Christmas and the New Year 2005-2006

The Mather family was converging on Puerto Vallarta, with rooms booked at Paradise Village Resort and Marina—and a slip waiting for Blue Sky. Or so we thought.

In a small twist of timing, we arrived a full day ahead of everyone else. As we approached the entrance to Nuevo Vallarta, we hailed the harbor office on the VHF. Their response was immediate and firm: the swell was running too large, and they strongly advised us not to enter.

So, we waited just outside, hovering beyond the break, watching the sets roll through. Like surfers, we started counting the rhythm, measuring the gaps, studying the pattern. A couple of sailboats slipped out of the marina, threading their way through without trouble. We picked our moment.

Timing the lull, we turned in and rode it cleanly, no drama, no damage, just a smooth, focused push through the entrance. Once inside, we dropped anchor in the wide basin and called the marina office to let them know we’d made it safely.

They were not impressed. What followed was a heated response over the radio, sharp warnings, raised voices and a clear message about how dangerous our decision had been. Then, as if to underline the point, they directed us into a particularly tight and tricky slip, positioned directly in front of a looming mega yacht. No room for error.

Jim handled it beautifully. Calm, precise, and completely in control, he guided Blue Sky into place, and we tied her off without a hitch.

Looking back, it’s hard not to suspect they simply didn’t have a slip ready for us and “don’t come in” was the easiest answer. But with our family arriving the very next day, waiting offshore wasn’t an option.

Over the following days, we were shuffled from spot to spot, adjusting lines and resetting fenders more times than we could count, until eventually we landed in something resembling a semi-permanent home.

Not exactly a quiet arrival, but a memorable one.

Top left is the entrance to the harbor; left is the Mather family. Middle right: Kara Maciel, Lisa Stoll and her daughter Lizzie. Right is Uncle Jerry and his partner Dean. Bottom left: Brian and Kara Maciel. Right, Grandpa Bill Mather flying a kite with Drake.

Christmas dinner was a treat at the resort. Every day was filled with adventures, exploring the beach, town and marina. Jerry and Dean helping us move the boat. The family relaxing on the back of the boat. Grandpa Mather teaching Drake to fly a kite on the beach in front of Paradise Village Hotel & Marina looking north.

Our amazing time with family was ending and sadly it was time to say goodbye for a very long time, as we did not know when we would see everyone again! Blue Sky was now ready to start our journey south.