Photo of the Day

Wish You Were Here

November 6 - Leg 2

As they say, there's always next year. Why not make it your New Year's resolution to be part of the Baja Ha-Ha VIII fleet? Bookmark www.baja-haha.com now for use later!

In the meantime, check out the Baja Ha-Ha coverage below to see just some of what you have to look forward to.

Raven,
Leg 2

Photo Latitude 38


Weather Updates

November 6 - Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Tropical Weather

Are any hurricanes going to affect the Ha-Ha? You can check on the Mexico hurricane region at http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/e_pacific/2000/index.html.

All is quiet in the Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane region.

San Francisco Bay Weather

To see what the winds are like on the Bay and just outside the Gate right now, check out http://sfports.wr.usgs.gov/wind/.

California Coast Weather

Looking for current as well as recent wind and sea readings from 17 buoys and stations between Pt. Arena and the Mexican border? Here's the place - which has further links to weather buoys and stations all over the U.S.: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/stuff/southwest/swstmap.shtml. Also check out http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/buoylist.html (but note that the Java Applet is still not working with some browsers on Macs - including your Webmistress's Netscape Communicator!)

Pacific Ocean Weather

You can view the University of Hawaii Department of Meteorology satellite picture by clicking here.

Pacific Sea State

Check out the state of seas in the Pacific Ocean at: http://www.mpc.ncep.noaa.gov/RSSA/PacRegSSA.html.
For another view, see http://www.oceanweather.com/data/global.html.


Cruising

Keep 'em Coming!

While the Baja Ha-Ha is underway, our cruising section will be on hiatus, but we'd still love to hear from you...so keep your pictures and stories coming!

Qualcomm / Globalstar Satellite Systems Baja Ha-Ha VII Update

1000, November 6, 2000 - Bahia Santa Maria, Baja California, 600 miles south of San Diego

Most of the 112 boats in the Baja Ha-Ha cruisers' rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas arrived in Turtle Bay long enough to enjoy two lay days and lots of socializing. The big event on the first evening was the traditional get together at the Vera Cruz restaurant in the little town of 4,000. Most folks walked up the hill to the restaurant, others used huge trucks which were pressed into service as cabs. The second afternoon was the traditional beach party, in which many folks flipped their dinghies in the surf and went for a swim before sharing sushi, cervezas and tall tales of the first leg. Yes, even the 'Latitude 38' dinghy took a dump, destroying a Nikon camera body, telephoto lens, and crew lunch. Nonetheless, a good time was had by all - including the many locals curious to see what the gringos on boats were up to - at the abandoned trailer park.

The 240-mile second leg to Bahia Santa Maria started early on November 5. After seeing that there was no wind at the start, the Grand Poobah informed the fleet that everyone was permitted to motor up to five miles offshore on a course of 220 degrees without penalty. Everyone cheered - then charged offshore in search of wind. Soon the fleet was reveling in the 15 to 20 knots of wind under bright blue skies that had been predicted by Commanders Weather, the official forecast service of the Baja Ha-Ha. It was an afternoon and evening of spectacular sailing under perfect conditions.

The winds held through the night, allowing everyone to make excellent progress down the line. Thanks to the great breeze and some extended surfing, the committee boat 'Profligate' arrived at Bahia Santa Maria first, and is expecting lots of other boats to arrive soon. We've already noticed that Kojak has his tent set up on the beach, so apparently he will have his one-day-a-year restaurant-bar-dance hall set up for tomorrow's beach party.

To date, the seventh version of the Ha-Ha has had the best weather, the fastest times and the least breakdowns. Here's to hoping it continues; wish you were here.

- The Grand Poobah aboard 'Profligate'


Elysium and the fleet at the start of Leg 2


Catch of the day aboard Profligate


Sunrise on the Pacific


Rowing Ashore at Turtle Bay


All Photos Latitude 38

This Baja Ha-Ha VII update has been brought to you via Qualcomm satellite phones and Globalstar satellite systems, the official communications system of the Ha-Ha. We've been using their products to make countless calls and send the photos you've seen here. It's worked great!

YOTREPS

November 6 - The Pacific Ocean and Cyberspace

Who is out making passages in the Pacific and what kind of weather are they having? Check out YOTREPS - 'yacht reports' - at http://www.bitwrangler.com/yotreps/


Racing

Vendée Globe Start Rescheduled for Thursday

November 6 - Bay of Biscay

Officials still hope to be able to start the twice-delayed Vendée Globe singlehanded around-the-world race on Thursday. Looking at the photo at right, we can see the reason for the postponements. Bruce Schwab reports that "it is WAY nasty outside. Even the fishing boats who know the harbor well cannot go out. No psycho windsurfers today!"


The 20' breakwater wall at Les Sables d'Olonne is awash.
Photo Bruce Schwab

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