Heading South: Latitude 38's Guide to Sailing and Cruising the Coast of Mexico and Central America
Cruising News for Mexico and Beyond
The 30th Annual Latitude 38 Baja Ha-Ha Departs November 4th!Â
The Latest Cruising News
Here at Baja Ha-Ha World Headquarters, our attitude toward our Mexico rally has always been "the more the merrier." We think our 750-mile, San Diego-to-Cabo San Lucas cruise is so much fun, and provides such a great introduction to the cruising life, that we hate to turn away anyone simply because they missed the official…
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Some people know what they want and they waste no time in taking it. As late entries to the Baja Ha-Ha ‘Barely Legal’ edition continue to come it, five Vallejo YC members secured their spots early on for the 18th running of this cruisers’ rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Heather & Ken…
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With the Ha-Ha entry deadline of the 18th annual Baja Ha-Ha rally rapidly approaching, the number of paid entries have recently surged to 150, with a bunch more expected to be processed in the next few days. (The Rally Committee plans to extend the entry deadline beyond the published September 10 date). "We’re not going…
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Since its inception 18 years ago, sailors from greatly varied backgrounds have participated in our annual Baja Ha-Ha rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Some are lifelong sailors with vast offshore experience, while others are relative newcomers who’ve only recently tested offshore waters. Some sail aboard million-dollar yachts, while others sail on bargain-priced…
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Each year we’re reminded, in a very curious way, when it’s about two months until the start of the Baja Ha-Ha. The ‘alarm’ is that a few people, most of whom refuse to identify themselves — try to tell as many people as possible that they would be crazy to do the Ha-Ha. We’re unclear…
Read MoreCruising Resources - Articles From the Latitude 38 Archives
Read the 2023 First Timer’s Guide to Mexico
Latitude 38's First Timer's Guide to Mexico Update for 2023.
Why Cruise Mexico?
Walk the docks of any marina from Vancouver to San Diego this summer and you're likely to find dozens of sailors fitting out their boats for extended cruising. Where are they headed? While some undoubtedly have lofty dreams of eventually cruising the South Pacific, the Caribbean or the Med, destination numero uno for almost all of them is Mexico.
Fitting Out: The Cruisers Back Porch
A centuries-old adage claims, "You can tell a lot about a sailor by the cut of his jib." But when it comes to modern cruisers, nothing reveals more about their sailing style than the 'back porch' of their boat. That is, the stern section, which may house everything from solar panels to surfboards, and barbecues to radar domes.
Favorite Sailing Apps
One of the frustrating aspects of living in this 'app-happy' era of endless innovation is that is it seems almost impossible to keep up with the latest, greatest developments in technology — including smartphone, tablet and computer software related to boating.
The Info on AIS
Now more than ever, the modern sailor has lots to choose from when it comes to navigation and safety instruments. Communication devices such as the Iridium GO! and Garmin inReach (which also has GPS capabilities) have complemented the single-sideband radio and VHF. Chartplotters have digitized and dramatically simplified navigation, and radar has long been an important tool for identifying marine traffic, obstacles and weather.
Offshore Communication
With the ever-expanding assortment of communications devices designed for offshore sailing, comes the dilemma of deciding which ones belong on your 'must-have' list, and which ones you can live without — especially if you're on a limited budget. With that in mind, we'll share some tips and insights here that we hope will reduce your befuddlement.
Communications: Idiots Guide to SSBÂ
Despite several advances in offshore voice communications such as satphones, marine single sideband (SSB) isn't going away anytime soon. That's because SSB, unlike satphones, allows an unlimited number of people to listen to a transmission at the same time.
Small Boat Adventuring in the Sea of Cortez
You don't have to own a fully equipped 50-ft cruising boat to enjoy the spectacular Sea of Cortez, a vast, sparsely developed wonderland for sailors and adventurers.
Latitude reader Derek Rice and a buddy recently had big fun tapping into the region's magic aboard a 44-year-old Catalina 22 daysailer.
Cruising Notes—Things to Know Before You Go
Thanks to Gold Sponsors Naos Yachts and Marina Puerto Escondido and all Sponsors Below!
