Baja- Haha

After getting back from our little sailing trip, we brain stormed. We have been away from home a big portion of 2017 so far and our son is not in Kindergarten/school yet. He has also been great when it comes to boat life. The Baja-Haha sounds like it could be fun for all of us. Especially for me and Mats who do not have that much sailing experience, the idea of open water sailing is intimidating and knowing you will always have boats somewhat close by, seems like a good idea. At least I hope. 🙂 The Captain has already done the stretch between San Francisco and Mexico more than once, he knows his way around. So, why postpone, if the resources and minds are on track? At least that is in our thoughts right now. Should we try to do it? What do you all think?

What is the Baja-Haha? It is a boat rally from San Diego to Cabo, Mexico. About 150 boats meet every year in San Diego and make there way to Cabo, with stops along the way. Lots of families with kids. Here are some facts from there website.

The goals of the Ha-Ha are simple: for everyone to get to Cabo safely while enjoying some great sailing and making countless new sailing friends along the 750 mile stretch.

The event begins every year near the end of October. The 2017 dates will be October 29-November 11.

The two stops along the way are Turtle Bay, a dusty but charming fishing village far off the main road, and primitive Bahia Santa Maria, which is truly out in the middle of nowhere. The former has a couple of small tiendas, a few low-capacity restaurants, an internet cafe, and usually some diesel. It does not have ATMs, banks, McDonalds, boatyards or spas. Bahia Santa Maria has nothing — except a restaurant that magically appears one day a year, along with a rock ‘n roll band, just for the Ha-Ha.

October 30, 10:00 a.m. – Baja Ha-Ha Kick-Off Parade. Complete schedule: 9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – South Bay boats pass San Diego to Harbor Island. 9:45 a.m. – All boats gather off America’s Cup Harbor between Harbor Island and Shelter Island. 10:00 a.m. – Parade past southwest corner of Shelter Island past San Diego fireboat. 11:00 a.m. – America’s Cup starting gun begins Baja Ha-Ha XXIV. View a diagram of the parade route here. October 30, 11:00 a.m. – Start of Leg One for all boats off Coronado Roads. Wear your Halloween costume on the starting line and be eligible for a special prize! November 2,2 pm – Daytime: The epic, world famous, Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers versus Mexicans baseball game at Turtle Bay. Evening: Restaurant hopping, such as it is, in Turtle Bay. November 3 – Famous Turtle Bay Beach Picnic Party from noon until sundown. Bring all your gear. Hot dogs will be sold for charity. Beer for sale by locals. Be careful landing your dinghy – you don’t want to be dumped and have your outboard chop you up! November 4, 8:00 a.m. – Start of Leg Two to Bahia Santa Maria. November 6 – ‘Bahia Santa Maria Day’ – a lazy layday meant for relaxing and exploring the Bay. November 7 – Hiking, beach walking, sports and beach party – if surf permits – at Bahia Santa Maria. November 8, 7:00 a.m. – Start of Leg Three from Bahia Santa Maria to Cabo San Lucas. November 9 – ‘Can’t Believe We Cheated Death Again’ dance and party madness for the young at heart at Squid Roe until the last body falls. Optional. November 10 – Cabo Beach Party all afternoon on the beach and perhaps with bonfire into the evening. Details on the site and time to be announced later. Hopefully we’ll get discounted food and drinks again this year. Either way, no problemo for a fleet that knows how to have fun. November 11 – Awards Presentations hosted by Cabo Marina adjacent to the fabulous launch ramp in Cabo at 6 pm. Free soft drinks and beer. November 30, 4:00-7:00 p.m. – La Paz Beach Party at La Costa Restaurant. Mexican folk dancing, live music, food and drinks, door prizes, more. Free for the first 50 Baja Ha-Ha XXIV participants; everyone welcome.

If you are interested to find out more about it, you can read on there website directly here.