Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — The 53rd edition of the Sol al Sol regatta is progressing slowly due to strong winds from Cold Front 48, which has affected the Gulf of Mexico. Organizers expect the first sailboats to reach the finish line late Monday evening, when southerly currents are forecast.
The race remains tight in its final stretch. The Yucatan-based boat Maya, which held second place on Sunday morning, was overtaken by Alas later in the day. Union Atlantica II maintains the lead by a narrow margin, picking up speed as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula.
If current trends hold, Union Atlantica II could cross the finish line at 10:46 p.m. local time near Playa Norte, followed by Alas at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, Maya at 12:52 a.m., Libelula at 3:35 a.m., Divided Decision at 4:19 a.m., and the British vessel Liberty of Hamble at 9:50 a.m. The remaining participants are slightly behind, with arrivals expected between Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The sailboat Equinox 2 withdrew from the race on Saturday, the second day, due to propulsion problems. It returned to St. Petersburg, Florida, the starting point, according to yacht club sources.
A member of the organizing committee explained that southerly currents typically favor participants, while northerly winds slow progress by making it difficult to properly deploy sails. For the Yucatan Channel, the Mexican Navy forecasts southeast winds with gusts up to 37 km/h on Monday, possibly intensifying to 46 km/h by Wednesday.
Preparations on land are underway. International health personnel, judges, logistics staff, and reception and awards teams were seen at Playa Norte.
Fans and participants are tracking the progress of the 15 sailboats minute by minute. Behind the leaders are Garza Azul, Onda de Plata, Brizo, Despues de Usted, Shawn Marie, Alegria, Geodesico 2, Legado Emblematico, and Sol de Medianoche.
While this race concludes, organizers of the next event, the Regata Al Sol, are preparing boats to depart Tuesday from Pensacola, Florida. According to forecasts from Windguru and Windy, winds exceeding 40 km/h are expected on May 7, 8, and 9 in the Yucatan Channel, which could allow for a swift crossing of about 70 hours, officials said.
