
15th Annual Ha-Ha Begins

©2008 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
It was foggy this morning in San Diego, but the sun made an appearance for the 11 a.m. start of the 15th Annual Cruiser’s Rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas — with the usual stops at Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria. Commander’s Weather, the official forecaster, is calling for winds to be under 15 knots and smooth seas for the first three or four days. As the fleet crossed the start line, a 12-knot westerly was blowing.

©2008 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
There were 182 boats that signed up for the event, but thanks to the usual percentage of dropouts, 140 — and 564 people — showed up at the starting line. Engine problems kept several boats at the dock for the start, but they’ll join the fleet as soon as they can. That should bring the number of starters up to about the same as last year.

© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
The event actually started yesterday with the Ha-Ha Kick-Off Halloween Costume Party at the West Marine Superstore in San Diego. About 600 people, most of them participants, showed up. Everyone was having a fine time in fine weather — except one neighbor who complained, "We’re old people in Pt. Loma, and we don’t want to hear any noise." Oh well, you can’t please everyone. A half hour later a cop drove by and gave us a friendly wave.

©2008 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
We wish you could all be here with us. Maybe next year!