For going to and from shore we use a 10 foot Porta-Bote (not misspelled, just a brand name) as our tender. The Porta-Bote folds up flat and can be stored along the rail in a manner similar to a surfboard. While cruising the tender (aka dinghy) is a lifeline of sorts, serving as the only way to get people and provisions to and from the boat while anchored. It is also a wonderful platform for exploring places like the estuary in San Blas where we went places that we could never take our boat.

Usually the Porta-Bote is powered by a two horsepower outboard engine. If I forget to add gasoline it is powered by me with oars that are always kept onboard. For occasions where we want to travel a distance we have an eight horsepower outboard. We rarely use the larger engine as the little two horse is easy to handle, unlikely to be stolen, and keeps the boat moving surprisingly well. The Porta-Bote outperforms the inflatable boats because of a more efficient hull shape and lighter weight. It is fairly indestructible and requires less power than an inflatable.

This afternoon I was in the Porta-Bote making a run to the La Cruz marina. I saw the Port Captain's skiff entering the marina channel as I paralleled the channel 100 or so feet away. As I entered the marina I was quite surprised to see one of the port captain's staff signaling me to stop. The port captain is a government official responsible for....well the port I suppose. He keeps track of the comings and goings of all vessels and makes decisions like when the port should be closed due to weather. In Mexico we are required to check in with the port captain when we arrive and when we leave. Sometimes it can be done over the radio. In any case I was mystified when I was signaled to stop. I was not doing anything unusual or illegal, just the usual run to shore.

As the skiff approached me I smiled and said "Buenos Tardes" (good afternoon). The port captain introduced himself and explained that he would like some help spreading a message to other cruisers in the anchorage. On the 11th there will be a helicopter rescue demonstration as part of the festivities kicking off the Latin America Boat Show that is taking place here in La Cruz. Boats in the anchorage would have to be in a certain area. This show is a pretty big event and there is a lot of activity going on as final preparations are made. Check it out here -


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