Setting Sail for Mexico

with

Jamie & Behan Gifford

Sailing Totem

Vibrant marine life, affordable living, and thousands of miles of coastline are just the start of why Mexico is a compelling destination for cruising! Join us to learn more about the benefits, practicalities, and tips on how to embark on cruising adventures in this accessible location.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Interested in easing into international cruising? Mexico is a great place to begin… or stay! Like any destination, there are rules to know and patterns to decode. Our instructors bring more than seven years of Mexico cruising experience along much of the Pacific coastline, backed by a global perspective shaped by a full circumnavigation and visits to over 50 countries.

FREE

Setting Sail for Mexico

Online class overview

This online class offers an insightful overview of what it’s like to cruise in Mexico. We’ll explore the country’s main cruising routes and how seasonal weather patterns—from hurricane windows to regional microclimates—impact your timing. Learn about the cultural experiences, local amenities, and family-friendly fun that make life afloat in Mexico enjoyable. We’ll also cover safety, costs, and the key preparations to make before casting off.

Who is this online class for?

Traveling to Mexico by sea is an entirely different experience than flying in or driving down! This class is perfect for sailors planning to explore Mexico via charter or their own boat—sail or power. Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your horizons or an experienced cruiser eyeing new waters, Mexico offers offshore conditions that are approachable, yet exciting.

What will I learn?

This class will give you a clear picture of what cruising Mexico is really like—plus a list of actionable next steps to plan your own adventure. Learn what gear to bring, where to find charts and parts, and how to align your route with the seasons. Whether you’re planning a short stay or an extended cruise, you’ll leave prepared.

List of topics:

Formalities, and how to extend your stay indefinitely
Regional overview
Anchoring, mooring, and marina options
Shipyards and haulouts
Charts and cruising guides
Access to boat parts and supplies
Weather and seasonal severe conditions
Personal safety, afloat and ashore

Set your course for mexico

Plan smart, cruise with confidence

Cruising Mexico isn’t just a destination,it’s an invitation to a new lifestyle. With vibrant marine life, welcoming ports, and affordable living, it’s one of the most approachable international cruising grounds you can explore. But great adventures start with good planning. This course gives you the practical know-how to navigate Mexican waters safely, comfortably, and confidently.

Insight, Preparation & Peace of Mind

Led by seasoned circumnavigators and Mexico cruising veterans Behan and Jamie Gifford, this class demystifies what it takes to sail Mexico’s Pacific coastline and beyond. From understanding seasonal weather patterns and regional routes to knowing where to find charts, parts, and marina services, you’ll learn how to align your plans with local conditions and amenities to make the most of your time afloat.

Real Experience from Long-Time Cruisers

Behan and Jamie have spent over 15 years living aboard, including seven years exploring Mexico’s waters. Their guidance is grounded in firsthand knowledge of the joys and challenges of cruising life from family-friendly ports to remote anchorages. Whether you’re preparing for your first international passage or planning an extended stay, Setting Sail for Mexico offers the practical insights and next steps to turn your cruising dreams into reality.

Your Host

Jamie & Behan Gifford

With three young children, Behan and Jamie sailed Totem, their Stevens 47, South from Puget Sound in 2008. Trading a hectic suburban life for family adventure cruising in Mexico and the South Pacific was meant to be for 3 to 5 years; but 16 years, one circumnavigation, 48 countries, and 65,000 drama-free miles later, they are still cruising full time. Along their way around the world, Behan has developed her informative blog at sailingtotem.com into a leading resource for cruising inspiration and know-how. She also co-authored the acclaimed guide, Voyaging With Kids. Meanwhile, Jamie's mechanical expertise complements Behan's lifestyle communication. Serving as a proficient sailmaker, designer, and rigger, he is also well-versed in various other onboard technical skills. Together, Jamie and Behan present on multiple topics at Cruisers University and other boat shows and are frequent contributors to Cruising World magazine, all while also managing a coaching service to support thousands of fellow cruisers. Their expert guidance is broad ranging, from boat selection and cruising economics to routing, provisioning, and technical troubleshooting post-departure.

Get the class Bundle

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Online Class Registration

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

On-Demand Access

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you’re not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!

Online Course
Course*
- Setting Sail for Mexico
Thursday August 14th, 2025 @ 4:30pm PT
ASA Certification
ASA Online Achievement Seal
- ASA Online Achievement Seal
  *recommended
  $19.00
By completing this entire course you can earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal - an official ASA seal that can be entered into your ASA Logbook!
Official ASA Logbook
- ASA Logbook
  $29.99
The ASA Logbook is a living document that chronicles your certifications and can also be used to keep a record of any and all sea-hours accrued along the way. If you chose to earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal and don't have an ASA Logbook then you *must* chose this option and purchase one.
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