting during our voyage south. We were there to attend the Guitarfest which takes place on the beach. It happening again this year after a 2 year absence. What a great music happening. March 4-11. Check it out if you are down there.

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