LONG BEACH — For many Southern California sailors, destinations such as Catalina Island serve as the gateway to cruising adventures. For Santana Sailing Chief Instructor Marc Hughston, however, the journey has extended much farther south, to the warm waters and island-studded anchorages of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.
Known for its clear water, abundant marine life and dramatic desert landscapes, the Sea of Cortez has long been considered one of the world’s premier cruising grounds. Located between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico, the region is home to hundreds of islands, protected anchorages and thriving marine ecosystems that attract sailors from around the globe.
After years of leading sailing courses and adventures in the region, Hughston and Santana Sailing are continuing to expand their presence there, including plans for a Sea of Cortez Sailing Flotilla scheduled to depart Feb. 6, 2027.
“The best things about a flotilla are the camaraderie with other sailors and the guided-tour aspect,” Hughston explained. “You get to see the best anchorages and snorkeling areas and know where to go when the winds change.”
The upcoming flotilla will operate from Costa Baja Marina in La Paz, Baja California Sur. Often referred to as the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, La Paz has become a popular destination for cruisers thanks to its modern marina facilities, walkable waterfront, access to nearby islands and year-round sailing opportunities.
Participants will charter vessels through The Moorings and explore some of the region’s most renowned cruising destinations while benefiting from local knowledge and group support.
The event reflects a larger transition for Hughston and Santana Sailing.
Although based for years in Southern California, Hughston said his connection to the Sea of Cortez began more than a decade ago. In 2015, while working as a sailing and cruising instructor, he led numerous weeklong sailing courses throughout the region, gaining firsthand knowledge of local anchorages, weather patterns and cruising routes.
Over time, those experiences led to a bigger vision.
Hughston and his wife, Carolyn, relocated to La Paz in 2025, and earlier this year he completed the delivery of Santana Sailing’s training vessel to its new home port.
The voyage itself was an adventure. Departing from Ensenada aboard the Catalina 34 La Terza Vita, Hughston and two crewmembers hand-steered the vessel more than 850 nautical miles to La Paz, completing the passage in eight days with three stops along the way.
While Santana Sailing’s growing presence in Mexico is opening new opportunities for sailors looking to expand their horizons, the organization continues to provide educational resources for those building skills closer to home.
One recent lesson focuses on understanding how a sailboat’s traveler affects sail trim and performance. According to Hughston, many sailors spend years using the traveler without fully understanding its purpose.
By learning the relationship between traveler position, mainsheet tension and sail shape, sailors can better manage power, boat speed and sail efficiency in changing wind conditions.
For local cruisers looking to sharpen their anchoring skills, Hughston also points to one of Catalina Island’s lesser-known gems: Goat Harbor.
Located along Catalina’s rugged northwestern coastline, Goat Harbor offers a quieter alternative to the island’s more heavily visited destinations such as Avalon and Two Harbors. The cove provides protection from prevailing summer westerly winds, easy shore access and ample room for anchoring.
For sailors looking to venture beyond Catalina’s most popular harbors, Hughston considers Goat Harbor an ideal next step.
“If you’ve ever thought you were ready to get beyond Avalon and Two Harbors for a few days at Catalina, Goat Harbor is the first place I would recommend for a summertime anchorage,” he said.
Whether exploring Catalina’s remote coves or planning a weeklong sailing adventure among the islands of the Sea of Cortez, Hughston believes the rewards of cruising extend far beyond simply reaching a destination.
For many sailors, each voyage presents an opportunity to develop new skills, discover new anchorages and experience the camaraderie that has long defined life under sail.
For more information about Santana Sailing’s courses, flotillas and Mexico sailing adventures, visit their website or contact the organization directly.
