The Baja California Travel & Living Webzine

Loreto Fest Draws Cruisers a Plenty

The Fest this year was not only the 10th; it was the BEST with the MOST MUSIC and MORE GAMES – FUN – and PARTICIPANTS. It promises to even be better next year. The dates for Loreto Fest 2007 are May 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2007.

The Harbor has not had this many vessels in it at one time for a very long time if ever. Between the main harbor, ellipse and waiting room there were approximately 170 boats. Out of this number about 30 boats remain in Puerto Escondido year round.

“Bay Clean Up” was the start of Loreto Fest 10yrs. ago; We thought the harbor was lookin’ pretty good till we saw all the “Basura” the Clean up gang collected. Two ¾ ton trucks of garbage

Loreto Fest is the “Music Fest” for the Sea of Cortez. With the new Loreto Fest Banner setting off the musicians as they performed a wide variety of melodies for listening, sing along, and dance, the audience was totally entertained the 4 nights. Thank you Jim "Priority", Rick "Tortuga", all the Musicians - Singers – Everyone. Musicians are “marking their calendar for 2007” and the “music” program is being planned.
 

The Loreto Fest “Beer Garden” was an active area having a healthy amount of beer, soda, and water available. Another added crowd pleaser was the “Happy Hour” “Margaritas and Rum Sunrise Drinks.

Each night there was a 50/50 draw held during the music program.

Dinghy Races, categorized by motor HP, attempted to find the most skilled drivers and passenger.

Friday food fare was a Spaghetti Dinner with pot luck deserts.


 

Archie “Sea-tacean” administered the ham test on Thursday morning. There are some new “Hamsters” out there; maybe one of them will be in the running to wear the “Green T-Shirt” someday. Awarding of the infamous “Green T Shirt” was started in 1995 with tongue in cheek about who was the most frequent talker on the HAM nets. In 2000, the “Help, I am talking and I can’t shut up” a.k.a, “green T Shirt Award” was handed down to a fellow radio colleague by the former recipient at the Loreto Fest. It has become a tradition ever since. Patrick "Nostalgia" received the "Green T-Shirt" this year

The “Candeleros Classic” got L.F. into full swing. Thursday midday with a seven mile; three leg race course. "Baja Sails" found the first hole and "Platinum", Alameda Yacht Club, and 'Ohana" closed, only to have their spinnakers collapse while "Baja Sail" spinnaker filled and took the lead. "Baja Sails" took line honors and first place in the multi hull division. The monohull fleet results were: "Platinum", A.Y.C, 1st, "Ohana", 2nd, "Violate", 3rd, Neil on "Violate" was the only single handed racer this year, he did a great job. "Last Mango" took 4th and "Exodus" came in 5th. All boats finished the course in 2 hours 33 minutes.

Board games: Baja Rummy – Mexican Train – Scrabble – Backgammon. Sporting events included: Horseshoes – Bocci Ball- Over the Line Games. New games for play were “Cabbage Bowling” - Dingle Balls - Water Volley Ball also started on Thursday. They continued through Sunday, playing many matches to determine the final winners.

Dinner Thursday was a Chili Cook-Off with sixteen different chilies to sample, ranging from the mildest of the mild to “Fire Hose”. The tasting was a work in progress as this was a first attempt for the club but the enthusiasm shown promises an even bigger event next year.

Friday morning started with the Swap Meet. Scores of people milled about in the morning shade of palm trees at Puerto Escondido, examining the wares. Some offerings were presented nearly elegantly on folding tables. Most sailors displayed wares on blue tarps or towels laid out on the desert sand. Prospectors squatted to examine the wares, wondering what mystery parts they might be. Trading was only part of the swap meet. As usual, meeting old friends and making new acquaintances was part of the mix.

A. M. Coffee and Fresh Baked goodies was a welcomed new treat. Hot Dogs “the main stay for many committee heads and workers” were enjoyed by all attending, thanks “Cheerios” Laine and Peter for tending both items. French fries, also new, cooked by “La Tortuga” Jean and Myron were received with many cheers of thanks!

Seminars and workshops were held on Saturday and Sunday Seminars included: Those included Basic Guitar – Baja Weather – Migration – Parks – Aduana –Hurricane preparedness. Work Shops: Writing – Tote Bag – Beading and Crafts – Handmade Paper - Ukulele Anonymous - Basic Guitar

Judging the creativity, grace, teamwork, dinghy etiquette, and technical skills on a scale of 1-10 joined the list of completion.

The beauty, grace, and boundless energy present in the dancing performed by the Dancers from the Casa de Cultura is always a highlight of the fest and this year was no disappointment; with their colorful dress and quick tapping feet the crowd applauded many times over.

Sunday A.M. found many viewing the Spam Art while judges tasted the creaSpam dishes entered in the famous "Spam Cooking Contest". Cooking of Spam had been a longtime occupation of “cruisers in the past”

Attendees fueled their bodies with a pancake and sausage breakfast getting prepared for the final day of fun and games.

This year's dinghy parade was in memory of our very dear friend, Peetie “Vela”, who passed away in December. Peetie started this parade especially for the cruising kids, although the adults are welcome to join in the fun. We had a total of 7 water crafts this year.

By Sunday evening all were played out and ready for the awards, silent action – quilt raffle.

Thanks to everyone for all photos taken; especially for the “Photo Directory Pictures”. These are a great keepsake.

The group that worked to bring this year’s fest together starting in June 2005 did an outstanding job. But all would have been for not; if it were not for the overwhelming support starting with those that came to have fun and play, to their helpfulness and volunteering to help the Committee heads that worked for months to bring Loreto Fest together.

Thank You.

Winners, more details and photos can be viewed at www.hiddenportyachtclub.com

The Photo Directory C.D. and Music C.D. are available by contacting hiddenportyachtclub@hotmail.com