Galia Moss Embarks on Solo Adventure From Xcaret

This beautiful sailor is currently traveling a seemingly impossible 14,500 nautical miles starting in Mexico's Riviera Maya, passing the tip of Argentina and back north to finish her expedition on the sunny shores of the Mexican beach city of Acapulco. Once Galia reaches her destination after approximately 180 days, she will proudly become the first Mexican woman to solo sail around Latin America.

Mexico Today had the honor to witness the Galia Moss sendoff ceremony, hosted by the incredible Xcaret nature park just south of the city of Playa del Carmen. It was a picture perfect Tuesday afternoon as dozens of press members, hundreds of Xcaret guests and a small crowd of family and friends gathered around the park's extensive bay to say their farewells. A tearful Galia mentioned that even while out at sea, she was thrilled to have consistent contact with family members around the world during her upcoming exodus. She appeared a bit hesitant when her team told her it was time to go, but Galia bravely strolled back to check out the sailboat's equipment before the final goodbye. While she sat by the boat with her feet dangling off the dock, she looked a little lonely as I realized that she had dared to spend several months of her life on previous solitary journeys, and this probably wouldn't be her last.

Several of Galia Moss' friends, family members and supporters joined her on the dock, each handing her a white rose. I spotted several of her loved ones crying as they stepped away, reminding us all that Galia's travels would last far beyond this beautiful goodbye ceremony.

In true Riviera Maya fashion, a Mayan ceremony on the bay prepared Galia Moss for her trip with traditional shaman blessings while colorful macaws took flight across the skies. Xcaret's famed canoers rowed up to the sailboat to escort her out of the bay and into the Caribbean Sea. Dolphins jumped and flipped alongside the three canoes, thrilled to be part of the celebration. Dozens of white roses were thrown into the turquoise water as Galia's sailboat pushed off while a small crowd of family and press members looked on. Within seconds, the sailboat and its Mayan canoe escort had disappeared passed the rocks of the bay. Anxious for a better view, I found a higher ridge and was able to see the large white sail far out into the water with Xcaret's canoes close behind and the island of Cozumel on the horizon.

Mexican sailor Galia Moss' solo journey around Latin America won't just help to achieve her personal goals; the trip also funds her "Miles for Education" program to fund schools and students across Mexico. Through the aid of numerous sponsors, every 10 nautical miles sailed by Galia helps one child, and every 1,400 nautical miles helps an entire school. Children receive school supplies, uniforms and books while sponsored schools will have access to improvements on their infrastructure.

The beautiful sailboat that carries this Mexican hero on her journey has been named "El Mas Mejor II" (roughly translating to "The Most Best II"). Built in France and designed by architect Marc Lombard, this sleek 35-foot vessel features a well-lit and comfortable cabin with its own kitchen and living area to help Galia feel at home throughout her six month experience.