San Blas - The quest for “La Sirena” - Exciting conclusion - February 19, 2011

As I mentioned earlier, Tom was on a quest to find his old Master Mariner competitor – the schooner “La Sirena”.  He had thought she was being worked on in Guyamas - but no.  Then in La Cruz we found Glenn Burch, her former owner (see that part of the story in the La Paz section of the blog).  We also learned from son Hans, that the new owner Lee had taken her to San Blas, where she may have died from “old wooden boat in Mexico” disease.

Our first night in the San Blas marina, we met a man with his dog.  Tom asked about La Sirena and the end of the story was revealed. 
Lee had tried with great commitment to revive the old boat – but alas, she was too far gone.  And while MOST of her went to the wooden boat sky above, Lee donated her transom, rudder and other pieces to a local "museum" bar named “Billy Bob’s”.  

After a walk through the huge Saturday morning Flea Market at the San Blas airport (they shut the airstrip down), then off to “Billy Bob’s” bar in search of the conclusion to the story.

 Billy Bob’s is a historic building and bar in San Blas.  We walked in the front door and there – prominently displayed – was the stern of “La Sirena”.  It had been transformed into a nice table.  We introduced ourselves to the Bar Manager, Jonathan, and told him of Tom’s quest.  Jonathan was quite happy to learn more about the history of the ole girl – and even more happy to hang the MMBA T-Shirt on the wall above the table!  And when the owner, Billy Bob himself, came in -- well, the tequilla started to flow and what a great time was shared by all!

Billy Bob, Tom and much of the remains of La Sirena

 Billy Bob’s is a “must visit” if any of you Master Mariners (or anyone else) who happen to land in San Blas.   And be sure to say "how-dee" from us to "Fluffy", the 78 year of Crocodile in the back courtyard.